ONLY ON NEWSCHANNEL 8

WASHINGTON - Special Olympians from all across the District got to rub elbows with the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger, the Ravens' Daniel Wilcox and the Washington Redskins (web | news) ' Rock Cartwright and Clinton Portis during a football clinic on the turf at Catholic University.

"You know what? It's great to see a smile on their face. It's the reason I want to play football again," said Roethlisberger.

Athletes large and small hit the turf at Catholic University for a special football clinic with NFL players. "You know, understand and come out and have fun and it's fun to be out here with them," said Portis.

With guidance from the pros, the Special Olympians ran drill after drill. "Catch the ball, score a touchdown, sideways, forward back, just like that," said Devonte Barksdale, Special Olympian.

Ninteen-year-old Shanita Jones was one of the most excited. "Because I like playing football. I'm the biggest fan of the Oakland Raiders."

Shanita does love the Raiders, but she's also a fan of the Redskins and says she was most anxious to meet Clinton Portis. "Because I want to hang out with him. He's cute."

Shanita eventually did meet him and even got a chance to show him her end-zone victory dance. "Most of these kids are athletic and talented. You've seen their dance moves. It's just ridiculous," said Portis.

Portis and his NFL colleagues say they were impressed by the athletic abilities on display. "Some of these kids have really good arms. It's good to see the excitement," said Roethlisberger.

After having coaches like these, Shanita can't wait to get back in the game. "Because I like to be quarterback." When asked if she's tough, "Yeah, I'm tough."

 Email To Friend