Find your Local United Way
United Way / NFL Hometown Huddle
Since 1999, NFL teams have participated in a variety of hands-on community service projects with United Way, known collectively as Hometown Huddle. The Hometown Huddle events take place annually in NFL markets on the same day in October and represent a snapshot of some of the volunteer activities in which NFL teams participate year round with local United Ways and their agencies.
This year, as part of a national campaign to tackle childhood obesity, the NFL and United Way worked together to help kids get more active. For example, launching HOPSports™ youth fitness zones, rebuilding neighborhood playgrounds and hosting youth football clinics among other fitness-related activities.
Read on to learn more about your favorite team’s Hometown Huddle.
Arizona Cardinals
Valley of the Sun United Way partnered with the Arizona Cardinals to install a fitness zone in the Mercy Court community. The intention of this effort is to encourage kids to become more active and create awareness of the value of proper exercise and nutrition. Participating players included Roderick Hood and Lance Long.
Atlanta Falcons
United Way of Metro Atlanta utilized the entire Atlanta Falcons team, as well as the cheerleaders and team owner Arthur Blank to visit 12 different sites to promote physical fitness and proper nutrition. The team delivered new athletic equipment to United Way agencies and area schools to encourage youth to participate in regular exercise activities. Featured players included Matt Ryan and Michael Turner.
Read more about the Falcons/United Way Hometown Huddle
Baltimore Ravens
Volunteers recruited by United Way of Central Maryland joined Daniel Wilcox of the Baltimore Ravens to hand over the keys to a newly refurbished house to Dynetta Wilson and her daughter Egypt. The Ravens worked with the Habitat for Humanity over a two-month period to transform the home by working diligently every Tuesday to invest their time, energy and resources to make a family’s dream come true.
Read more about the Ravens/United Way Hometown Huddle
Buffalo Bills
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County teamed with the Buffalo Bills to show students at Southside Elementary how to use the HOPSports system, an interactive fitness training system which teaches kids about the importance of physical fitness and nutrition. Participating players included James Hardy, Robert Royal, Donte Whitner and George Wilson.
Read more about the Bills/United Way Hometown Huddle
Carolina Panthers
United Way of Central Carolinas and the Carolina Panthers hosted children from a YWCA transitional housing program for an afternoon field trip of white-water rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The Center is dedicated to promoting healthy, active and outdoor lifestyle options including climbing, biking and hiking. The kids enjoyed a nutritious dinner with players, cheerleaders and the team mascot. Participating players included Geoff Hangartner, Jordan Gross,
Nate Salley and Frank Omiyale.
Read more about the Panthers/United Way Hometown Huddle
Chicago Bears
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago teamed up with the Chicago Bears to promote health and fitness to students participating in the United Way Latino Initiative which is operated through a partnership with the Cicero Youth Task Force. The Bears Fitness Zone was unveiled at Morton East High School in Cicero. The team and Life Fitness provided financial support and equipment to paint and upgrade the facilities. With over 100 students in attendance, each player personally coached a group of students through fitness drills. Participating players included Earl Bennett, Kellen Davis, Matt Forte, Caleb Hanie, Marcus Harrison, Craig Steltz, Chris Williams, Ervin Baldwin, Cody Balogh, Zackary Bowman and Joey LaRocque.
Read more about the Bears/United Way Hometown Huddle
Cincinnati Bengals
The Marvin Lewis Community Fund, 35 players from the Cincinnati Bengals and 300 United Way of Greater Cincinnati volunteers installed a youth fitness course at College Hill Pool and Park. Activities included planting, painting and setting up a basketball court. The collective efforts resulted in transforming the park with state-of-the-art equipment. Featured players included Ryan Fitzpatrick, Levi Jones, Antonio Chatman and Kenny Watson.
Read more about the Bengals/United Way Hometown Huddle
Cleveland Browns
United Way of Greater Cleveland, Cleveland Browns players and staff, and other community volunteers worked together on a day-long project to create an outdoor play area and indoor fitness zone. The installation at Bellefaire Monarch School which serves the needs of children with autism included treadmills, cycles, a bouncy bounce, zig-zag balance beam, an airbounder and a sensory garden specially designed for autistic children. Participating players included Andra Davis, Brodney Pool, Brady Quinn, Kris Griffin, Mike Adams and Shaun Smith.
