Contacts:

Chris Widmaier/Andrew Fink
212-450-2066/2079
widmaierc@nfl.com/finka@nfl.com

NEW YORK, September 15, 1999 -- Vice President Al Gore joined an elite roster of players yesterday, including former NFL Man of the Year Darrell Green of the Washington Redskins, at a Washington, DC middle school on Tuesday, September 14, as the NFL celebrated Play Football Day.

This national celebration brought awareness to boys, girls and their parents of the many NFL youth programs in their communities. The Vice President reinforced the need for healthy after school choices and praised the NFL for providing those options for kids both in and after-school.

"I want to thank the NFL for the commitment they are demonstrating here today," said the Vice President. "Lincoln Middle School is one of many schools around the country where flag football is being made possible by the NFL. This is among a variety of after school programs that have been endorsed and supported by the NFL. I am a big football fan, and an even bigger fan of the NFL, after seeing the commitment to after school programs they have demonstrated today."

Additionally, NFL players in all 31 NFL cities interacted with boys and girls, promoting the many youth programs now offered by the league, including NFL Flag, Junior Player Development, in-school football curriculum and the NFL’s longest-running youth program, Gatorade Punt, Pass and Kick. Players from all 31 teams spoke to students in their area, attended a local youth football league practice or hosted a clinic for area kids. All clubs distribute Play Football t-shirts and a Play Football tips booklet to kids in conjunction with their event.

"We are creating programs that reach kids wherever they are, at home, in schools, in parks," said NFL Properties President Sara Levinson. "Though building for our own future, the goal of the programs is to teach kid fundamentals that will help them succeed on the field and in life."

Five million boys and girls, ages 6-14, are expected to take part in NFL youth football programs this year. Check the league’s website (nfl.com) or call 1-800-NFL-SNAP for more information.

The Washington D.C. event featured Vice President Al Gore at one of the 12,000 schools nationwide participating in NFL programs. Students from Abraham Lincoln Middle School will demonstrated NFL Flag Scholastic with the help of Washington Redskins CB Darrell Green, Atlanta Falcons RB Jamal Anderson, Baltimore Ravens tackle Jonathan Ogden, New York Giants CB Jason Sehorn, and Tennessee Titans QB Steve McNair.

NFL Flag is community and school-based flag football leagues for boys and girls, ages 6-14, that develop basic skills in a fun, non-contact atmosphere. The game is structured to suit all ages groups and all playing abilities.

Other NFL youth programs include Junior Player Development the league’s first tackle football program for kids, ages 12-14. This free, after-school program was tested successfully in New York this spring and will roll out to 10 additional NFL markets in spring 2000.

Play Football Day highlighted September’s Play Football Month program by the NFL, its clubs, all NFL partners, the players and many local youth organizations, encouraging all of its fans to learn more about its youth programs. Following is a list of individual club activities on Play Football Day: