MARUETTE — Rookie NFL Player Jake Witt will conduct the ceremonial coin toss for the 16th annual Upper Peninsula Football All-Star Game this Saturday, June 24, at the Superior Dome in Marquette. Witt, who played in the U.P. All-Star Game in 2018, will also participate in the game’s annual Youth Football Camp on Thursday, June 22, also at the Superior Dome.

Witt, a native of Bruce Crossing in the western Upper Peninsula, has a message for this year’s players. “Being from a small town in the U.P. is not a barrier, it’s a blessing. No matter how big your dreams are, you can achieve it from here.”

Added Witt, “Five years ago I played in this game and chose to play basketball at Michigan Tech instead of football. I transferred to NMU as a student and went out for the football team as a walk-on. Now I’m coming back to the game as an NFL Draft pick. Anything is possible for these players.”

“Jake is setting a great example for our players and youth campers by coming back and giving back. That’s what this game is all about,” said game organizer Todd Goldbeck. In addition to this year’s food drive for St. Vincent dePaul, proceeds from the game will benefit multiple U.P. charities and high school athletic programs including the Daniel Olson Memorial Scholarship, the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Program, and Bay Cliff Health Camp.

The Youth Football Camp will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at the Superior Dome. Interested youth campers can register immediately prior to the event for a suggested $5 donation. All-star practices take place throughout the week and the annual banquet will be held on Friday, June 23, at NMU’s University Center.

The all-star game kicks off at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the Superior Dome. Tickets are $7 per person and fans are urged to order online at NMU Tickets, nmu.universitytickets.com.