Murphy Football Camp to honor Andy Headen

ASHEBORO — The 2023 edition of the Coach Russell Murphy Football Camp will be dedicated to Andy Headen.

Headen played football for Eastern Randolph High School and Clemson University, then was a starting linebacker for the New York Giants from 1983-88. He was a member of the Giants’ 1987 Super Bowl champions and Clemson’s 1981 NCAA championship team. 

Headen has participated with the Coach Russell Murphy Camp since its inception several years ago. He has contributed his lengthy NFL experience to youth participating in the camps.

This year, Headen will be honored by selecting two participants who stand out at the camp. His selections will be based on good character, team spirit, team player and fun for the sport. Important goals of the Murphy Camp are to encourage the kids to have fun and make new friends while learning fundamental football skills.

The 2023 football and cheerleading camps will be held Friday and Saturday, June 23-24 at the Coach Murphy Field of Eastside Park. Registration is from 8-8:45 a.m. and action begins at 9 a.m. both days. The camp is free to youth ages 6-16. Each participant will receive an award, a T-shirt and gift bag. Parents must sign up online to assure their children receive the items. The website is coachmurphycamps.com.

Organizers are excited to have another former NFL player on the field this year, Coach George Ragsdale. He played for NC A&T and the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also played in the USFL.

Ragsdale has coached at NC A&T, Grambling, Morris Brown College, Norfolk State University and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He is the interim head football coach at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.

Invitations have been sent to two others who have participated in past camps, Alan and Hendon Hooker. Alan Hooker won a state championship as quarterback at Eastern Randolph, played for NC A&T and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. Hendon Hooker was a Heisman Trophy candidate as quarterback of the Tennessee Volunteers before an injury ended his season. He was drafted as the 68th overall pick in the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.

The Football Combine with Asheboro Police Department, Asheboro Fire Department, Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the NC Highway Patrol will be held June 19-22 at 10-1 p.m. The winning teams will receive trophies at the final day of the Football Camp.

On Sunday, June 25, the camp will host a free gospel concert at 3 p.m. on Murphy Field. For more details, contact Willie Gladden at 336-706-0923.