Smith Heads to Tampa, but Not for Football

Building playgrounds is not exactly the activity that Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith hoped to travel to Tampa for this winter. The Panthers were knocked out of the playoffs by the Super Bowl bound Arizona Cardinals earlier this month, casting them out of the running for playing in the championship game in Tampa, and while the Cards are getting ready to head down south to compete against the Pittsburgh Steelers in this Sunday’s big game, Steve Smith is helping another cause in Florida – the Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP Program.

Along with Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, Eagles safety Brian Dawkins, Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking, Giants receiver Amani Toomer, Texans receiver Andre Johnson and Lions receiver Mike Furrey, Smith traveled to East Tampa to help build a new public playground this week, also constructing one nearby at the King’s Kids Christian Academy. These seven NFL stars were chosen as finalists for the Home Depot Neighborhood MVP Program, and although Witten ended up winning the award (a trophy and $25,000 for his charity), the time spent in Tampa for these football stars was undoubtedly worth their time.

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