Real role models Many NFL offseason antics that draw the headlines are the tawdry ones. But not all players are getting into trouble. Former Sooner Clayton and other caring NFL players spend their offs

NORMAN — Snagging his weapon of choice, Mark Clayton eyed his target.

He stepped toward it, then let his shot fly.

Bam.

The former Oklahoma wide receiver watched as it curved out to the right, then dove hard to the left. Farther and farther it went. There was no stopping it.

Gutter ball.

Clayton turned toward his team, a group that paid $5,000 or more to bowl with him Saturday night during the inaugural Mark Clayton Foundation Charity Weekend. A wide grin spread across his face, a hearty laugh rose from his belly, and everyone joined in.

This is how Clayton and dozens of other NFL players spend their offseason, doing charity events of all shapes and sizes. Charity events are much a part of the offseason as rest and relaxation. Weekdays are spent working out, but weekends are filled with charity events all over the country.

This weekend, about two dozen current NFL players were involved with Clayton's event.

There were former Sooner teammates, Tommie Harris, Jammal Brown, Brodney Pool and Clint Ingram among them.

There were current Baltimore teammates, including Steve McNair, Troy Smith and Corey Ivy.

And there were other players such as Wes Welker and Chad Pennington. They've never been on a team with Clayton but were quick to oblige when asked for help.

"What's really awesome ... is that there are a bunch of good guys that are willing to help each other and support each other,” Clayton said. "We understand that being a role model comes with the territory. We have a solid group of guys that take that responsibility on and do whatever they can to be that positive role model.”

Think the offseason is all about dog fighting and wife beating for NFL players? Think again.

For the first three years of his foundation, Clayton paid for just about everything out of his own pocket. He decided to start the celebrity weekend not because he wanted someone else to foot the bill, but because he wanted to do more.

His efforts center on children and families in the foster care system, and even though he's made some inroads, he wants to fund more scholarships and programs and supplies.

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