Read more about the Browns/United Way Hometown Huddle
Dallas Cowboys
United Way of Tarrant County with the support of the Dallas Cowboys rookies painted the Fitness Zone at the Salvation Army Arlington Corps. The area contains new fitness equipment and the Cowboys players instructed youths on the proper training routine. The objective was to encourage youths to get active.
Read more about the Cowboys/United Way Hometown Huddle
Denver Broncos
Mile High United Way and the Denver Broncos led a group of kids from the eight different branches of their local Boys & Girls Clubs in a Fun Walk at the stadium as a way of encouraging youth to be physically active. The walk was a two lap race around the stadium with an exercise station halfway where participants competed in stair runs, jumping jacks and other competitive activities. Besides getting the opportunity to interact with fans, the objective of the Fun Walk was to encourage a healthy lifestyle to the youth. Participating players included Jack Williams, Niko Koutourides, Wesley Woodyard, Darrell Hackney, Louis Green, Ryan Clady, Carlton Powell, Calvin Lowry and Eddie Royal.
Read more about the Broncos/United Way Hometown Huddle
Detroit Lions
United Way of Southeastern Michigan teamed with the Lions to refurbish a fitness room at the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan. The HOPSports Training System was also donated to the Fauver-Martin Club to encourage local kids to participate in fitness activities. The interactive system utilizes technology to get youths to exercise properly while having fun.
Participating players included Jordon Dizon, Allen Ervin, Andre Fluellen, Eric Fowler, Mike Furrey, Jason Hanson, Nick Harris, Calvin Johnson, Shaun McDonald, Brandon Middleton, Langston Moorel, Ryan Nece, Dan Orlovsky, Cory Redding, Corey Smith, Kevin Smith and Roary the Mascot.
Read more about the Lions/United Way Hometown Huddle
Green Bay Packers
United Way of Brown County and the Packers joined students from Beaumont Elementary School to put the finishing touches on the school’s newly-installed playground equipment by spreading wood chips—more than six feet high—to provide a soft, safe surface on which to play. The kids earned the honor to help the players by writing essays that answered the question, “Why is it important to give back to your community?” After the work was done Packers players encouraged the students to get engaged with physical activity to build strength, coordination and imagination with an overall objective to improve fitness. Participating players included Charley Peprah, Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge, Tony Moll, Brett Swain and Tracy White.
Read more about the Packers/United Way Hometown Huddle
Houston Texans
United Way of Greater Houston and the Texans introduced the HOPSports Training System to students at Youngblood Intermediate School in the Alief School District. The school population is diverse and home to a large group of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Rookie players from the Texans led the students through a series of stretching exercises, warm-up drills and interactive games featuring the HOPSports Training System. The students were also encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating habits, physical fitness and academic achievement. Participating players included Frank Okam, Xavier Adibi, Dominque Barber, Alex Brink, Duane Brown, Darnell Jackson, Jesse Nading and Steve Slaton.
Read more about the Texans/United Way Hometown Huddle
Indianapolis Colts
United Way of Central Indiana partnered with the Colts to host a fitness/nutrition event at the John H. Boner Community Center. Over 100 area students ranging in ages from 7 – 12 participated in a series of five fitness stations which promoted fitness and nutrition. The students were also provided with information on the importance of staying fit and eating right.
Read more about the Colts/United Way Hometown Huddle
Jacksonville Jaguars
United Way of Northeast Florida teamed up with the Jacksonville Jaguars to pay tribute to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Jaguars players led the youths from area community agencies through a series of Olympic style games, such as relay races, high jump contests and human wheel barrow competitions. In addition, the players promoted the importance of regular exercise and the value of teamwork.
Kansas City Chiefs
Working with United Way of Greater Kansas City, nearly 300 volunteers joined the Chiefs player Derrick Johnson to construct a playground for Operation Breakthrough in a single day. The result doubled the size of the playground area and added new equipment better suited for school-aged children. The objective of this effort is to encourage children to stay active and physically fit.
Read more about the Chiefs/United Way Hometown Huddle
Miami Dolphins
United Way of Broward County and the Dolphins worked with the Transitional Independent Living Initiative to fund fitness equipment and park rentals. The group is designed to assist foster care children as they transition to the “real world” through the efforts of concerned volunteers. The Dolphins players and cheerleaders spent time with local kids and discussed the importance of youth health and fitness in an effort to encourage the kids to stay fit and raise awareness about proper nutrition. Participating players included Greg Camarillo, Renaldo Hill and Michael Lehan.
Read more about the Dolphins/United Way Hometown Huddle
Minnesota Vikings
Greater Twin Cities United Way worked with the Vikings to conduct a household goods and clothing drive and encouraged people to donate their old workout gear in an effort to promote everyone to engage in an active lifestyle.
Read more about the Vikings/United Way Hometown Huddle
New England Patriots
Together with United Way of Rhode Island, the Patriots launched a HOPSports program with the Boys & Girls Club of East Providence. The program is an interactive system that utilizes innovative technology to show youth how to have fun while exercising and teaches them about proper nutrition. The players reinforced the basic concepts of United Way’s Kids Success Curriculum program through a workshop focused on the importance of regular exercise and proper nutrition.
New Orleans Saints
United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area and the Saints emphasized the importance of youth fitness by working to ‘jump start’ a local school’s physical education department. Saints players, cheerleaders and team owner Rita Benson LeBlanc were paired up with 48 students to build and paint picnic tables and benches to beautify the school’s new courtyard. The project also included the purchase of new athletic equipment. So after a lunch break, the students and players utilized the newly donated equipment to participate in a field day featuring various athletic competitions. Participating players included Billy Miller, Mike McKenzie, Skyler Green and Troy Evans.
Read more about the Saints/United Way Hometown Huddle
New York Giants
Together with United Way of Bergen County, the Giants helped to build a playground at the Vincent Tibbs Community Center in Englewood, New Jersey.
New York Jets
United Way of Morris County along with the Jets participated in a ceremony to recognize the renovations that have been undertaken at Beechcrest Park in Florham Park, New Jersey. The entire renovation project, estimated at close to $150,000, included a fitness cluster in the play area, installation of a new basketball court, swings, park benches, a backstop and trash receptacles. The day concluded with players joining the kids for a short game of flag football. Participating players included James Dearth, Vernon Gholston, Dustin Keller, Dwight Lowery, Erik Ainge, Marcus Henry, Jehuu Caulcrick, Kenwin Cummings and Ropati Pitoitua.
Read more about the Jets/United Way Hometown Huddle
Oakland Raiders
United Way of the Bay Area played host to the Raiders who talked to kids at the Tassafaronga Recreation Center about the importance of staying active and physically fit.
Philadelphia Eagles
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s community-impact funded agency, Shepard Recreation Center, had an Ultimate Fitness Circuit system installed courtesy of the Eagles. The center will utilize the system during their accredited after-school program to encourage regular exercise and good health. Players and cheerleaders demonstrated proper exercise techniques along with interacting with the kids to encourage them to get active. Participating players included Trevor Laws, A.J. Feeley, Kevin Curtis and Kevin Kolb.
Read more about the Eagles/United Way Hometown Huddle
Pittsburgh Steelers
United Way of Allegheny County worked with the Steelers to build a youth fitness zone at the Steel Valley Salvation Army in QB Charlie Batch’s hometown of Homestead, Pennsylvania. The fitness area was painted in the team’s colors of black and gold and included the same kind of workout equipment that the Steelers have in their weight room. There were activities to test agility and reaction and video games that required physical movement rather than just clicking buttons on a controller. The idea was to encourage kids to be healthy and active. Participating players included Charlie Batch, Tony Hills and Limas Sweed.
Read more about the Steelers/United Way Hometown Huddle
San Diego Chargers
United Way of San Diego, players and cheerleaders from the Chargers and thousands of volunteers sold special edition newspapers to raise money for Children’s Hospital and Health Center. Participating players included Antoine Cason, Jacob Hester, Mike Scifres, Jacques Cesaire, Marques Harris, Malcom Floyd, Ryon Bingham, Antwan Applewhite, Steve Gregory, Tra Battle, Mike Tolbert and Cletis Gordon.
Read more about the Chargers/United Way Hometown Huddle
San Francisco 49ers
United Way of the Bay Area worked with the 49ers to revamp the Precita Valley Community Center that targets low-income youth in the Mission District. This project involved painting the site, installing new exercise equipment, adding a garden and interior design. Team owner John York wanted to demonstrate respect for the community by enhancing a neighborhood area where children can engage in safe recreational activities. Participating players included Kentwan Balmer, Isaac Bruce, Atiyyah Ellison, Bryant Johnson and Michael Lewis.
Read more about the 49ers/United Way Hometown Huddle
Seattle Seahawks
United Way of King County will work with Seahawks players, the cheerleading squad, the Sea Gals and the team mascot to visit First Place School—an elementary school and social services agency for children and families struggling with the risks and realities of homelessness. The team is purchasing physical activity equipment for the school.
St. Louis Rams
Working with United Way of Greater St. Louis, Rams players, off-duty military personnel and Scott AFB Youth Center staff worked together to provide about 200 local kids with health and fitness instruction. In addition the group shared examples of ways they can be active for at least 60 minutes daily by having the kids go through three workout stations. HOPSports, the interactive fitness system which uses video technology to teach kids about exercise and nutrition, served as the first stop. The second station featured instructions on various touchdown celebration dances and the final station focused on discussions regarding character building and life skills. Participating players included Trent Green, Chris Draft, John Greco, Derek Stanley, Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Matt Cadell and Roy Schuening.
Read more about the Rams/United Way Hometown Huddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
United Way of Tampa Bay and the Buccaneers introduced kids from Interbay Boys and Girls Club to the HOPSports Training System. The interactive system is designed as a circuit training program to enhance physical fitness and children’s wellness in a fun way. The players led the kids through a series of exercise routines and stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness. Participating players included Andrew Economos, Adam Hayward, Elbert Mack, Phillip Buchanon and John Gilmore.
Read more about the Buccaneers/United Way Hometown Huddle
Tennessee Titans
United Way of Metro Nashville and the Tennessee Titans teamed up to present the importance of youth fitness at a local nonprofit agency. On hand were 130 school-aged children plus several Tennessee Titans players and cheerleaders. At the conclusion of the event, the Titans presented the agency with a check for $5,000 for ReCharge! Energizing After-School™, the first nationally-distributed after-school program that full integrates nutrition and physical activity through teamwork-based strategies for youth in grades 3-6.
Washington Redskins
United Way worked with the Washington Redskins to promote youth health and fitness through the installation of two HOPSports Fitness Training Systems for local kids in Alexandria, Virginia and Prince George’s County, Maryland. The interactive system shows kids a fun method of exercising while also teaching them about proper nutrition. Participating players included Andrew Crummey, Justin Tryon and Leigh Torrence.
This year, as part of a national campaign to tackle childhood obesity, the NFL and United Way worked together to help kids get more active. For example, launching HOPSports™ youth fitness zones, rebuilding neighborhood playgrounds and hosting youth football clinics among other fitness-related activities.
Read on to learn more about your favorite team’s Hometown Huddle.
Arizona Cardinals
Valley of the Sun United Way partnered with the Arizona Cardinals to install a fitness zone in the Mercy Court community. The intention of this effort is to encourage kids to become more active and create awareness of the value of proper exercise and nutrition. Participating players included Roderick Hood and Lance Long.
Atlanta Falcons
United Way of Metro Atlanta utilized the entire Atlanta Falcons team, as well as the cheerleaders and team owner Arthur Blank to visit 12 different sites to promote physical fitness and proper nutrition. The team delivered new athletic equipment to United Way agencies and area schools to encourage youth to participate in regular exercise activities. Featured players included Matt Ryan and Michael Turner.
Read more about the Falcons/United Way Hometown Huddle
Baltimore Ravens
Volunteers recruited by United Way of Central Maryland joined Daniel Wilcox of the Baltimore Ravens to hand over the keys to a newly refurbished house to Dynetta Wilson and her daughter Egypt. The Ravens worked with the Habitat for Humanity over a two-month period to transform the home by working diligently every Tuesday to invest their time, energy and resources to make a family’s dream come true.
Read more about the Ravens/United Way Hometown Huddle
Buffalo Bills
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County teamed with the Buffalo Bills to show students at Southside Elementary how to use the HOPSports system, an interactive fitness training system which teaches kids about the importance of physical fitness and nutrition. Participating players included James Hardy, Robert Royal, Donte Whitner and George Wilson.
Read more about the Bills/United Way Hometown Huddle
Carolina Panthers
United Way of Central Carolinas and the Carolina Panthers hosted children from a YWCA transitional housing program for an afternoon field trip of white-water rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The Center is dedicated to promoting healthy, active and outdoor lifestyle options including climbing, biking and hiking. The kids enjoyed a nutritious dinner with players, cheerleaders and the team mascot. Participating players included Geoff Hangartner, Jordan Gross,
Nate Salley and Frank Omiyale.
