Building a brighter future

Noaki Schwartz

COSTA MESA -- The Fearsome Foursome, known to many as football’s greatest

defensive line, came together once again -- this time to defend

inner-city kids’ rights to higher education.

Deacon Jones brought his old Rams teammates together to help raise money

for college scholarships. Jones, Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy and Rosey

Grier flew in from around the country and spent the weekend signing

autographs and talking to fans at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

Fans hovered around the four stars, who industriously signed mini helmets

as football paraphernalia was auctioned off to the highest bidder. A

photo opportunity, autographed football and NFL jacket went for $250 to

one eager fan.

“To know that they’re doing this is,” said Bes Breslin, the Laguna Hills

fan who walked away with the goodies. “It’s great to know that they’re

giving back.”

Deacon started the foundation three years ago in hopes of giving

inner-city kids greater opportunities in life. The purpose of the Deacon

Jones Foundation is to groom these youngsters to take what they learn and

bring it back to help their communities.

“The foundation helps with community programs and gets leaders for the

community,” said foundation general manager Greg Pinto.

Applications for the scholarships, which offer a full-ride to any

university, will be available at the end of April. Recipients will be

selected on June 11 at the Hyatt in Irvine.

“They would’ve come in handy,” said Merlin Olsen thinking about his own

childhood. “I was one of nine children.”

Pinto estimated that thanks to community support, they raised about

$30,000 during the weekend.