If you go

What: 24th annual HoopsFest

Where: Downtown Altoona

When: Saturday, July 18. Check-in, 7:30 a.m. Games begin at 9 a.m.

Registration: Deadline is July 15. You can register at HoopsFest.Net

The author of one of the greatest catches in football history will be in Altoona to provide his message of inspiration at the 24th annual HoopsFest on Saturday, July 18.

Former New York Giant receiver David Tyree said the “Helmet Catch,” when he cradled a late 32-yard reception against his helmet that set up a 17-14 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII changed his life “monumentally.”

It was voted the ESPN play of the year in 2008.

It was also the last catch Tyree ever made. Talk about saving his best for last.

Tyree said the reception “allowed me to forever be part of the story of football. A big part of my message is that all things are truly possible.”

Tyree, who also caught a touchdown pass from Eli Manning in that Super Bowl, thought the unique reception would help continue his career.

Instead, the Giants released him before the 2009 season, and he hooked on with the Baltimore Ravens.

Injuries began adding up, and he retired in 2010.

“My NFL journey brought the depth of disappointment of injury after being celebrated,” he said.

Now 46 and the father of seven, Tyree and his wife Leilah started the “Next in Line” foundation that counsels youth on the dangers of drug use while leaning on faith and community.

“Communication, speaking, people and leadership are how I’ve navigated my post-career,” Tyree, also a standout receiver and special teams player at Syracuse who blocked six punts, said. “There are setbacks to overcome as we encounter the journey called life.

“When you have a story, there’s a measure of stewardship and obligation (to share).”

Tyree’s mission connected him with HoopsFest founder Jim Kilmartin, who started a faith-based mission in Tyrone called the Joshua House, which HoopsFest benefits.

“I was amazed at their impact in the community,” Tyree said. “Sports is a unifier, and to unite so many people from different backgrounds is an opportunity to share a positive message.”

HoopsFest, which bills itself as the Mid-Atlantic’s largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament for all ages, draws more than 1,000 players and several thousand supporters to Altoona.

Tyree’s message will take place during “halftime” of the day’s events, at the Heritage Plaza, Kilmartin said, noting former Altoona and NBA standout Johnny Moore addressed HoopsFest supporters in 2023.

“I loved it when Johnny came home, and I’m super excited about David,” Kilmartin said. “Over the years, we’ve tried to get different professional athletes and different people with great character and testimony.”

In addition to Tyree, HoopsFest will welcome Bill Priatko, the oldest living Pittsburgh Steelers alumnus. Priatko is 94 and “still in shape,” Kilmartin said.

“He’s been involved with the organization forever,” Kilmartin said, adding his daughter, Lexi, is married to Priatko’s grandson.

Priatko played at Pitt, served the country in the U.S. Air Force and was inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

HoopsFest is presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods in partnership with Altoona First Savings Bank.