NFL Report:  The Commissioner's View  --  Fall 1998
INVESTING IN THE GAME

One of the great buzzwords of the ’90s is “globalization.” To be sure, we in the NFL have been involved in our share of globalization. But an interesting thing happens when the topic is discussed at league meetings. Invariably, at least one club owner will take the opportunity to remind everyone in the room about another critical priority––the state of the game here at home.

The comment usually goes something like this: “I think it’s great what we’re doing with our game internationally. But I hope we also continue to do everything we can to support youth football here in the United States.”

It is a caution that does not go unheeded. The NFL’s support of youth football is a time-honored tradition, dating at least as far back as the 1940s when the Browns, under Paul Brown’s leadership, sponsored youth football in the Cleveland area. In the 1960s, the NFL and its clubs started the popular Punt, Pass & Kick competition for kids, sponsored first by Ford and now by Gatorade.

In recent years, we have expanded our involvement in youth football. As the representative of football at its highest level, the NFL carries a responsibility to the game at large. Our job is to invest in the game and ensure that young people continue to have an opportunity to enjoy it. Sure, it helps create future NFL players and fans. But participation in youth football carries its own intrinsic rewards. Not everyone can play in the NFL, but just about anyone can experience the joy of playing football and learning the many life skills taught by participation in the game.

Here is a list of some of the ways the NFL and its clubs invest in youth football:

• The $100 Million Youth Football Fund created by the NFL and the NFL Players Association helps fund tackle football leagues associated with the YMCA, Pop Warner, Police Athletic League, National Recreation & Parks Association, Boys & Girls Clubs, Amateur Athletic Union, and the Jewish Community Center.

• NFL Community Football Fields Program funds construction or restoration of community football fields.

• NFL Charities awards grants to: (1) free youth football camps and clinics organized by current NFL players; (2) NFL clubs that create local flag-football leagues; and (3) Special Olympics for football skills events for young physically challenged athletes.

• High school football is recognized through NFL team high school coach of the week programs, the national NFL High School Football Coach of the Year award, an annual two-page salute to high school football in USA Today, and a new NFL Internet site dedicated to the high school game.

• NFL “Play Football” programs reach more than 3 million young people who participating in NFL Flag leagues in 20 NFL markets, NFL C.I.T.Y. Football leagues in nine NFL cities, and Gatorade’s Punt, Pass & Kick throughout the nation, including 8,000 schools.

• National network television promotional campaigns encourage young people to “Play Football.”

• NFL game officials assist high school and college officiating programs.

Now, it’s time to kick off another year of football––not just for the NFL, but also for millions of Americans of all ages who enjoy playing the game.

To all, have a great season!