Former NFL star tackles overgrown field for football camp

(AP) — The weeds and wild grass rose well above Reggie McKenzie's knees as the former NFL star walked the field bearing his name in the small Detroit enclave of Highland Park.

McKenzie, who starred on the gridiron at Highland Park High School and the University of Michigan before spending 13 years in the NFL, said he spent about $700 to make the field usable in time for the 3-day camp for several dozen teens and pre-teens.

The 3-square-mile city, the birthplace of Henry Ford's assembly line, is among the poorest communities in the U.S. Drowning in millions of dollars in water debt to Detroit, it was determined last year to be in a financial emergency.

Highland Park recreation director Michael Drain said public works crews typically cut the grass every week and a half and showed up after McKenzie had the field mowed.

Birds nest in the broken plywood flooring, sharing the two-story cinderblock building with the occasional homeless person.

The camp's alumni include former NFL players, including Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis, Green Bay Packer Gilbert Brown and Pepper Johnson, who played for several teams.

McKenzie, a member of Buffalo's famed "Electric Company" offensive line, finished his playing career in Seattle and later worked in the team's front office.