Fayetteville native Josh Williams and Spring Lake native, Jaleel McLaughlin Return Home for Game Plan to Greatness 2: Inspiring the Community through sports and service.
The Game Plan to Greatness 2 (Josh Williams Community Day) community event, held on Saturday, June 13, at Festival Park, was a memorable experience for local residents, supporters, and football fans alike. Fayetteville State University graduate and NFL player Josh Williams returned to the city that raised him – the place where he developed his talent and laid the foundation for his professional football career.
Last year, the newly signed Tennessee Titans defensive back, inaugural Community Day event, hosted by Two Sisters Two Suitcase LLC, at Friendship Community Resource Center on May 16, 2025. The overwhelming support and positive energy from that event helped make this year’s celebration even bigger and better.
L-R: Josh Williams seen holding a customed designed coin that was presented to him by the county of Cumberland chairman, Kirk deViere on behalf of the County; family members of Josh William showing the back of her Tennessee Titans shirt; and more members of Josh Williams family; Photo Credit: TC Morrison/The Exclusive Press
For the second annual event, Williams brought fellow NFL player and Spring Lake native Jaleel McLaughlin, running back for the Denver Broncos. Kion Smith, another Fayetteville State University graduate and Miami Dolphins player, was unable to attend.
The event was organized by Two Sisters Two Suitcase (first photo to the left: Karen Clare, one of the founders of Two Sisters Two Suitcase getting on the bucket truck) with the support of volunteers to help make the event possible; Photo Credit: TC Morrison/The Exclusive Press
The event, once again organized by Two Sisters Two Suitcase, LLC, featured numerous vendors, community resources, smiling faces, and interactive football activities for youth participants. Football skills and drills were held by Seventy-First High School and Jack Britt High School (Williams’ alma mater). RISE Glad Football hosted girls flag football activities, while the Two-Six Project provided additional football activities.
Attendees enjoyed free swag bags, giveaway prizes, free food and drinks, and opportunities to receive autographs and take photos with Williams and McLaughlin. The event also featured a stroll performance by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a fun pickleball matchup, and many other family-friendly activities.
The event attracted a large crowd, including several city and county officials, such as Mayor Mitch Colvin and Kirk deViere, among others. Both Williams and McLaughlin spoke about how meaningful it was to return home and be surrounded by supporters, fans, family, and loved ones.
The next Game Plan to Greatness event is tentatively scheduled for 2028, as the event continues to build momentum and establish itself as a successful and impactful community tradition.
Check out the remaining photos from Game Plan to Greatness 2 (Josh Williams Community Day):
Highlights of Game Plan to Greatness 2 with Tennessee Titans cornerback, Josh Williams, and Denver Broncos running back, Jaleel McLaughlin; Photo Credit: TC Morrison/The Exclusive Press
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