FOR USE AS DESIRED NFL

FOR USE AS DESIRED
NFL-107 11/4/04

NFL TO SALUTE TILLMAN & MILITARY FOR VETERANS DAY

The National Football League and its clubs will honor former NFL player PAT TILLMAN and the United States military this weekend and next as the nation celebrates Veterans Day (November 11).

The NFL has produced two videos for Veterans Day tributes next weekend (November

14-15).

The first, an in-stadium video to be shown by teams in pregame or during the game, is a 40-second salute to Tillman, the former Arizona Cardinals safety who joined the U.S. Army two years ago and was killed in action in Afghanistan this past April. Denver Broncos quarterback JAKE PLUMMER, who played with Tillman at Arizona State and with the Cardinals, remembers his former teammate in the video. A foundation has been started by Tillman’s family and friends to honor his memory and serve his legacy.

The NFL also produced a 30-second television message that will be shown during all game telecasts next weekend. Produced in conjunction with the Joint Chiefs of Staffs, the message salutes military families, including those of reservists and members of the National Guard. Oscar-winning actor GENE HACKMAN, a former U.S. Marine, narrates the tribute.

NFL clubs have scheduled other Veterans Day activities for this weekend and next. A sampling of some of those ceremonies:

ATLANTA FALCONS (vs. Tampa Bay): In pregame ceremonies next Sunday (November 14), the Falcons will recognize Purple Heart recipients and salute those serving in Iraq. At halftime, the USMC Silent Drill Platoon will perform.

BUFFALO BILLS (vs. NY Jets): This Sunday in pregame ceremonies, the Bills will unfurl a 20 x 40-yard flag with Air Force, Army, Marine and Navy representatives holding it during the national anthem. A moment of silence honoring veterans will be observed.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (vs. Oakland): The club has scheduled a military salute for this Sunday’s pregame. The ceremonies will include a five-service presentation of colors; 50 state flags exhibited with a 50-rifle salute; a 35’ x 50’ American flag displayed by veterans from the Charlotte fire, police, EMS and sheriff’s departments; a POW/MIA recognition of Col. QUINCY COLLINS (RET), a seven-year Hanoi prisoner of war; a $5,000 check presentation to the North Carolina Air National Guard; and a fly-over by four F-16s Vipers. Halftime will include a September 11 recognition.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (vs. Minnesota): Following a performance of the national anthem next Sunday (November 14) by the University of Wisconsin (Madison) band, there will be a fly-by by four F-18s Navy jets.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (vs. Detroit): The team has planned pregame, game and halftime activities for next Sunday (November 14).

Outside the stadium, there will be a military vehicle display, and 60,000 flag posters will be distributed to fans upon entry to the stadium. In pregame activities, there will be a 50-person Navy re-enlistment ceremony; a 10-veteran color guard (representing various wars and conflicts); a U.S. Navy jet fly-over; and two Medal of Honor recipients serving as honorary captains during the coin toss. During the game, there will be video screen messages from military personnel abroad, and at halftime the U.S. Navy Parachute Team "Leapfrogs" will land on the field.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (vs. Arizona): The team has scheduled a range of military activities for this Sunday.

The Dolphins will host a Coast Guard re-enlistment ceremony in pregame, followed by the national anthem, with local veterans and their families on the field, and a fly-over. Vice Admiral THAD ALLEN, chief of staff, U.S. Coast Guard, will toss the coin.

NEW YORK GIANTS (vs. Chicago): In their game this Sunday, the Giants will feature a full joint color guard, a representative of the U.S. Navy singing the national anthem, and three wounded veterans from Iraq serving as honorary captains. At halftime, the West Point Cadets Silent Drill team will perform.

ST. LOUIS RAMS (vs. New England): Several hundred local military personnel will attend this Sunday’s game as guests of the Rams. The day will include a patriotic-themed giveaway, special pregame and halftime activities that include a military pass-and-review with a four-star general, color guards of the five service branches, and a performance by a military band.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (vs. Carolina): Next Sunday (November 14), the 49ers will feature the unfurling of a giant triangular flag by members of the military, a joint services color guard, 100 Air Force cadets sworn in to active duty, and an F-15 flyover.