Appearance by Rob Sims highlights Lions Youth Football Camp

DETROIT - Lions guard Rob Sims spent the day at the Lions youth football camp, giving his time to kids eager to learn the game from a professional.

Sims said attending youth camps as a child had a major impact on him, and he hopes to leave a mark on those attending the camp.

"I go back to when I was their age and the people that came back (to help me), like Anthony Pleasant who used to play for the Browns," Sims said. "It was important to learn from guys who had done it and had made it."

While Sims spent time in the trenches teaching techniques, he also wanted to make sure the kids understood the strong values football teaches.

"I believe football teaches you things in life that a lot of people don't get to learn," Sims said. "Hopefully they all keep a love for the game and play as long as they can because it's important. It's a great game, it's one of the best in the world."

Sims remembers looking up to the coaches and players who he attended camps with, and he knows he's now in that role for so many kids. Sims said the kids are observant, watching every move he makes, so it's always important to be the best he can be.

"They were asking me about some of the things that you think they wouldn't know about that happens on this team," said Sims. "We need to make sure that we're always doing what we need to do because everybody is watching."

Sims noted that amongst the large group, a few kids caught his eye.

"There's some big boys out there," said Sims. "They've got to get their technique together, but you've got a couple guys that can play."

Adam Brewster is an intern for the WXYZ Sports Team.  Follow him at @adaw_brew on Twitter.  For more information visit NFL.com or DetroitLions.com