Commitment To Community: Malik Washington And Zion Elee Give Back To Next Generation
How two Maryland football stars are giving back to the next generation
Brady Ruth, Staff Writer
9/10/2026
The bright lights of Under Armour’s headquarters in Baltimore illuminated more than a football camp this summer. They shined on the kind of leadership that extends beyond the field, as Malik Washington and his Maryland teammates gave local kids a chance to learn the game, make new friends and see what was possible.
For Washington, it was the fourth year of a camp built around giving back. For freshman Zion Elee, it was a backpack drive aimed at helping kids start the school year on the right foot. The different events highlighted the same message: Maryland football’s impact reaches far beyond the game.
“It means a lot to me knowing that a bunch of kids are able to look at what I’m doing and get motivated to want to do something,” Elee said. “It’s just all-around positivity, and that’s great.”
Washington has been hosting his football camp for years, but this year’s event had a new setting: Under Armour’s headquarters in Baltimore. The location gave dozens of kids the chance to spend an evening playing football in a place they otherwise might never have experienced.
It was super cool. It was so fun for the kids to get to see that environment. It was just an amazing event at an amazing place. It gave kids a chance to come out and enjoy football without the pressure of having to perform in a game. They can come out, even with no football experience, and meet some friends and see how they like the game. They get to try a little bit of everything, every position on the field.Malik Washington
With the help of several of his teammates — including Daniel Wingate, Preston Howard, Dorian Fleming, Jayden Kitchens and Jordan Williams — Washington led dozens of kids through various drills, growing the love for the sport and the next generation of athletes.
“The fact that my teammates took time out of their Friday nights to come help out was really encouraging,” Washington said. “The fact that they were able to come help not just me, but be there for the kids, is a testament to their character.”
Young future football players were able to find their love for the sport under the bright lights of an Under Armour night. Washington voiced his appreciation for his teammates coming out to support him, but they were just happy to watch his leadership and love for his community unfold.
“Malik is a great leader in the community,” Wingate said. “He's somebody who really gives back to the youth, and he makes sure that everybody's able to have a nice time. It doesn't matter to him if you're a boy or girl, he's just a person who's there for the community.”
Washington said the highlight of the event was watching the seven-on-seven scrimmages that wrapped up the night. Mostly, the Maryland quarterback just loved being able to give back to a community and fanbase that he attributes so much to.
“The reason I started it was really to give back to the community that helped raise me and put me in the position I’m in now,” Washington said. “They're kind of the driving force. I know there are a lot of kids in the community, a lot of people in the community looking up to me, praying for my success and wishing me the best. Things like that always keep me going.”
Washington’s camp was a reminder of how much an established leader can give back. But making an impact in the community isn’t reserved for the team’s veterans. As a young player beginning his Maryland career, Elee is already finding ways to use his platform to help others — and his backpack drive offered a different kind of assist to local kids preparing for the school year.
“As a young guy, I didn’t get the best education,” Elee said. “A lot of kids need the resources and support to get educated. There were a lot of things I didn’t know myself that other kids should know, and I want to help set them up for success.”
It’s no secret that role models can shape a young person. Washington and Elee know the impact they can have, and this summer, they found different ways to help the next generation. Now, as the season begins, they hope to inspire others the same way they once were.
“I remember looking up to high school and to the college players and seeing how they move and how they act,” Washington said. “They had a lot of influence on me. Now that I'm able to do that for somebody else, I hope to have a positive impact and hopefully I inspire somebody in the future to do the same exact thing.”
