C.J. Conrad Brings Homecoming to the UK Children's Hospital

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Noah J. Richter | UK Athletics[/caption] Today began like every other Tuesday for C.J. Conrad.  It started at the UK Children's Hospital. Kentucky's senior tight end has added the weekly stop at the Children's Hospital to a part of his routine.  With Freddie Maggard and any others who want to tag along, Conrad does whatever he can to provide a few smiles. Unlike most of his trips to the UK Children's Hospital, this morning he was accompanied by members of the media.  Along with a couple UK cheerleaders and Scratch, they created a makeshift float on a hospital bed for a Homecoming parade through the building.  The UK student-athletes brought footballs and pom-poms, and were greeted with plenty of smiles. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Noah J. Richter | UK Athletics[/caption] Conrad never hesitated to give back to the Lexington community, however, it took some time for him to get comfortable in a setting that can be quite depressing. "It wasn't really natural at first.  I give a lot of credit to Courtney Love," he said after today's practice. While living with the former team captain for the past two years, C.J. saw Love go above and beyond what he was asked.  Conrad followed Love's example. "I always thought I was doing a lot, but then I watched what Courtney was doing off the field and I thought, 'Wow, he's putting me to shame right now.'  I learned from him and it kind of opened my eyes. What a great leader he was and how much time he spent giving his time off the field, so I give a lot of credit to him.  He helped me get to where I am right now." Thanks to Love, Conrad and many others, smiles are not in short supply on Tuesday's at the UK Children's Hospital. [caption id="attachment_249061" align="alignnone" width="614"] Noah J. Richter | UK Athletics[/caption] [caption id="attachment_249060" align="alignnone" width="604"] Noah J. Richter | UK Athletics[/caption] [caption id="attachment_249062" align="alignnone" width="600"] Noah J. Richter | UK Athletics[/caption] [mobile_ad]