WELLSTON — Retired NFL running back Laurence Maroney said his personal and athletic foundation was built in Normandy.
“This is my heart; this is what shaped me to be the man that I am. this is where my journey began. Without Normandy, there wouldn’t be Laurence,” he said.
Sitting at Normandy High School in what is called “The best weight room in St. Louis,” Maroney’s in a space to empower young people through his LM39 Foundation.
“I know today’s times for my community are no different than my times when I was growing up in my community,” Maroney said.
“I knew the resources I was lacking, and I just wanted to help fill that gap, to fill that void, to bridge what our kids need.”
More than sports, the LM39 Foundation offers resources like academic assistance, mental health support for athletes, and financial literacy.
The mental health discussion is one that the foundation specifically wants to continue.
“You gotta be tough, you can’t be a crybaby. I think we have to break that, and let our kids know it’s okay to have emotions. It’s ok to have feelings and it’s ok not to be okay,” Maroney said.
To build future leaders who are positive members of society, Maroney says resources are a must.
Now the foundation is implementing the LM39 NFL Flag Football League.
“I think it’s going to help them with their developmental skills. Being a good teammate, being goal driven, staying determined, and learning the skills on and off the field,” Maroney said.
Normandy junior Ervin Perryman Jr. said the LM Foundation and seeing Maroney present shows what the community means to him.
“He sees something in this school, not only can he make it out, if feels like a lot of us can make it out of the school and take it to a bigger level. He’s showing that we can be as great as him, maybe even better.” Perryman said.
“It gives more hope and that’s what a lot of people in this school have been needing is hope,” Perryman Jr. said.
“We have a lot of success that’s come out of Normandy. It’s just getting these kids to believe success does come from Normandy,” Maroney said.
