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XLI comes TO SOUTH ! • NFL NETWORK: ALL OVER THE BIG GAME • ALL-STARS GATHER •FOR WHAT MOVES PRO U BOWLGETS KIDS• NFL IN EXTENDS SHAPE Global BOUNDARIES

Winter 2006 - No.87

NFL REPORT 4 3 NFL REPORT SUPER BOWL XLI COMES TO …AND THE DREAM BECOMES REALITY

South Florida…and all of America… land in , for instance, has been a is ready! hit with thousands of visitors since it The football game that has become opened in 2003. The $47 million theme part of American culture will be played park is located in the heart of Miami this February 4 in a location that has between downtown and . seen some of its most memorable mo- The Greater Miami region alone is ments – South Florida. home to more than 50 new hotels and It’s Super Bowl XLI at a renovated 30 new golf courses as well as a new ($250 million worth) Dolphin . performing arts center that has al- America – and a good part of the world ready sparked a flurry of development – will be watching, no matter which in revitalized downtown Miami. teams are competing. But for all the enticements of the “It’s amazing how big a game it is region, there is one that will dwarf the and what it means to everybody,” says others – Super Bowl XLI. Steelers guard , It was the dream of every NFL coach who played in – and won – that game and player to reach XLI when they re- last . ported for training camp in July. They He’s right. Super Bowl XL was the all had “one game, one dream” on second most-watched television pro- their minds – Super Bowl. That “One gram ever (141.1 million viewers). Its Game. One Dream” quest is the theme rating (41.6) was nearly twice that of of Super Bowl XLI. another American must-see, the Acad- South Florida this year will tie New emy Awards. Orleans for hosting the most Super Beyond America, a total of 234 coun- Bowls with nine. And does it ever tries and territories watched the game, have a rich Super Bowl history! from Albania to Zanzibar. There was Super Bowl III, in which This year should be no different. and the AFL Jets The rest of the country and world will shocked the Colts...and Su- see one of America’s greatest jewels – per Bowl XXIII, in which San Francisco South Florida – in all its sun-blazoned, 49ers con- palm-tree brilliance. nected with John Taylor for the win- Comprised of Miami-Dade, Broward ning, come-from-behind, last-minute and Palm Beach counties, South Flori- against ...and da boasts the largest metropolitan area Super Bowl XXXIII – ’s last in the Southeastern (5.4 game – in which the Broncos’ million people). It also features attrac- quarterback won his second consecu- tions from cultural enclaves to theme tive title game by throwing for 336 parks. yards and running for a touchdown. From the trendy shops and bistros After all the lead-up, it always of Palm Beach, to the bright beaches of comes down to the dream game -- and Fort Lauderdale, to the excitement and winning it. Just ask a Pa- pace of Miami, there is never a lack of triots quarterback who has won three. things to do in South Florida. “There’s nothing that matches it,” says Parrot Jungle Island on Watson Is- .

NFL REPORT 2 LIVE FROM SOUTH FLORIDA, IT’S NFL NETWORK!

NFL Network is every football fan’s , , Ster- its countdown during Super Bowl “one-stop shop” for the most exten- ling Sharpe, and week. The top 10 teams as voted by sive coverage of Super Bowl XLI on . a ribbon panel of experts will be television. In addition, every NFL-related revealed from January 27-February 3. NFL Network will offer more press conference will be shown Each episode of America’s Game is a than 60 hours of live, “fly-on- live, including team arriv- one-hour documentary taking NFL the-wall” Super Bowl cover- als, daily player media ses- fans inside the locker rooms of each age from multiple sites in sions, head-coach press Super Bowl winner, featuring behind- South Florida, including conferences, NFL Com- the-scenes stories from the participants. the Miami Beach Conven- missioner ’s In another Super Bowl week first, tion Center, an oceanfront Super Bowl press confer- NFL Network will air four previous location on South Beach, ence, the Pro Football Hall Super Bowls in their entirety featur- AFC & NFC team hotels and of Fame’s announcement ing the original television broadcast- the NFL Experience. of new inductees, and the ers. This marks the first time in his- The network’s on-air roster NFL Man of the tory that a network broadcast of a in South Florida will include Rich Year Award. Super Bowl is re-aired on television. Eisen, , , NFL Network’s landmark series On , NFL Net- , , Kara America’s Game, which ranks the top work delivers live pregame and post- Henderson, , Jim Mora, 20 Super Bowl champions, completes game shows from Dolphin Stadium.

