The day brought back some fond holiday memories for all in attendance. Cornerback Kei’Trel Clark said that his favorite gift was a PlayStation 4, while “T”, who spent the day with Clark, shared a story that featured his grandfather surprising him with Nike Kobe Bryant Reverse Grinch sneakers.
“It’s exciting that I got to buy all of this stuff,” Samuel, one of the attendees said. “I never got to meet a Cardinals player before, so it’s pretty cool.”
Samuel spent time with outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck. He bought a toothbrush, which thrilled Gardeck since his wife is a dental hygienist.
Continuing to recover from his torn ACL, Gardeck moved around the store on a motorized cart. While rehab can be painful, Tuesday’s event was exactly what the linebacker and the families needed as the holidays begin.
“I think it’s important to give back in general, but then being hurt and trying to figure out how to navigate that path, the spirit of gratitude is so healing and so inspiring,” Gardeck said. “It’s very uplifting and keeping me going.”
