CAMP HILL -- Mike Cox is hoping to mold young men into better men.
The fullback, who played last season for the Atlanta Falcons, has instituted an after-school program at the West Shore School District to help boys in grades 9-12 become role models for others.
He was at Cedar Cliff High School on Wednesday speaking to around 50 students.
"If they walk the walk here, they'll be role models for younger people (in the future)," said Cox, who graduated from Red Land High School. "You think of the Peter Griffins (from Family Guy) and the King of Queens guys; that's not how guys are meant to be.
"We were born to be courageous and leaders; that's the point we're trying to get across."
Cox's R.E.A.L. Man program, he said, is based around four principles: rejecting passivity; expecting great rewards; accepting responsibility; and leading courageously. Students sign up for the program and also receive a free t-shirt.
Cox, along with his brothers Luke and Matt, spent the week rotating between both Cedar Cliff and his alma mater, Red Land High School.
Falcons tailback Josh Vaughn also appeared this week at Red Land, as well. Mike Cox said quarterback Luke McCown has a similar program in McCown's home state of Texas.
Cox hopes to add more local high schools to his program in the future.
Currently an unrestricted free agent, Cox isn't sure where he'll be playing next season, but he would love to return to the Falcons.
"Fullbacks are low on the totem poles of importance. I hope to hear something soon."