3 NFL REPORT NFL LOSES CHIEFS & AFL FOUNDER

The and the American sports community lost a gi- ant on December 13 when Founder Lamar Hunt peacefully passed away at the age of 74. Recognized as one of America’s great sportsmen, Hunt (left) served as the guiding force behind the formation of both the League and the Chiefs’ franchise. Hunt was a positive influence on the game for 47 years. His lifelong passion for sports was chronicled over the years by his involvement in six different pro- fessional sports. The World Champion- ship Tennis League, North American Soccer League, NBA and MLS all ben- efited from his vision. But it is his foot- prints on the NFL that will be remem- bered. Hunt founded the eight-team in 1959 to rival the National Football League, and with , was instrumental in the merging of the two leagues in 1970. Hunt was a forward and creative- thinking man. He introduced the two- point conversion to professional foot- . After watching his children play with a Super Ball, Hunt came up with the name “Super Bowl,” a term that be- came a part of American culture and an unofficial mid-winter holiday. Hunt’s contributions were so significant that he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. The NFL named the AFC Trophy after him. Despite his many accomplishments, Hunt’s humility was one of his most unwavering and endearing traits. While he modestly declined to take credit for his efforts, he truly played an important role in the design, ongoing development and direction of the modern-day NFL. Perhaps Hunt’s biggest influence on the league over the years was his quiet, yet persuasive voice of reason. Hunt, like so many legendary names in NFL “Lamar Hunt was one of the greatest leaders and innovators in the history of history such as Halas, Mara and Rooney, sports. His vision transformed pro football and helped turn a regional sport into was committed to putting the better- a national passion. Lamar created a model franchise in the Kansas City Chiefs, ment of the league ahead of any poten- but he was always equally devoted to the best interests of the league and the tial individual gain. game, from the AFL-NFL merger to the two-point conversion. His legacy is unmatched in sports and the NFL -- a pioneer, a founding father, and one of the most important architects in the history of our game.”

–NFL Roger Goodell

NFL REPORT 4 DOLPHINS put HIGH SCHOOL FIELD IN SUPER SHAPE The es CEO Joe Bailey. Dolphins players Foundation recently and donated $250,000 to and alumni , fund stadium renova- and Twan Russell were on hand to tions at the Nathaniel mark the occasion. Traz Powell Stadium “The Dolphins in conjunction with in Miami as part of the NFL are fully committed to help- the NFL Youth Foot- ing bring forth the success of this ball Fund initiative to project in South Florida,” said Dol- build and repair scholastic and youth phins owner H. . football fields nationwide. The second phase of repairs will A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the include stadium locker rooms, con- stadium was held to commemorate cession stands and restrooms. Na- the installation of a new durable syn- thaniel Traz Powell Stadium is the thetic field turf, which marks the first first field in South Florida repaired stage of renovations at the stadium. through grant funds. The ceremony included a national The Miami Central Senior High and anthem performance by the Miami Miami Carol City Senior High football Carol City Senior High School Band, teams were the first to play on the new a ceremonial coin toss and remarks durable synthetic turf that is resistant Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga by guests such as Dolphins Enterpris- to damage caused by rain and overuse.

