"It's about the children:" McCarthy hosts golf tournament to benefit Children's Hospital in Madison

MADISON (WITI) -- In a mere three months, Mike McCarthy will be leading the Green Bay Packers into the opening game of the NFL season at Seattle. So, is he in full-time football focus mode yet? Not completely!

McCarthy is known best for what he does on the football field in the fall.

With that in mind, he puts a high priority on how he leads his Packers football team through its off-season workouts.

But each summer, he takes a break from organized team activities to host a golf tournament, along with his wife Jessica -- benefiting the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison.

"He and Jessica ultimately know that this event is about making life a little brighter for kids -- giving children and their families hope for their future right here in Madison," Donna Katen-Behensky with UW Hospital & Clinics said.

The golf event on Monday, June 9th brought out the competitive side of McCarthy, but Sunday's hospital visit brought out his softer side -- the side that the public doesn't always see, or even think about. The side that prompted McCarthy to bring his entire family with him.

McCarthy may be effective at telling 300-pound battle-tested football players what to do, but he's no match for a sick child.

"It's an honor for me just to touch those kids, even for a short period of time. To see their faces brighten and ever year there are some unique conversations. It's something that I know I walk away with something great every year. It's about the children. I think that's the greatest gift that any parent is given. I've always felt a responsibility personally, but now that I'm in a position professionally to give back, I think it's the least I can do," McCarthy said.

Eight years into his coaching reign in Green Bay, McCarthy has experienced some great success -- but he is still driven to realize more of it.

Similarly, five years into his work with the hospital, McCarthy is far from satisfied.

"We're competitive, so we like to think we've done some good things, but we also hope we have some more great days in front of us," McCarthy said.

As important as this charitable pursuit is to McCarthy, he will be back on the field coaching this week -- as his team continues its off-season training program.

Training camp opens in late July, and Family Nigh is scheduled for August 2nd at Lambeau Field...and on FOX6!