This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Kaysville • Luther Elliss leaned against a pole in the parking lot at the Kaysville Sportsplex last Saturday, surrounded by children running circles around him. Some of the kids were his own, while others simply gravitated to the big man, asking for autographs on their arms.

The former Utah and NFL football player Elliss has 11 children, six of whom are adopted. For two days in Kaysville, Elliss adopted 120 more.

Daphne Rosen first approached Elliss three years ago. As a public relations rep for Act of Love Adoptions, she wanted to find a way to raise money to get birth mothers and their babies off the streets and to take care of their medical bills.

Their meeting was the beginning of the Act of Love Football Training Camp. Now in its third year in Davis County, the camp has seen tremendous growth. In the first year, 25 young players signed up to spend time with players like Elliss and fellow former Utah and NFL player Andre Dyson. This year, attendance was around 125.

Last year, the camp raised more than $10,000, with all proceeds going to Act of Love adoptions. This year, Rosen is not sure if they'll eclipse that amount, as they sponsored kids from Big Brothers, Big Sisters and DCFS.

"A lot of these kids are here free this year," Rosen said. "There's just so many kids who wouldn't get a chance to come to the camp. They would probably never get a chance to meet NFL players otherwise."

While the camp began as a way to benefit newborns and provide them a better life, Rosen feels it has grown past that. She sees the smiles on the faces of older, underprivileged children, and has no doubts about letting them experience the camp free of charge.

"They think these big guys are amazing," Rosen said. "They just look up at them like their heroes. That's what makes this camp worth it."

The theme of the Act of Love Football Training Camp this year was "Stronger Players for Stronger Families." Along with Elliss and Dyson, Carolina Panther punter Dan Ziedman roamed the final night's tailgate party talking to parents, while several Utah Blaze players scrimmaged with the kids in the Sportsplex indoor field.

Elliss spent the majority of the day swamped by children, and said he looks forward to any opportunity he can to help and educate. He feels his faith has asked him to take care of widows and orphans. Through Act of Love, he and his wife are in the process of adding a seventh adopted child to the family.

"There's a lot of children out there, beautiful children out there, that need good homes and there's not enough families willing to do it," Elliss said. "So, if we can help lead the way and encourage other folks to go down this path, I'm sure they'll find it a blessing like we have." —

At a glance

Act of Love was started by Kathy Kunkel in 1993, who has adopted 8 of her 10 children.

The agency is known for assisting birth parents, including medical, legal, and financial assistance and a 24-hour help line.

Those looking for donations and service information can email adoptions@aactofloveadoptions.com.