SUPER BOWL THUMBNAILS

Following is a review of the memorable per- with only five seconds left in the than 300 yards passing and directed the formances of each Pete Rozelle Trophy-Most game to close out a 16-13 come-from-be- most memorable touchdown drive in Super Valuable Player in the eight South Florida hind win for the Colts. Howley intercepted Bowl history (92 yards in 11 plays), Rice’s Super Bowls: two passes and recovered a in the dominant performance was the difference losing effort. in this game. In addition to being the owner SUPER BOWL II: QB , Green of every significant receiving record in NFL Bay Packers - Guiding Green Bay to its sec- : WR , Pitts- regular-season history, Rice still holds five ond Super Bowl win in a row (and third burgh Steelers - Famous for his acrobatic Super Bowl records, including most career consecutive NFL championship), Starr’s star catches, Swann did not disappoint in the receiving yardage and . shone the brightest in the second half. The Steelers’ 21-17 win over the Cowboys. Rack- high-powered Green Bay offense accounted ing up a Super Bowl record 161 yards receiv- SUPER BOWL XXIX: QB , San for 17 unanswered points in the third and ing on only four catches, Swann’s 64-yard Francisco 49ers - Stepping out of the shad- fourth quarters to pull away from the Raid- touchdown reception from ow of the man he replaced (Joe Montana), ers for a 33-14 victory. Starr completed 13 made the difference in the close contest. Young burned ’s defense for 325 of his 24 passes, including a 62-yard scoring Swann’s score capped a 14-0 run for the yards passing to go along with his Super strike to . Steelers in the fourth quarter. Bowl record six touchdown tosses. caught three of the six scoring strikes SUPER BOWL III: QB JOE NAMATH, New SUPER BOWL XIII: QB TERRY BRADSHAW, from the left-handed Young, who also led York Jets - In a game that will be forever - Establishing a career the 49ers in rushing with 49 yards. Young remembered because of Namath’s “guaran- high with 318 passing yards, Bradshaw won and the 49ers jumped out to an early 14-0 tee” of victory, the Jets toppled the seem- the first of his two consecutive Super Bowl lead following passing touchdowns to Rice ingly unbeatable Baltimore Colts by a score MVP awards based on the strength of his and . Fittingly, of 16-7. Even future Hall of Famer Johnny four touchdown passes in this 35-31 vic- Young surpassed Montana’s single-game Unitas could not spark a second half come- tory. Wide hauled Super Bowl record for touchdown passes in back by Baltimore. Because of Namath’s in scoring catches covering 28 and 75 yards the 49-26 victory. leadership (and five Baltimore turnovers), in the first half. Bradshaw, who carved out the Jets secured the first victory for the his place among the NFL’s greatest with his SUPER BOWL XXXIII: QB JOHN ELWAY, AFL in the young history of the Super Bowl. sterling Super Bowl performances, got the - After waiting so long for “Broadway Joe” finished 17-of-28 for 206 best of Cowboys QB , who his first Super Bowl (SB XXXII), Elway yards passing. had a tremendous day in his own right with wasted no time in adding a second one to three passing scores. his collection. Elway, the only other quarter- : LB , Dal- back besides to throw for more las Cowboys - Howley made history twice in SUPER BOWL XXIII: WR JERRY RICE, San than 50,000 career yards, amassed 336 yards one day with his MVP-worthy performance. Francisco 49ers - San Francisco became the in Denver’s 34-19 win over a Falcons squad Not only did this gritty become first NFC team to win three Super Bowls in led by powerful halfback . the first defensive MVP in Super Bowl his- this epic come-from-behind win (20-16) over A member of the famed Class of ‘83 quar- tory, Howley is still the only player in NFL the Bengals. Rice was unstoppable, reel- terbacks, Elway walked away from football history to win the award for a losing team. ing in 11 catches for a Super Bowl-best 215 after winning his second consecutive Super Baltimore’s Jim O’Brien nailed a 32-yard yards. Though Joe Montana racked up more Bowl, ending on the highest of notes.

5 NFL REPORT Kids Start Moving, Thanks To What Moves U

The NFL and the American Heart “The website is a wonderful tool for Association have teamed up to create kids,” said Robert Williams. “It gave us a What Moves U, a national campaign once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an ex- to inspire youngsters to become perience my son and I will never forget.” more physically active. The decline of In addition to the website, the cam- physical education programs in many paign recently delivered unique cur- of America’s schools has led to an riculum kits to nearly 25,000 middle alarming rise in obesity rates among schools throughout the country. Each youth. What Moves U -- funded by a kit contains lesson plans that incor- $1.5 million NFL Charities grant -- porate physical activity into academic seeks to connect with kids and teens disciplines such as math and science throughout their daily routines. in addition to physical education. What Moves U features a program quarterback Eli website which builds loyalty by offer- Manning recently kicked off the pro- ing the chance to win prizes. It even gram at a middle school in New York offered trips to Super Bowl XLI and City where he demonstrated a math the 2007 . Kids increased lesson that had students perform- their chances to win by earning award ing squats and calculating their own points for both physical activity and heart rates. “What Moves U reinforces online participation in quizzes and the enjoyment of play,” said Manning. surveys. Austin Williams, 10, of Har- “It also educates the students about risburg, North Carolina was the Super the physical benefits of exercise.” Bowl XLI contest winner. He learned The What Moves U campaign ex- about What Moves U from his physical pects to reach more than five million education teacher and returns to the kids and teens in its first year. site because it allows him to share how he personally stays healthy. Austin and NFL players pictured: Carolina Pan- his dad Robert will be flying down to thers’ Steve Smith (89) and South Florida to see the big game. Bears’ (54)

NFL REPORT 6 PRO BOWL Pits the best vs. the best in Hawaii

Peyton Manning vs. . with the Pro Bowl Kickoff Rally, where The AFC and NFC All-Star squads vs. DeAngelo Hall. Ja- players, cheerleaders and dignitaries are comprised of the consensus votes son Taylor vs. Walter Jones. The best get the celebration started. Following of fans, players and coaches. Each of the AFC going against the best is the Pro Bowl Football Festival, a group’s vote counts one-third towards of the NFC. two-day event offering games determining the 43-man rosters that That is the appeal of and entertainment for the represent the two conferences in the the , to be entire family. On Febru- Pro Bowl. Fan voting, presented by played on Saturday, Feb- ary 9, the day before the Sprint, was available on phones with ruary 10 in , game, the NFL will hold Sprint or Nextel wireless service, Hawaii and televised its “Ohana Day Cele- NFL.com and in . Nearly by CBS (6:00 ET) bration” at Aloha Sta- 70 million fan votes were registered It’s the cream vs. dium where fans can this year. The NFL is the only sports the cream. watch the two teams league that combines voting by fans, The game itself is in action. That night, coaches and players to determine its always exciting. The Honolulu’s Kalakaua all-star teams. It was the first profes- past seven Pro Bowls Avenue will be home sional to offer online have averaged almost to the Pro Bowl Block all-star voting in 1995. 70 points per game. Party where five stages This is the first year that State The Pro Bowl – always will provide continuous Farm will be the presenting sponsor a sellout – generates ap- entertainment. of the Pro Bowl. State Farm and the proximately $30 million in visi- The Official Pro Bowl Tail- NFL agreed to a three-year sponsor- tor spending each year, according to gate Party will take place on the ship agreement earlier this year, mak- state figures. morning of the game before the Pro ing the national insurer the first-ever The excitement in Hawaii begins Bowl kicks off. presenting sponsor of the game.

7 NFL REPORT college COMES TO NFL NETWORK

Salute the seniors! Saturday, January 27, the Senior Bowl (3:00 NFL Network is the new home of PM ET) features 100 of the country’s the Senior Bowl, featuring week- top senior collegiate football play- long coverage up to and in- ers and NFL prospects on cluding the game. teams representing the North Beginning on January 22, and South. The week-long NFL Network will air more practices and game are key than 21 hours of Senior tools used by NFL coaches Bowl coverage over the and scouts to judge the course of the week in- best talent in the country. cluding team practices In February, NFL Network and interviews with NFL features these top players head coaches and scouts. participating in the annual Then comes the live broad- NFL Scouting Combine at cast of the game called by Rich the RCA Dome in . Eisen, and Dick Viewers will see future NFL play- Vermeil. ers participating in a variety of drills, Played in Mobile, on including the all-important 40-yard-dash. DEL RIO & NOLAN ARE WELL-SUITED FOR SIDELINES

Their mothers must have taught them to dress for success! In Week 11 of the NFL season (No- vember 19-20), head coaches of the and of the sported blazers and ties – just like the old-time coaches used to wear – de- signed by Reebok. Wearing a wool blazer with team- color lining and a silk tie that fea- tured a repeating team-color stripe – both part of Reebok’s Prestige Sport Collection – each coach led his team to victory. Nolan came up with the idea of dressing up in 2005, when he was ap- pointed coach of the 49ers. He said he would like to honor his father, for- mer Niners Dick Nolan (1968-75), by dressing in a coat and tie as did his father and other coaches of the time. “I think it’s a respectful thing to do in the league,” said Nolan. “That goes pretty deep with me.” The NFL worked with Reebok to design the collection for its coaches. was believed to be the last NFL head coach to wear a tie and jacket on the sideline before Del Rio and Nolan. Coaches have worn team- issued clothing since 1993. The Reebok threads came packed with luck. Del Rio finished 2-0 in his sideline suit. Nolan went 1-1 in his fin- ery. Both coaches wore their outfits for a second time on December 10. Mike Nolan Jack Del Rio

NFL REPORT 8 ON TO : (l to r) NBC Universal Sports and Olympics Chairman Dick Ebersol, Miss Ren Jun of Beijing Sports Competition Management Center, and Chairman and CEO announce the Bowl. NFL EXTENDS Global BOUNDARIES – EVEN TO CHINA Football fans outside the United dinals hosted the San Francisco 49ers. States have enjoyed attending more The Patriots-Seahawks game will than 40 NFL games since 1986. Now, be televised live in China in prime- thanks to the league and the city of time by China Central Television Beijing, that number is about to grow. (CCTV), the country’s largest national NFL club owners have agreed to television network. NBC will carry the play up to two regular-season games game live to fans in the United States. outside the U.S. in each of the next Beijing’s Workers Stadium, with a ca- five years. In addition, the league’s pacity of 60,000, will host the histori- inaugural “China Bowl” game – fea- cal matchup. turing the New England Patriots and “We are proud of the Pacific North- Seahawks on August 9, 2007 west’s deep cultural and business ties – will kick off the countdown to the to China,” said Seahawks Chairman opening of the XXIX Olympic Games , whose club has previously in China. played “” preseason Both decisions further demonstrate games in , Canada, and To- the league’s commitment to reach kyo. “We look forward to developing the growing number of NFL fans and relationships surrounding this game to compete in a global sports market- that will have a lasting impact.” place. The game in China marks the Pa- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell triots’ third outside of the U.S., having has announced the five finalist cities played in and to host the league’s second regular- during the 1990s. “My family has been season game outside of the United doing business in China for nearly States next season: Cologne, Germa- 20 years and we are proud that The ny; Frankfurt; London; Mexico City; is New England’s number and . one exporter to China,” says Patriots In 2005, the largest crowd for a Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. “It is regular-season game in NFL history a privilege and honor to be selected – 103,467 – flocked to Azteca Stadium to participate in the NFL’s inaugural in Mexico City when the Car- China Bowl.”

9 NFL REPORT NFL EUROPA HAS a NEW LOOK FOR 15TH SEASON

The “new era” of NFL Europe is plan to stay here for a long time.” – Yello Strom World Bowl XV – will underway as the league has been re- Bergheim was recently appointed be held in Frankfurt, Germany on named “NFL Europa” and given a new by the league after more than 25 years Saturday, June 23. logo in advance of its 15th season. as a leading international executive “Frankfurt is the American football “I am very happy that we can pres- in advertising, sales and marketing. capital of Germany, so that makes it ent a new era of professional foot- “We are extremely pleased to wel- the perfect venue,” says Bergheim. ball in Germany and Europe with our come Uwe to the NFL,” said Mark This will be the third World Bowl in new name and logo,” says NFL Europa Waller, senior vice president of NFL Frankfrut, which hosted the champi- Managing Director Uwe Bergheim, International. “He brings a wealth onship game in 1998 and 2000. who himself is new to the league. of international marketing and man- “Frankfurt has been a terrific partner “Just one letter has been changed, agement experience to capitalize on for the NFL for 15 years and it is great but going from ‘NFL Europe’ to ‘NFL in the business opportunities we face to have the World Bowl back in this Europa’ shows how important the in Europe. He will ensure that our ag- wonderful and world-renowned city,” German and Dutch markets are for gressive strategy for the market reso- adds Waller. “We are confident that the the NFL,” continues Bergheim. “It ex- nates and is relevant with local fans.” World Bowl will illustrate, yet again, the presses the roots we have established The league announced that the broad support the NFL and NFL Europa over the past 15 years and that we NFL Europa championship game enjoy in Frankfurt and beyond.”

NFL REPORT 10 Featured on Cover of PARADE Magazine

Tedy Bruschi, great on the field and an inspiration off it, was featured in a cover story in a recent issue of PARADE magazine in an article en- titled “You Can Get Your Life Back.” The story covered the New England Patriots’ 11-year linebacker’s recov- ery from a stroke two-and-a-half years ago. It recounted Bruschi’s journey from not being able to walk and hold his children in February of 2005 to being named the NFL’s 2005 Comeback Player of the Year. The cover photo featured Tedy and his wife Heidi at the Patriots’ . The photograph illustrated the two forces that inspired Bruschi to fight to overcome the stroke: fam- ily and football. The article describes how Bruschi was motivated in his recovery by every physical improve- ment, no matter how small. His unfaltering determination and op- timism were encouraged by the sup- port he received from his family. On October 30, 2005, Bruschi returned to the field, making 10 tackles against Buffalo, inspiring his teammates, fans at Gillette Stadium, and a na- tional television audience.

