LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)– In the midst of one of the busiest times of the year for the UK football team, one of its stars is still making time to give back.
Senior tight end CJ Conrad pays a visit to UK Children’s Hospital every Tuesday. He signs autographs, talks to the kids and tries to spread a little happiness.
This Tuesday, he had some company. Some UK Cheerleaders and mascot, Scratch, accompanied him to celebrate homecoming week.
Conrad said that he has found the children are as much a gift to him as he is to them.
“It really helps me get through the weeks you know, whatever I consider a tough day, you know, these kids have it much harder and to put a smile on their face is everything I want to do,” said Conrad.
He gives credit to his former Wildcat teammate, Courtney Love, for opening his eyes to giving back and he hopes to carry it on throughout his life.
“I eventually want to start my own foundation at some point and that will be aimed towards kids,” he said.
He told LEX 18 that he knows long after he dons the blue and white for the last time, it’s how he lived the life and not the game he played.
“Life is bigger than football,” he said.
Kentucky takes on Vanderbilt for the Homecoming game this Saturday at Kroger. Kick off is at 7:30 p.m.
