Any time it involved kids at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, the New York Jets have always been champions. The New York Jets helped fund a room at the House several years ago through their annual golf outings and now they are passing the torch to the younger group of players. Yesterday, 18 of the New York Jets, their coach, Jerome Henderson and New York Jets icon, Bobby Jackson, took a detour from the fields to touch down at the House. After receiving a tour of the facility from Board member, Theresa Brucculeri, the big guys mingled with the families and kids and signed autographs to the delight of youngsters, staff and volunteers at the House.

The reason for the visit was for the rookies to bring cheer and smiles to the families whose children are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals, as part of their community service/outreach efforts. This was the goal of Jason Trusnik (#48), a rookie from Cleveland Ohio who was thrilled to be giving back, especially when it involved helping the kids.

"This is for the kids first and foremost," said Jason. "One of the things I've learned is that a smile and a handshake goes a long way. And here at the Ronald McDonald House, we'll do whatever it takes to put a smile on these kids' faces, especially during rough times."

"It's all about the children," said Theresa Brucculeri, vice president of the Board of Directors. "Children are our future. They're not supposed to be sick in bed - that's heartbreaking. Our job here is to get these kids better and to provide a comforting place until they are on their way home.

The New York Jets rookies in attendance, Jacob Bender, Dominic Moran, Jared Newberry, Dustin Osborn, Leonard Peters, Jesse Pellot-Rosa, Bret Ratliff, Darrell Revis, James Ihedigbo,Chansi Stuckey, Mike DeVito, Jason Trusnik, Kyle Steffes, Alvin Banks, Andrew Wicker, Renard Stevens, Robert Turner, David Harris and Rayshaun Kizer were enthusiastic about their visit to the House.