Packers DT Mike Daniels tackles toy aisles with at-risk kids

GREEN BAY – Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Mike Daniels knows about "Grimm's Fairy Tales" and "Frozen" and the importance of Cartoon Network in determining the quality of a hotel.

All of which is to say he was the right guy to host Shop with a Jock, a holiday-themed shopping spree for 50 at-risk youth from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin. Three Packers joined Daniels on Monday night, including Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, Izaah Lunsford and Josh Hawkins. 

It was Daniels' first year leading the Shop with a Jock safari through the halls of the Walmart on West Mason Street. He was up to the challenge.

"I watch Cartoon Network all day, every day. I'm hip," he said with a laugh. "Once I get in the aisle and see what looks good, I'm a very experienced toy window-shopper. I'll be able to give some great advice."

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He maintained a running commentary throughout, trying to draw out the five or so young and shy shoppers assigned to his cart. He told them about Grimm's Fairy Tales and Rapunzel, and let them know he was a member of the Brozen, "a bunch of dudes that like 'Frozen.'"

He explained to them who some of the dolls were and steered them clear of the aisle with toy guns. 

Zatoria Watlkins, 11, of Green Bay, heard Daniels talking about scented candles. She was suitably amazed. 

Ages of the 25 boys and 25 girls ranged from 6 to 17 years. The older girls were less shy. They crossed paths with Daniel's group at one point and he spied an Aaron Rodgers jersey under a Mike Daniels T-shirt.

"He said, 'At least you can show a little respect to me,'" said Zamyra Watikins, 9, of Green Bay, who was tickled by the exchange. He said he'd get her one of his jerseys.

Naveen Gorecki, 11, of De Pere said she was disappointed there wasn't a player for every shopping group, "but this was very kind and I got to meet new people."

As the shopping time was winding down, Lilly Roberts, 13, of Green Bay had picked out only a sweatshirt.

"It's really cool we get to spend $100, which I thought was a lot before I came here," said Roberts of her cautious decision-making. 

Grace Roberts, 14, of Green Bay was having less trouble.

"It's fun. We get to go shopping, but it's all free, kind of," she said.

They also were fed supper by Longhorn Steakhouse of Ashwaubenon and provided T-shirts by Wonder Sign of Green Bay. One rule was, they had to buy at least one item for themselves. 

Katie Hess, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin, said not all the kids participating Monday require financial assistance, but they all need role models and mentors.

"Sometimes the Packers need to be seen as just people," she said. 

Clinton-Dix's group was all boys, who were considerably quicker to make their choices. He was checking them out while Daniels was still narrating his way down the aisles.

"It's about the kids, with so much going on in this world," said Clinton-Dix. "As kids, we didn't really have any NFL stars around."

Daniels agreed that his heroes, growing up, were rarely seen, so it was good to get out with the kids. He wasn't worried about connecting. 

"We were all kids at one point and somebody invested in us," he said. "I definitely think it's wise to give back."