11 NFL REPORT JETs HELP fund WORLD TRADE CENTER MEMORIAL

The recently extend- ed a large helping hand to turn a vi- sion into reality. Guided by the leadership of team owner , the Jets do- nated more than $300,000 in radio air time before, during, and after game broadcasts to raise awareness for the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation. The foundation oversees, designs, and will operate a memo- rial, museum, and visitor informa- tion center (partial rendering, left) on eight of the World Trade Center’s 16 acres. “The World Trade Center Memorial will create a sacred place to reflect upon the terrible events of September 11, 2001, and provide a lasting tribute to all the innocent men, women, and children who lost their lives that day,” says Johnson. “But the Memorial will also celebrate the heroic efforts of so many who jeopardized their own safety to help others.” Johnson has served on the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation’s board of directors since 2004. The radio ads, featuring Jets alumni Wayne Chrebet and , reached millions of sports fans in the New York - - Connecticut area. Chrebet and Testaverde donated their time for the cause. “As a New Yorker,” said Testaverde, “I will never forget the events of that tragic day and the heroic efforts of our police officers, firefighters and countless others who worked so hard to save the lives of innocent victims.” The foundation has raised more than $131 million of the $170 million needed for construction and planning of the memorial and museum, which will honor the thousands of people who died in both the World Trade Center attacks of February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001. Funding has come from corporations, foundations, and individuals from all 50 states and 11 countries. You can contribute to the World Trade Center Memorial through: http://www.buildthememorial.org.

NFL REPORT 12 CARDINALS UNVEIL 8-foot pat TILLMAN SCULPTURE

foot circular reflection pond. Tillman, a Cardinal from 1998- 2001, left the team to enlist in the U.S. Army and was killed in action in Af- ghanistan on April 22, 2004. The 500-pound sculpture was de- signed by Omri Amrany and Gary Tillery and took nearly nine months to complete. The sculptors worked closely with the Cardinals and Pat’s wife Marie to select an image of Till- man that would best convey his char- acter and spirit. Serving as a backdrop to the sculp- ture is a nine-foot-tall curved wall made of black concrete that mea- sures 42 feet across, symbolic of Till- man’s jersey number while at Arizona State. A brimming pool of water sits on the western side of the memorial and The recently un- is made of black concrete and stainless veiled the Pat Tillman Memorial at steel. The “pool of tranquility” has a the club’s new University of Phoenix surface area of 2,300 square feet. Stadium. The memorial includes an To the west of the memorial is a eight-foot-tall, large white-bronze grove of 40 Oak trees that symbolize sculpture (partially seen on right) of the jersey number Tillman wore with the former Cardinals safety and a 60- the Cardinals.

3 NFL REPORT Titans’ Adams awards $280,000 in scholarships

Tennessee Titans owner K.S. (Bud) $1,200 in scholarship money after A selection committee comprised Adams, Jr. has rewarded youngsters completing 50 hours of community of the principal, guidance counselor in his community who have made a service with a charitable organization and head football coach from all 300- positive impact. in their hometown. plus high schools throughout Tennes- Adams (above, left; and below, back “Community service has always see was asked to select one student row with tie) recently awarded more been important to my wife Nancy and to participate. than $280,000 to 228 Tennessee high me, as well as to the Titans’ organiza- In addition to being a member school students who participated in tion” explained Adams. of the football team, the student the Titans’ “Join the Team” scholar- “My goal with this program was two- had to have plans to attend col- ship program. fold. One, to introduce students to the lege. Academic strength, financial One high school senior from every important role of volunteerism in to- need, community involvement, and school in Tennessee -- who also was day’s society, and secondly, to allow wor- the ability to complete the required a member of their school’s football thy non-profit organizations in our com- volunteer hours were also taken team – was eligible to receive up to munity to benefit from their service.” into consideration.

NFL REPORT 14 the BARBERs DONATE $1 MILLION TO ALMA MATER

The Barber twins found an extraor- was in challenge form to encourage dinary way to spend their NFL young Virginia alumni to participate week this season. in school fund-raising. Tiki (Giants) and Ronde (Buccaneers) “We want to be an example to other Barber, both graduates of the Univer- alumni to join in this campaign,” said sity of Virginia, used their teams’ off Ronde. “The meaning of philanthropy week in October to give the school a $1 is being able to make a difference to Tiki (l) and million gift. those who helped push you up,” added The grant was split in half, with Tiki. Giants defeated the Buccaneers 17-3 $500,000 divided among the McIntire The Barbers are the 10th set of twins on October 29. Tiki has announced his School of Commerce, where both re- to play in the NFL and faced each oth- retirement from the NFL. The two will ceived their degrees, and other divi- er on the field (above) in a regular-sea- play against each other one final time sions of the school. The second half son game for the last time when the in the Pro Bowl on February 10. ST. SCHOLASTICA JOINS COLLEGES ADDING FOOTBALL

