Hudson continues giving back to McKeesport
McKeesport Area High School is known throughout the region for their long storied history of producing multiple athletes who went on to play professional sports.
Among these athletes in recent times is Khaleke Hudson, a former two-way player standout coached by George Smith. He was a versatile asset in McKeesport’s triple-option offense and still hosts an annual football camp in his hometown.
During the 2015-2016 season when he was senior, he was ranked No.11 in Pennsylvania as a recruit before moving on to play for the University of Michigan under then head coach Jim Harbaugh as a viper linebacker. He spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Washington Commanders, before transitioning to the New Orleans Saints, and now looks to start the next chapter of his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns.
Although he has had considerable success in his NFL career, he still seeks to take advantage of every drill, rep, snap, and play. Hudson has never forgotten where he’s come from. In July, Hudson held his third annual Khaleke Hudson Youth Football camp at George L. Smith Field in his hometown of McKeesport. Hudson started the annual camp in 2022 out of his love for the city, along with the desire to be a role model for local youth to follow.
“Being in the position that I’m in now, I couldn’t not do this,” Khaleke said. “There are just so many kids out here who just need someone to look up to, need someone who’s gonna push them every day, someone who’s going to inspire them to do great things.”
After the children ran drills under the hot sun, Hudson shared his message of the importance of working hard, respecting their elders and making good choices. Hudson believes to obtain and achieve success, you must be willing to put forth the time to work hard and beat the obstacles, and steer clear from individuals who may be making bad decisions.
His message is clear and is taken to heart by the camp participants such as Kyng Jones, a 7th grade student at Founders’ Hall and a rising star for the McKeesport Little Tigers. Kyng has attended Hudson’s camp since it began in 2022 and has been influenced by Khaleke to make a difference amongst his peers on and off the field. “It makes me want to work harder in football,” Kyng said. “Not only in football but in life, also to stay off the streets and to stay off drugs.”
With each year that has passed, his camp has attracted more participants, and spectators. Among those spectators on the sidelines that day were parents, and even former educators who had the privilege to teach Hudson during his youth.
One of Hudson’s greatest inspirations is three time WNBA champion and McKeesport native Swin Cash. While growing up, he and his brothers participated in her basketball camps and received advice, insight and help towards achieving obstacles.
“Being able to look at her and seeing all the things that she had accomplished and is still accomplishing to this day is just so inspirational to me and she drives me every day to be bigger than myself,” Hudson said.
Hudson’s journey to the NFL was not an easy one. His father Carlos Hudson Sr. was murdered during his sophomore year of high school. He was an influential figure for his son, and his biggest motivator when it came to pursuing the game of football and pushing him forward. After his death, Hudson became self-motivated in pushing himself to succeed and meet the expectations, along with support from those around him.
Hudson views his life’s work and mission as giving back for a greater purpose and giving hope. He teaches the youth to tackle success and how to ultimately achieve victories on and off the field, no matter the path they take.
“It’s bigger than just me, it’s about a whole community, it’s about my family, it’s about my friends,” Hudson said. “I always wanted to be a representation of everybody, and not just myself, or my family. I’m talking about a whole tribe, my city. I always wanted to be like that, so that’s what I strive to do every day.”
