NFL Veteran Visits Conn. Cadets As Part of CAP-Alumni Assn. Partnership

Maj. James A. Ridley II
New York Wing

The partnership between Civil Air Patrol and the National Football League Alumni Association, announced this summer, kicked off Sunday with former linebacker Niko Koutouvides’ visit to the Connecticut Wing Cadet Encampment at Camp Nett in Niantic.

Koutouvides spoke to the cadets about his experiences as a nine-year veteran of the NFL and what it took to make it to the professional level. He talked about the different types of leadership and those he learned from, stressing the importance of working as a team and describing football as the quintessential sport for teamwork.

When he was done, he took photos with the cadets and signed autographs for them.

Koutouvides, a Connecticut native, played from 2004-2012 for the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots.

“Having Niko here was great,” said Col. James A. Ridley Sr., Connecticut Wing commander. “This is an outstanding partnership we have with the NFLAA, and I look forward to Niko and other members of that organization visiting with our cadets again very soon.”

CAP and the NFLAA joined forces in June to enhance leadership development opportunities and physical training programs nationwide.