College football continues to enjoy “We have researched this opportunity Following is a list of colleges that historic levels of growth, as nearly thoroughly and find that football is a will initiate football programs in the 50 colleges and universities have in- good fit within our broader plans for future: stituted or re-instituted football pro- enrollment management, and will be COLLEGE START DATE/LEVEL grams over the past an enhancement of 10 years. campus life.” UNC-Pembroke 2007-NCAA, Div. II Birmingham Southern 2007-NCAA, Div. III The latest school to A task force Gallaudet 2007-NCAA, Div. III join this list is the Du- formed by the 94- Saint Vincent (PA) 2007-NCAA, Div. III luth-based College of year-old college ex- Faulkner 2007-NAIA St. Scholastica, which, amined the efficacy Marian (IN) 2007-NAIA beginning in 2008, will field a varsity of starting football for a year before Campbell (NC) 2008-NCAA, Div. I-AA football team for the first time in its its affirmative recommendation. Ac- Dordt 2008-NAIA history. cording to the school newspaper, The Kentucky Christian 2008-Independent “This is in the best strategic inter- Cable, approximately two-thirds of St. College of St. Scholastica 2008-NCAA, Div. III est of our college,” says Philip Role, Scholastica’s 1,985 students favored Old Dominion 2009-NCAA, Div. I-AA chair of the school’s board of trustees. adding football. Lincoln (PA) 2009-NCAA, Div. II

15 NFL REPORT Wilson Center to Help with children’s Healing

Completion is near for the new owner of the . Supportive Mary and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Chil- counseling and bereavement services dren’s Services Center. will be offered to children, adults, and The 9,200-foot one-story build- families who are dealing with loss ing in Cheektowaga, New York will and/or terminal illness. be the new home of the Life Transi- “The center will provide hope, care, tions Center -- western New York’s and dignity to patients and their fam- largest grief-counseling center -- and ily members,” said Mary Wilson. Essential Care for Children, the pedi- Founded in 1978, Hospice Buffalo atric home-care program of Hospice was one of the first hospice programs Buffalo. The project is expected to be created in the United States. The hos- completed by May of 2007. pice’s goal is to care rather than to cure, The $2.2 million center was par- and in doing so make it their responsi- tially funded by a $500,000 donation bility to keep patients, either in homes, from Hospice foundation trustee hospitals, nursing homes or adult fa- Mary Wilson and , Jr., cilities, as comfortable as possible. Ralph Wilson, Jr. RAMS EDUCATE STUDENTS ON value of DIVERSITY

The St. Louis Rams have a fully experience other’s stories gram, participants attend bimonthly long tradition of embrac- and the approach taken by training sessions that provide stu- ing diversity. the Give Respect–Get Re- dents with the tools and knowledge In 1946, a year be- spect Youth Program,” to become peer leaders within their fore Jackie Robinson says a teacher who schools and create a network linking broke ’s partook in the ef- the schools. color barrier, the fort. “The DAP, which has tackled issues Rams made his- Students and such as race, religion and disability, tory by signing educators who looks forward to bringing more issues Kenny Washing- participate in to the public forefront,” says Rams Ex- ton and Woody Give Respect – ecutive Vice President/General Counsel Strode, the first Get Respect also Bob Wallace. African-Ameri- team up with Last year, the Rams were recognized can players in the 48 Edward Jones by the Anti-Defamation League’s World modern NFL. associates, creat- of Difference Institute with the Work- In 2000, the Rams ing a link between place Diversity Award for their leader- helped launch the Di- the schools and the ship in diversity at all levels and their versity Awareness Part- workplace. Among philanthropic accomplishments across nership (DAP) and have other aspects of the pro- the St. Louis community. worked over the years to unite more than 100 organizations in an ef- fort to reduce bias and discrimination and to promote the value of inclusion and tolerance among the citizens of St. Louis. As the 2006 season kicked off, DAP, along with Edward Jones, one of the industry leaders in financial services, launched the fifth year of the Give Respect – Get Respect Youth Program, an interactive yearlong anti-bias ef- fort connecting 48 middle school and high school students and their teach- ers from 24 public and private schools throughout the region. The program aims to address diversity in today’s schools and encourage acceptance and respect. “I feel more confident in confront- ing prejudice among my students be- cause I have had the opportunity to Rams’ Give Respect-Get Respect Class of 2006

NFL REPORT 16 Jaguars Foundation wins Philanthropy Award

Delores Barr Weaver, Chair/CEO of the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, was recently presented with the 2006 Steve Patterson Sports Philanthropy Award by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Sports Philan- thropy Project. The annual award honors a sports team or athlete foundation whose work is devoted to improving the lives of others. The Jaguars Foundation was recognized for developing innovative community programs as well as for its leadership in assisting other pro- fessional sports teams in developing their own philanthropic initiatives. “Receiving an award of this caliber is an important affirmation and incentive for us to continue our work to improve the lives of those most in need in our community here in Jacksonville,” said Weaver, shown receiving the award at a recent Jaguars game. The Jaguars Foundation’s programs include “Honor Rows,” a ticket incen- tive program for low-income youth; “Official Playbooks,” which encour- ages reading and the use of public li- braries; and “Straight Talk,” a partner- ship with local television media that produces and airs an annual prime- time forum on the prevention of teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and other sexu- ally transmitted diseases. Cowboys Donate $100,000 for Hurricane Relief

