Former Alabama football star and current Crimson Tide football chaplain Jeremiah Castille speaks to residents of the Alabama Sheriffs' Boys Ranch on Thursday afternoon in Summerdale. (Daniel Boyette/Register)SUMMERDALE, Alabama -- During his playing career, Jeremiah Castille struck fear into opponents, but now the former Alabama and NFL defensive back makes a habit of bringing smiles to those around him.
Castille made his third annual visit to the Alabama Sheriffs' Boys Ranch on Thursday afternoon with a message and gifts for ranch residents. Castille, who overcame hardships in his own upbringing, can relate to what many of the boys at the ranch have experienced.
"We're just enjoying being able to help inspire these young people in the situation they're in and give them hope for their future and what they can accomplish in life," said Castille, who serves as the University of Alabama football team's chaplain.
The ranch, one of several statewide, provides a home and house parents for "needy, neglected, or abused school-age children." There are currently 12 residents in regular homes and three in college homes.
"It gives them stability, a home," Castille said. "All children need a home, they need to be able to identify with a mother or a father. And that person does not necessarily have to be their biological parents."
Castille's foundation provided gifts based on a wish list provided by residents. A popular item was autographed pictures from SEC football stars, including Auburn Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton.
Before handing out gifts, Castille spoke to the residents about not getting sidetracked in life.
"When you make an A, you need to recognize that's an accomplishment," he said. "God designed you for accomplishment.
"You're accomplishing something with your life. Right now, right where you're at, you start there. Dissociate yourself with people that don't think like that; if they're satisfied with being a loser in life, you let them go on the road and you just pray for them. But you don't go down that road."
Jim Harmon, director of Ranch Life, said Castille is an inspirational speaker.
"He just relates with the boys with his stories and his past experiences, Harmon said. "It's a privilege and an honor to have him come out and do this."
The Jeremiah Castille Foundation is a nonprofit organization involved in multiple projects and services, including a community development center in Birmingham's Woodlawn community, a collegiate campus ministry, sports character camps, Castille's ministry work and book bag giveaways.
Castille said the foundation hopes to have a tutoring center opened in time for the start of the next school year.