Read more about the Panthers/United Way Hometown Huddle
Chicago Bears
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago teamed up with the Chicago Bears to promote health and fitness to students participating in the United Way Latino Initiative which is operated through a partnership with the Cicero Youth Task Force. The Bears Fitness Zone was unveiled at Morton East High School in Cicero. The team and Life Fitness provided financial support and equipment to paint and upgrade the facilities. With over 100 students in attendance, each player personally coached a group of students through fitness drills. Participating players included Earl Bennett, Kellen Davis, Matt Forte, Caleb Hanie, Marcus Harrison, Craig Steltz, Chris Williams, Ervin Baldwin, Cody Balogh, Zackary Bowman and Joey LaRocque.
Read more about the Bears/United Way Hometown Huddle
Cincinnati Bengals
The Marvin Lewis Community Fund, 35 players from the Cincinnati Bengals and 300 United Way of Greater Cincinnati volunteers installed a youth fitness course at College Hill Pool and Park. Activities included planting, painting and setting up a basketball court. The collective efforts resulted in transforming the park with state-of-the-art equipment. Featured players included Ryan Fitzpatrick, Levi Jones, Antonio Chatman and Kenny Watson.
Read more about the Bengals/United Way Hometown Huddle
Cleveland Browns
United Way of Greater Cleveland, Cleveland Browns players and staff, and other community volunteers worked together on a day-long project to create an outdoor play area and indoor fitness zone. The installation at Bellefaire Monarch School which serves the needs of children with autism included treadmills, cycles, a bouncy bounce, zig-zag balance beam, an airbounder and a sensory garden specially designed for autistic children. Participating players included Andra Davis, Brodney Pool, Brady Quinn, Kris Griffin, Mike Adams and Shaun Smith.
Read more about the Browns/United Way Hometown Huddle
Dallas Cowboys
United Way of Tarrant County with the support of the Dallas Cowboys rookies painted the Fitness Zone at the Salvation Army Arlington Corps. The area contains new fitness equipment and the Cowboys players instructed youths on the proper training routine. The objective was to encourage youths to get active.
Read more about the Cowboys/United Way Hometown Huddle
Denver Broncos
Mile High United Way and the Denver Broncos led a group of kids from the eight different branches of their local Boys & Girls Clubs in a Fun Walk at the stadium as a way of encouraging youth to be physically active. The walk was a two lap race around the stadium with an exercise station halfway where participants competed in stair runs, jumping jacks and other competitive activities. Besides getting the opportunity to interact with fans, the objective of the Fun Walk was to encourage a healthy lifestyle to the youth. Participating players included Jack Williams, Niko Koutourides, Wesley Woodyard, Darrell Hackney, Louis Green, Ryan Clady, Carlton Powell, Calvin Lowry and Eddie Royal.
Read more about the Broncos/United Way Hometown Huddle
Detroit Lions
United Way of Southeastern Michigan teamed with the Lions to refurbish a fitness room at the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan. The HOPSports Training System was also donated to the Fauver-Martin Club to encourage local kids to participate in fitness activities. The interactive system utilizes technology to get youths to exercise properly while having fun.
Participating players included Jordon Dizon, Allen Ervin, Andre Fluellen, Eric Fowler, Mike Furrey, Jason Hanson, Nick Harris, Calvin Johnson, Shaun McDonald, Brandon Middleton, Langston Moorel, Ryan Nece, Dan Orlovsky, Cory Redding, Corey Smith, Kevin Smith and Roary the Mascot.
Read more about the Lions/United Way Hometown Huddle
Green Bay Packers
United Way of Brown County and the Packers joined students from Beaumont Elementary School to put the finishing touches on the school’s newly-installed playground equipment by spreading wood chips—more than six feet high—to provide a soft, safe surface on which to play. The kids earned the honor to help the players by writing essays that answered the question, “Why is it important to give back to your community?” After the work was done Packers players encouraged the students to get engaged with physical activity to build strength, coordination and imagination with an overall objective to improve fitness. Participating players included Charley Peprah, Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge, Tony Moll, Brett Swain and Tracy White.
Read more about the Packers/United Way Hometown Huddle
Houston Texans
United Way of Greater Houston and the Texans introduced the HOPSports Training System to students at Youngblood Intermediate School in the Alief School District. The school population is diverse and home to a large group of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Rookie players from the Texans led the students through a series of stretching exercises, warm-up drills and interactive games featuring the HOPSports Training System. The students were also encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating habits, physical fitness and academic achievement. Participating players included Frank Okam, Xavier Adibi, Dominque Barber, Alex Brink, Duane Brown, Darnell Jackson, Jesse Nading and Steve Slaton.
Read more about the Texans/United Way Hometown Huddle
Indianapolis Colts
United Way of Central Indiana partnered with the Colts to host a fitness/nutrition event at the John H. Boner Community Center. Over 100 area students ranging in ages from 7 – 12 participated in a series of five fitness stations which promoted fitness and nutrition. The students were also provided with information on the importance of staying fit and eating right.
Read more about the Colts/United Way Hometown Huddle
Jacksonville Jaguars
United Way of Northeast Florida teamed up with the Jacksonville Jaguars to pay tribute to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Jaguars players led the youths from area community agencies through a series of Olympic style games, such as relay races, high jump contests and human wheel barrow competitions. In addition, the players promoted the importance of regular exercise and the value of teamwork.
Kansas City Chiefs
Working with United Way of Greater Kansas City, nearly 300 volunteers joined the Chiefs player Derrick Johnson to construct a playground for Operation Breakthrough in a single day. The result doubled the size of the playground area and added new equipment better suited for school-aged children. The objective of this effort is to encourage children to stay active and physically fit.
Read more about the Chiefs/United Way Hometown Huddle
Miami Dolphins
United Way of Broward County and the Dolphins worked with the Transitional Independent Living Initiative to fund fitness equipment and park rentals. The group is designed to assist foster care children as they transition to the “real world” through the efforts of concerned volunteers. The Dolphins players and cheerleaders spent time with local kids and discussed the importance of youth health and fitness in an effort to encourage the kids to stay fit and raise awareness about proper nutrition. Participating players included Greg Camarillo, Renaldo Hill and Michael Lehan.
Read more about the Dolphins/United Way Hometown Huddle
Minnesota Vikings
Greater Twin Cities United Way worked with the Vikings to conduct a household goods and clothing drive and encouraged people to donate their old workout gear in an effort to promote everyone to engage in an active lifestyle.
Read more about the Vikings/United Way Hometown Huddle
New England Patriots
Together with United Way of Rhode Island, the Patriots launched a HOPSports program with the Boys & Girls Club of East Providence. The program is an interactive system that utilizes innovative technology to show youth how to have fun while exercising and teaches them about proper nutrition. The players reinforced the basic concepts of United Way’s Kids Success Curriculum program through a workshop focused on the importance of regular exercise and proper nutrition.
New Orleans Saints
United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area and the Saints emphasized the importance of youth fitness by working to ‘jump start’ a local school’s physical education department. Saints players, cheerleaders and team owner Rita Benson LeBlanc were paired up with 48 students to build and paint picnic tables and benches to beautify the school’s new courtyard. The project also included the purchase of new athletic equipment. So after a lunch break, the students and players utilized the newly donated equipment to participate in a field day featuring various athletic competitions. Participating players included Billy Miller, Mike McKenzie, Skyler Green and Troy Evans.
Read more about the Saints/United Way Hometown Huddle
New York Giants
Together with United Way of Bergen County, the Giants helped to build a playground at the Vincent Tibbs Community Center in Englewood, New Jersey.
New York Jets
United Way of Morris County along with the Jets participated in a ceremony to recognize the renovations that have been undertaken at Beechcrest Park in Florham Park, New Jersey. The entire renovation project, estimated at close to $150,000, included a fitness cluster in the play area, installation of a new basketball court, swings, park benches, a backstop and trash receptacles. The day concluded with players joining the kids for a short game of flag football. Participating players included James Dearth, Vernon Gholston, Dustin Keller, Dwight Lowery, Erik Ainge, Marcus Henry, Jehuu Caulcrick, Kenwin Cummings and Ropati Pitoitua.
Read more about the Jets/United Way Hometown Huddle
Oakland Raiders
United Way of the Bay Area played host to the Raiders who talked to kids at the Tassafaronga Recreation Center about the importance of staying active and physically fit.