In conjunction with the NFL Disaster Relief Fund, the Cowboys, represented by Execu- tive Vice President Charlotte Anderson, recently presented United Way of Metropolitan Dallas with a $100,000 check to support Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts. The funding will support United Way’s “Back On Our Feet” project, which will cooperate with other local organi- zations to help at least 25 families successfully restart businesses in that were lost when they were forced to relocate because of the storms. The program will offer workshops that help these former - based entrepreneurs understand the business en- Charlotte Anderson presents $100,000 check to Gary Godsey of United Way. vironment in Texas.

17 NFL REPORT ASK THE COMMISSIONER Questions for NFL Commissioner We could potentially use technol- incredibly passionate during the off- Roger Goodell: ogy to ensure that our players can season about the NFL Combine, the communicate with each other in an Draft, minicamps, what players do to Q: Why has the NFL decided to play opposing stadium and play at the train and get prepared for a season, a limited number of regular-season highest possible level despite the what the coaches and teams are do- games abroad beginning next season? noise. That’s what our game is about ing. The amount of interest we’re get- – our athletes and coaches competing ting from fans in those aspects of the Commissioner Goodell: We are re- at the highest possible level and be- game is extraordinary and it supports sponding to the interest in our sport ing able to execute their game plans. the broadcasting and viewership of the around the globe. The NFL has been We extended our agreement with game. Our fans want more football. We staging international preseason Motorola earlier this year. It allows us find that out every day. games since the 1980s and those to use some of the technology they games have been remarkably suc- have developed for the Defense De- Q: Are you satisfied with the NFL’s cur- cessful. A year ago, we played our first partment to facilitate communica- rent testing program and policies for regular-season game in Mexico City, tion between soldiers in the field. We performance-enhancing substances? which was a tremendous success. In are working with Motorola to deter- fact, in Mexico City we had the largest mine whether some of this technol- Commissioner Goodell: It’s a con- regular-season attendance for a sin- ogy could enhance our game. stant challenge. Technology and sci- gle game in the history of the league. There are very simple ways we’ve ence changes rapidly in these areas. I This year, the ownership approved successfully used technology in the would never say that I think we have a limited series of regular-season past. is a prime exam- this issue beaten. It is something that games to be played in our priority ple. Many of the other sports are us- we continually focus on with the NFL markets – Mexico, Canada, England, ing it now. It’s a part of the game and Players Association and our medi- and Germany. We are in the final stag- I think we need to continue to make cal advisors. We have to understand es of taking bids from interested cit- those types of improvements. what is happening in science and ies and expect to announce who will technology and make sure that we be playing and where prior to Super Q: What type of growth do you envision can stay ahead of these issues. We Bowl XLI. for the NFL Network in the future? have a comprehensive program that There are a number of teams that involves aggressive testing, but also have an interest in playing. They see Commissioner Goodell: We are education and, when necessary, dis- the benefits of global exposure. We thrilled with the NFL Network to date. cipline. are talking to all 32 of our clubs about It’s been a great way for us to deliver Our policy is well designed, com- their interest. more football to our fans. We think prehensive, and, perhaps most im- it is high quality. The production has portantly, adaptable. We currently Q: Do you foresee technology playing been outstanding. We’re proud of conduct more than 10,000 tests of our a bigger role on the football field in what has been accomplished so far. players a year, but we are in discus- the future? Looking down the line, we see sions with the union and our medical greater distribution. We think it pro- advisors to see what improvements Commissioner Goodell: We are al- vides an opportunity for fans to expe- we can make as we move forward. ways focused on making sure that rience more football. It gives them an The NFL has always had an effec- our game has as much action as pos- inside look at what NFL football is all tive drug program, but we constantly sible. One of the elements of that is about. strive to make it more effective. taking advantage of today’s technol- The thing that is really exciting to ogy to enhance the competition on me about it is giving fans football 365 Questions for Commissioner Goodell may the field. days a year. We know our fans are be sent to caseyv@.com.

NFL REPORT 18 NJ?WCPQ\RC?KQ\KGQQGML .?IGLE?%GDDCPCLAC

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