For Immediate Release                                           Contact:          Brian McCarthy, 212-450-2069
                                                                                                   Meghan Powers, 212-450-2161

 

NFL SALUTES “EVERYDAY HEROES” IN THE COMMUNITY
DURING THE PLAYOFFS

 

New York, N.Y., January 11, 2002—The NFL will dedicate the 2001 playoffs to the members of the military and “Everyday Heroes” -- Americans who serve others to improve their communities.

The NFL and its clubs will not only acknowledge military, police and firemen who have been in public eye since the September 11 attacks, but also the “Everyday Heroes” who make a difference in the community every day.  In addition to a military color guard presence for each rendition of the national anthem, the NFL playoff teams will invite 500 military, police, firemen, teachers, post office employees and public safety personnel to the games as their guests and honor them during pregame and halftime presentations.

Among the team activities:

·        The Packers will distribute tickets to local police, firemen, and Lambeau Field renovation workers and their families.  There also will be a military flyover and pregame flag ceremony that will include a scoreboard message and PA announcement recognizing Everyday Heroes and military.  One hundred local firemen and police will be on field to hold a large U.S. flag during the national anthem. 

·        The Dolphins will distribute 500 tickets to the US Southern Command, consisting of National Guard, Army Reserve, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Color Guard.  Tickets also will be distributed to the Homestead Air Force Base, fire rescue and police of two counties, and Army Recruiting.  There will be a live presentation saluting groups before anthem while 200 will hold the U.S. flag.  A human tunnel for the teams will be formed by 100 of the “Everyday Heroes.” 

·        The Eagles will distribute tickets to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard in addition to teachers, firefighters, police, unions, and charitable groups.  There will be also be a PA announcement saluting the guests.  A fly over of four F-16s will take place while the Color Guard stands at attention on field during the anthem.  Honorary guests will include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the United Way, and the Red Cross.  Former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworksi will be honorary captain of the game.

·        The Steelers will honor guests from the Color Guard and City Services, including the Fire Department, city and county police, and EMS personnel.   

·        The Raiders will distribute tickets to Marines and Air Force personnel, along with Oakland Firefighters and Police.  About 265 of the Everyday Heroes will be on field to hold 100-yard flag during the national anthem.  A video featuring Ray Charles performing “America the Beautiful” will play while the flag is brought onto field.

·         The Rams will invite local firefighters and police as well as military personnel to the Rams’ January 20 NFC Divisional Playoff Game.  More than 200 “Everyday Heroes” will help unfurl flag on field.

#          #          #