Former NFL Player Interviewed By Wyckoff Students For News Broadcast

WYCKOFF, NJ — Wyckoff fifth graders got to interview former New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison last week about his upbringing, professional football career and life after football, all for a new student-run video news production set to come out soon.

Ellison visited Lincoln Elementary School on Nov. 17 for the interviews, arranged by Lincoln dad Larry Berger, who is also the senior producer of USA Today Sports' video department. The interviews were recorded as part of the school's "The Lion's Den" series — made possible by the $20,000 donation of broadcasting equipment to each of Wyckoff's five schools last year.

"We are grateful that our youngsters had this opportunity to hear from a professional athlete on what it means to pursue one's dreams and navigate the challenges they might face along the way," Superintendent Kerry Postma said.

Four students interviewed Ellison for five to 10 minutes each, as he shared stories from his football career and about what life is like for him now as a Wyckoff resident.

"(Ellison) was wonderful — very humble, down to earth and great with kids," Lincoln School Principal Patrick Lee said. "He also had great things to say about the students, who were engaged and shined by asking great questions."

His visit was coordinated in order for students to interview a notable person for their news show, which will be edited and shared with staff and students soon, Lee said.