It’s now the end of June and the legends have all returned to their homes. The 2009 Legends All-Pro Football Camp is now just a memory.

This year’s camp was a huge success, with 327 campers — black, white and Hispanic — as young as 4 years old and all the way up to 18. They came from as far away as Palmdale, Calif., Chicago, Indianapolis, Dallas, Douglasville, Ga. and also from New Orleans, Hattiesburg, Miss., Baton Rouge, Covington, Kentwood and LaPlace. Many, of course, were from Washington Parish: Angie, Franklinton, Mt. Hermon and Bogalusa.

There were many supporters and sponsors, starting with the National Football League. Others were Bethlehem Baptist Church, Delta Printing, Citizens Savings Bank, Marcus Ladner of Killeen, Texas, Gary Nelson of McComb, Miss., William “Bill” Nielson, CPA, Zellco Credit Union, Bino’s Seafood Restaurant, Century 21, Bogalusa High School, The Daily News, Sean Smith and April Bowens.

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Most of the kids who attended came away with a better knowledge of football fundamentals and hopefully a few nuggets of wisdom gleaned from the many football professionals and coaches they were fortunate enough to have seen and heard during the two-day camp.

Here are a few of the comments made to the kids by coaches and organizers on Wednesday:

Robert “Big Bird” Smith: “Football is great, but it comes and goes. The game of life is forever. If you work hard and get your degree, you have a chance to get a good job. And what I want you to remember is RAP: Respect, Attitude and Pride.”

Keith Zinger, Atlanta Falcons tight end: “Anything worth having in life you’ve got to put work into it. Nothing worthwhile comes easy.”

Johnny Meads, Tennessee Titans scout: “Big things can come from small towns. I was fortunate enough to have a 10-year career (with the Houston Oilers) through hard work and perseverance and through some tough times.”

Curtis Johnson, wide receivers coach for the Saints (who also recruited Marshall Faulk while coaching at San Diego State University): “I’m from a small town, St. Rose, La. Just remember, it’s not where you’re from.”

Eddie Brown, taken 13th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1985 NFL Draft (three picks ahead of Jerry Rice): “Whatever you decide to do, give it 100 percent.”

Ray Caldwell, offensive coordinator and assistant head football coach with the Belhaven Blazers in Jackson, Miss.: “The most important thing in the world is your name. Live up to your name. And use football — don’t let football use you.”

Votie Patterson, played football at West Texas State: “Give it your best shot and whatever happens, you can live with it. Be a good person.”

Greg Dillon, quarterback, Grambling State University: “Whatever you do, you need to work hard. I was a walk on at Grambling, but they saw how I was working hard and they just gave me a chance.”

Zaid Houston, former Lumberjack and So. Miss football player: “If you really want it, capture it and get it done.”

Words of wisdom from guys who have been there: Now it’s up to all the kids who saw and heard them speak to put those words into action in their own lives.