SEBASTIAN — Raheem Layne, a New York Giants safety and Sebastian River High School graduate, hosted his second annual youth football camp on Saturday, June 20.
Layne earned first-team all-area honors in 2016 and concluded his high school career with 57 total tackles, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles.
Also coaching during the camp were NFL Defensive Tackle for the Indianapolis Colts Tim Smith, a 2020 Shark alumnus, and other Shark football alums.
In remarks about returning home, we asked Raheem Layne what it means to him to come back to his high school and host the camp.
“Being able to come home and host my camp means a lot to me. It gives me an opportunity to really connect with the youth and continue sowing in the same field I came up on,” Layne told Sebastian Daily.
When asked whether he imagined as a student that he would return as an NFL player giving back, he replied:
“I always believed I would make it to the NFL, and it has also been a dream of mine to host a camp, so it’s surreal that I can do that now.”
Reflecting on his journey from Sebastian River to the NFL, Layne identified the biggest challenges as the injuries he has faced.
“The biggest challenge would definitely be the injuries I’ve had to deal with in my career. From having multiple hip surgeries in college to tearing my ACL, my 2nd year in the league was tough, but I never allowed it to stop me.”
He also spoke about influential figures from his time at the school.
“I’m fortunate to say I have a strong village of people from many different areas of my life who have played pivotal roles in shaping who I am today. I have to give Coach Freeman the cake for having the biggest impact, all the way from Little League to the big leagues. He’s always been someone who tells me the truth, whether I want to hear it or not, and a reliable resource to guide me on my journey.”
Regarding his NFL experience, Layne shared what fans might not see as his favorite part:
“The ability to inspire the youth and provide for my family.”
For a final piece of advice to the campers, he stated:
“Be mindful of the company that you keep, and always remember to elevate; sometimes, you have to separate.”
Coach Perry described the broader significance of the event for the current program participants.
“This camp is a meaningful moment for current players, giving them the opportunity to guide, support, and uplift the next generation. It reflects the program’s belief that football is a pathway to becoming better people — leaders who understand the power of service, connection, and legacy.”
Brooke Felton, mother of a camper, praised the community impact.
“Having local football camps sponsored by an alumnus of SRHS, Raheem Layne, is a wonderful gift to the youth of this community. It brings together coaches and players (current and former) for an amazing morning of football drills and skills that will help youth succeed as they progress through the sport they all love, Felton stated.
“My youngest son attended the camp and especially loved it for two reasons. He was excited to see Raheem Layne and Tim Smith in person, and to talk to and learn from them while out on the field running routes and drills with all the other kids. He also enjoyed it because his older brother (a Shark alumnus) was asked to come back out and help with the kids’ drills. Seeing them both on the field together, bonding over this sport they love so much, was amazing to watch! My oldest was reminded of how much fun youth sports are and how important community involvement is to the program’s success,” she added.