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U-M Football Stars Return To Big House For Spring Game

ANN ARBOR (WWJ)- One of the greatest football players in University of Michigan history will be back in the Big House Saturday to check out the newest Wolverines and to help raise money for the new U-of-M Mott Children's Hospital.

Heisman Trophy-winner Desmond Howard, along with other Wolverines' stars from years gone by, will participate in an alumni flag-football game followed by the annual Spring Football Game at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.

The events will also help raise money for the new Mott Children's Hospital, scheduled to open in November.

Howard will be meeting and greeting fans who make a contribution to the Mott Hospital Fund as they go through the Big House gates.

Speaking to WWJ, Howard said Mott Hospital has been a long-time beneficiary of the football team's community service.

"Mott Children's Hospital has always been an intricate part of our development as far as community service is concerned. Ever since I was an athlete at the University of Michigan, it just seems like it's so natural to do it. It goes hand-in-hand, our community service as athletes, especially as football players," Howard said.

For the second consecutive year, the Beam Family of Brighton is matching dollar-for-dollar every donation at the stadium. Gates open at 9 AM. The spring game starts at noon.

For Howard, just being at the Big House is another chance to re-experience some good times.

"Great, great memories and great thoughts pop into my head, because I've had some of the best moments of my athletic career in that stadium. Once I see the big house as im pulling up to it, it reminds me of the old days when we used to pull up on our team busses getting ready to take the field for battle," Howard said.

Although the spring game is a free public event, donations are being asked to help raise money for the construction of the new hospital.

Fans will receive giveaways for donating at several levels. For example, a$5 donation receives a 5"x7" Fathead Trading Card of either Charles Woodson or Desmond Howard, a $250 donation receives four passes to a pre-season scrimmage and a $500 donation receives two pre-game sideline passes to a select game.

Gates open at 9 AM. The spring game gets underway at noon. For more information, click here.

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