Stars Shine at DeMarco Murray’s Charity Event

SOUTHLAKE, TX—Last Sunday against Minnesota, DeMarco Murray only had 4 carries for 31 yards. Maybe the third-year running back was keeping himself fresh for Monday night, when he and five of his teammates played celebrity waiters to raise money for the DeMarco Murray Foundation at Kirby’s Steakhouse.

Murray says his teammates showing up at the first annual DeMarco Murray Celebrity Waiter Night indicates the type of character they possess.

"“I just text them and said, ‘I’m helping some kids. Come on out,'” Murray explained. “[Jason] Witten, Miles [Austin], Doug Free, Sean Lee: those are great guys off the field and when they heard about helping kids, they were all in.”"

Also in attendance were center Phil Costa and assistant strength and conditioning coach Brett Bech, who jokingly instructed the players on how to carry dinner plates.

(Left to right) Linebacker Sean Lee, tackle Doug Free, receiver Miles Austin, strength and conditioning coach Brett Bech, and center Phil Costa served tables at DeMarco Murray’s first annual Celebrity Waiter Night at Kirby’s Steakhouse in Southlake, Texas — Jordan Ross

"“You’ve got to be upright with your posture and reach across,” Bech said."

Right tackle Doug Free was a frequent target of Bech’s teasing. Three plates were the most he could carry, while a server half his size was able to carry four plates.

"“Your hands are three times the size of hers,” Bech noted. “Just put one on your thumb and then one on each finger.”"

For $250, one could get a seat at a table and a Dallas Cowboy serving up four-course meals. For $350, one could have all of that and an autographed football signed by the players at the event.

There was also a silent auction and a live auction featuring autographed Dallas Cowboys helmets, framed pictures of past players, and regional vacations.

The DeMarco Murray Foundation auctioned four autographed jerseys from DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Tony Romo, and Jason Witten. Jason Witten’s jersey beat them all with a $1,750 final bid. Dez Bryant’s jersey went for $700, Romo’s for $900, and Murray’s for $1,200.

After the event, most of the players, including linebacker Sean Lee, stayed to sign autographed footballs for VIP guests.

"“DeMarco is an unbelievable teammate and an unbelievable player,” Lee stated. “Anytime we have a chance to support him, I’m going to jump at that opportunity because of how great of a person he is and because of the cause he’s standing behind. So when it comes to DeMarco, because he’s got my back in every situation, any shot I’ve got to support him, I’ve got it.”"

All proceeds from the ticket sales, auction, and even tips, went to the DeMarco Murray Foundation, which has set a goal to reach 55,000 Dallas area kids by 2016. It is a goal Murray and the board members set to challenge themselves.

Phil Costa and fiancee´ Brooke Hogan appear at DeMarco Murray’s Celebrity Waiter Night — Jordan Ross

"“The board members and I sat down and were able to think up a number that we thought was hard but was reachable,” Murray expounded. “We don’t want to do anything that’s easy and normal. We want to do something that is abnormal and try to reach as many kids as possible. And continue to, not just help them at the beginning, but help them at the beginning, middle and the end. That was one of the numbers we came up with and hopefully we’ll be able to do it.”"

Murray had no comment on the Cowboys’ upcoming matchup with the New Orleans Saints this Sunday night; his focus was on waiting tables and helping kids, a goal that he and his five teammates achieved Monday night.