Long before he was turning heads on the football field, NFL safety Will Parks remembers watching Danny Rumph turn heads at the Mallery Center. Growing up in Germantown, Parks watched Rumph knock down big shots and play tenacious defense.
It’s a reason why, even in the midst of his career, Parks still tries to make it out to the Rumph Classic as much as he can nearly two decades later.
“[Danny] means a lot to me because he means a lot to my family,” Parks said while taking in Thursday night’s action.
Parks also feels a special connection with the Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation’s mission. The North Philly native has spent much of his time and resources trying to better lives throughout the city, including partnering with Philadelphia CeaseFire and his own Parks Place Adventures LLC.
“I think that’s the biggest part of being where [I am],” Parks said. “To give back and let the kids see that it can be done. You always want to do it for the next group of kids, the next generation. That’s why I do it. I’m in love with giving back and doing the right things.”
Between the legacy of Danny and the work of the foundation, there’s plenty for Parks to enjoy about his Thursday at the Rumph.
But make no mistake—the man enjoys his hoops. Parks’ yelled with excitement as a player threw down a dunk right in front of his seats, slumping down in his chair with eyes wide and his jaw dropped at what he just witnessed. That moment exemplified what he loves about the tournament. And Parks was certain to make sure everyone around him had just seen what he did.
Much to his dismay, someone in his row had turned away at the exact wrong moment.
Parks giddily retold the story. It’s all a part of the experience.
“It’s everything you would hope for as a human being,” Parks said. “This might get even bigger than this because this is the mecca of basketball. It’s going to get bigger.”
Parks mentioned his desire to play someday after his football career is over. The competition level intrigues him, and the love of his city motivates him.
It’s events like The Rumph that remind him just how special his home can be.
“It’s pretty unique,” Parks said. “Especially being from a tough city, to see so many people come together and sit around at one time and laugh, enjoy, have fun. [Getting a chance to] watch NBA legends come through and the people that came before us. It’s pretty unique.”
