Some members of the New York Giants recently shared their personal feelings about "faith and football" with some Hudson Valley students.

During a visit to the San Miguel Academy in Newburgh, New York Giants teammates Collin Johnson and Carter Coughlin shared their football skills with students - but off the field they got a bit more personal.

The two took a trip up from MetLife Stadium to spend time with the students and open up about their relationships with God. Both players explained it's their faith more than football that defines them.

The San Miguel Academy is a tuition-free, faith-based middle school for at-risk boys and girls, with religion as a cornerstone of the curriculum.

Located in the heart of Newburgh where crime and poverty are widespread, the school is proof that change can happen.

With the help of the dedicated staff and executive director Father Mark Connell, many students achieve scholarships to private high schools and eventually college.

The students also have some fiercely loyal fans in the Westchester-based Mara family, owners of the New York Giants.

The late Ann Mara was the first to become a big supporter of San Miguel. When she died, daughter Ann Mara Cacase ran with the ball. There are fundraisers, trips to Giants games and training camp, and visits to the school from players.

The students say having NFL players share their personal feelings and beliefs is inspiring.