A standout quarterback who now works to meet the needs of  children in crisis is coming to share his mission with the students and staff of Fort Dale Academy and their guests. Brodie Croyle, executive director of the Big Oak Ranch, will be speaking at an assembly at FDA set for 10:15 a.m. Thursday, March 1.

Big Oak Ranch has been chosen by the school’s SGA as its state project for the year, with a goal of raising $1,000 for the ranch.

Croyle, a Rainbow City native, was a gridiron star at his high school, Westbrook Christian. He went on to play football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he set a number of school records. Croyle was drafted by the NFL in 2006 and served as a quarterback with the Kansas City Chiefs for five years.

His love of football came naturally, as Croyle’s father, John, was a defensive end at the University of Alabama. But the father and son also share a passion for helping children who have been abused, neglected, abandoned or orphaned.

John Croyle founded Big Oak Ranch in 1974 as “a Christian home for children needing a chance.” Since its founding, the cornerstone of Big Oak has been fundamentally rooted in Isaiah  61:3, “And they shall be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified.”

Big Oak Ranch actually consists of three ministries:  Big Oak Girls’ Ranch in Springville, Big Oak Boys’ Ranch in Gadsden and Westbrook Christian School in Rainbow City.  Brodie Croyle has said his calling at Big Oak Ranch can be founded in the words of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Almost 150 children are currently being served; more than 2,000 have been helped through the years since Big Oak’s founding.

The Fort Dale Academy SGA extends an open invitation to all FDA parents and any interested members of the public to come and hear Brodie Croyle speak on March 1 in the FDA gym.

For more information about Big Oak Ranch, visit www.bigoak.org.