2/2/02                                     

 

NFL SCHOLARSHIPS SUPPORT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM HOMETOWN COMMUNITIES OF AMERICANS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN

 

The National Football League and its players have contributed more than $300,000 to establish annual scholarships for deserving students in memory of CIA Intelligence Officer JOHNNY (MIKE) SPANN and U.S. Marine Sgt. JEANNETTE WINTERS – the first American man and woman killed in Afghanistan.

NFL Commissioner PAUL TAGLIABUE made the announcement today during Super Bowl XXXVI Week activities in New Orleans.

Spann graduated from Winfield H.S. in Winfield, Ala., where he played running back and wide receiver on the school’s football team. Sgt. Winters was a member of the track team at Calumet High School in Gary, Ind.

“Both individuals set an example of bravery, leadership and love of country,” Commissioner Tagliabue said. “The NFL family is proud that we will be able to help carry on the tremendous legacy that both Officer Spann and Sgt. Winters leave behind.”

Annual scholarships totaling $10,000 in memory of Officer Spann will benefit graduating football players from Winfield and other high schools in Marion County, Ala. Scholarships for an identical amount in memory of Sgt. Winters will be awarded to graduating female athletes in Gary (Ind.) high schools.

JOE HUBBERT, the football coach at Winfield High School when Officer Spann was a student-athlete, was present at the Super Bowl for the announcement.

“Mike (Spann) thought that young people were the strength of America,” Coach Hubbert said. “This NFL scholarship in his memory is a great honor. The entire community is proud of Mike and of the NFL recognition.”

LEROY MILLER, principal of Calumet High School, represented the city of Gary, Ind., at the Winters’ announcement in New Orleans.

“Our school system is definitely excited about this tremendous gesture by the NFL,” Miller said. “We have a great number of students who will benefit from the NFL’s scholarship in Sgt. Winters’ name.”

The scholarships, which were established by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, will be presented for the first time this spring.

#          #          #