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THROGGS NECK, N.Y. (Nov. 19, 2010) – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stopped by the Maritime campus early Friday morning to fulfill a promise he made to head coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes earlier this season. The two had met shortly after the New York Times article that featured Coach Kendrick-Holmes and his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan hit the newsstands in late September. One of the first phone calls that Coach received was from Goodell's office, inviting him and his family to the New York Giants game later that week against the Chicago Bears at the New Meadowlands Stadium.

When the two met at the game and talked and shared their passion about the game of football, a friendship was made. Kendrick-Holmes told the commissioner that this 2010 season was going to be a special one for Maritime and that, if the Privateers made the NCAA Tournament, he would like extend the invitation to Goodell to visit campus and talk with the players beforehand. To which the commissioner agreed.

 Goodell held up to his promise, arriving on campus just after 7 a.m. this morning. He talked with Coach, members of the coaching staff and University President Vice Admiral John W. Craine, Jr. USN (Ret.) outside of Coach's office for some time. Members of the football team began filling the lecture room in Riesenberg Hall shortly after 7:15 a.m. – a number of student-athletes rushed over after morning formation for the Regiment of Cadets.

When Coach Kendrick-Holmes introduced the commissioner to the players, he was met with a warm ovation.  Goodell then spoke for some time about the game of football and about how the players should cherish this once-in-a-lifetime moment, as it doesn't come around too often. He congratulated the team for their undefeated Championship season and wished them well in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Goodell talked about playing with all your heart and following through to the end of this special season. He told the players he will follow them along as the playoffs unfold.

Goodell spoke about Coach Kendrick-Holmes' commitment throughout this season and his decision to serve our country in the Navy at the end of the year. He told the student-athletes that they should use him as a role model and a living example of courage and what it takes to fulfill your duties, the sacrifices he has to deal with upon his upcoming deployment.

After he spoke, he took some questions from the players and coaches in attendance. He discussed the current state of the National Football League, the changes that he hopes to see in regards to player safety and about personal conduct. He mentioned character and how Coach Kendrick-Holmes epitomized good character.

Finally, Goodell shook each player's hand, posed for pictures and signed autographs. Commissioner Goodell left Maritime thanking the coaching staff for their hard work during the season and especially thanked Coach Kendrick-Holmes and assistant coach Mike Storud, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Marines, for their service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

With Goddell's words of encouragement, the Privateers will take to the field tomorrow, Sat., Nov. 20, when they travel up to Alfred, N.Y. to take on the Alfred Saxons. Game time is scheduled for noon at Alfred's Merrill Field.