Philadelphia Eagles
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s community-impact funded agency, Shepard Recreation Center, had an Ultimate Fitness Circuit system installed courtesy of the Eagles. The center will utilize the system during their accredited after-school program to encourage regular exercise and good health. Players and cheerleaders demonstrated proper exercise techniques along with interacting with the kids to encourage them to get active. Participating players included Trevor Laws, A.J. Feeley, Kevin Curtis and Kevin Kolb.
Read more about the Eagles/United Way Hometown Huddle
Pittsburgh Steelers
United Way of Allegheny County worked with the Steelers to build a youth fitness zone at the Steel Valley Salvation Army in QB Charlie Batch’s hometown of Homestead, Pennsylvania. The fitness area was painted in the team’s colors of black and gold and included the same kind of workout equipment that the Steelers have in their weight room. There were activities to test agility and reaction and video games that required physical movement rather than just clicking buttons on a controller. The idea was to encourage kids to be healthy and active. Participating players included Charlie Batch, Tony Hills and Limas Sweed.
Read more about the Steelers/United Way Hometown Huddle
San Diego Chargers
United Way of San Diego, players and cheerleaders from the Chargers and thousands of volunteers sold special edition newspapers to raise money for Children’s Hospital and Health Center. Participating players included Antoine Cason, Jacob Hester, Mike Scifres, Jacques Cesaire, Marques Harris, Malcom Floyd, Ryon Bingham, Antwan Applewhite, Steve Gregory, Tra Battle, Mike Tolbert and Cletis Gordon.
Read more about the Chargers/United Way Hometown Huddle
San Francisco 49ers
United Way of the Bay Area worked with the 49ers to revamp the Precita Valley Community Center that targets low-income youth in the Mission District. This project involved painting the site, installing new exercise equipment, adding a garden and interior design. Team owner John York wanted to demonstrate respect for the community by enhancing a neighborhood area where children can engage in safe recreational activities. Participating players included Kentwan Balmer, Isaac Bruce, Atiyyah Ellison, Bryant Johnson and Michael Lewis.
Read more about the 49ers/United Way Hometown Huddle
Seattle Seahawks
United Way of King County will work with Seahawks players, the cheerleading squad, the Sea Gals and the team mascot to visit First Place School—an elementary school and social services agency for children and families struggling with the risks and realities of homelessness. The team is purchasing physical activity equipment for the school.
St. Louis Rams
Working with United Way of Greater St. Louis, Rams players, off-duty military personnel and Scott AFB Youth Center staff worked together to provide about 200 local kids with health and fitness instruction. In addition the group shared examples of ways they can be active for at least 60 minutes daily by having the kids go through three workout stations. HOPSports, the interactive fitness system which uses video technology to teach kids about exercise and nutrition, served as the first stop. The second station featured instructions on various touchdown celebration dances and the final station focused on discussions regarding character building and life skills. Participating players included Trent Green, Chris Draft, John Greco, Derek Stanley, Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Matt Cadell and Roy Schuening.
Read more about the Rams/United Way Hometown Huddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
United Way of Tampa Bay and the Buccaneers introduced kids from Interbay Boys and Girls Club to the HOPSports Training System. The interactive system is designed as a circuit training program to enhance physical fitness and children’s wellness in a fun way. The players led the kids through a series of exercise routines and stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness. Participating players included Andrew Economos, Adam Hayward, Elbert Mack, Phillip Buchanon and John Gilmore.
Read more about the Buccaneers/United Way Hometown Huddle
Tennessee Titans
United Way of Metro Nashville and the Tennessee Titans teamed up to present the importance of youth fitness at a local nonprofit agency. On hand were 130 school-aged children plus several Tennessee Titans players and cheerleaders. At the conclusion of the event, the Titans presented the agency with a check for $5,000 for ReCharge! Energizing After-School™, the first nationally-distributed after-school program that full integrates nutrition and physical activity through teamwork-based strategies for youth in grades 3-6.
Washington Redskins
United Way worked with the Washington Redskins to promote youth health and fitness through the installation of two HOPSports Fitness Training Systems for local kids in Alexandria, Virginia and Prince George’s County, Maryland. The interactive system shows kids a fun method of exercising while also teaching them about proper nutrition. Participating players included Andrew Crummey, Justin Tryon and Leigh Torrence.
