NFL charities annual report 2007-2008

NFL charities annual report 2007-2008

For the National Football League, the game of football is about more than making plays on the field. It is about making them off the field as well. Our commitment to fans and the communities that support us does not end when the final seconds tick off the game clock. For NFL teams and players, service is a fundamental responsibility that has grown over the decades. It is reflected in many ways. It is NFL teams and players reaching out through NFL Charities, the non-profit foundation that grants nearly $10 million each year towards such initiatives as the league s commitment to the health and fitness of the next generation and to new research in the field of sports medicine. It is the NFL s proud partnership with the USO in support of our nation s troops overseas, which is now in its fifth decade. It is the growing number of NFL Youth Education Towns (YET), each a permanent legacy of the Super Bowl, with each YET serving as a safe place where young people can learn and grow. It is the national public service television campaign with the United Way promoting volunteerism, now in its 35th year. It is also the unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the retired players who built our sport. During the season, many players spend their day off working in communities, a tradition known as NFL Tuesdays. Players volunteer each week at local schools, shelters, and hospitals, helping out in ways large and small. Each year, the NFL conducts a national league-wide day of service known as Hometown Huddle on a Tuesday in October. The NFL has long been about football, community, and kids. We hope that you will join the NFL, our teams, and players in reaching out and strengthening communities throughout the country. We appreciate your support. Roger Goodell - NFL Commissioner & President, NFL Charities Message from the Commissioner

NFL Charities is a non-profit organization created by the member clubs of the National Football League to enable the teams to collectively make grants to charitable and worthwhile causes on a national scale. Since its inception, NFL Charities has granted more than $110 million to more than 300 different organizations. NFL Charities primary funding categories include: Sports-related medical research studies Player foundation grants in support of the philanthropic work of current and former NFL players Youth health and fitness initiatives, including educational programs with national partners Supplementing the charitable activities of the 32 NFL clubs Financial assistance to former NFL players in need Mission

Medical Research Grants... 01 Player Foundation Grants... 02-03 Youth Health and Fitness... 04-05 Youth Education Towns... 06-07 Volunteer Programs... 08 Retired Players Assistance... 09 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year... 10 NFL Teacher of the Year... 11 Pro Bowl Outreach... 12 United Way... 13 Military Support/USO... 14 Funding... 15 NFL Team Programs... 16-27 Board of Directors... 28-29 Financials... 30-31 Contents

NFL Charities allocates $1.5 million annually in grants for medical research in areas including sports injury prevention, innovations in injury treatment, and other related issues that affect the health and performance of athletes. When Kevin Everett of the Buffalo Bills suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) during the first game of the 2007-2008 season, he received unprecedented on-field treatment which ultimately allowed him to walk again within a few short months. Kevin s recovery has been a testimonial to the power of sports medicine. One of the sixteen medical research projects funded by NFL Charities in 2007 was a study by the University of Miami - Miami Project to Cure Paralysis - to examine the effectiveness of an experimental model of spinal cord treatment including induced hypothermia. The Miami Project envisions this therapy potentially evolving a new standard of treatment that could one day consistently achieve success in this area. Another important medical research focus for NFL Charities in 2007 was in the prevention and treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. ACL injuries are one of the most common injuries in athletics. In the NFL, ACL injury can jeopardize careers and leave athletes suffering from its damage as long as 12 years later. In an effort to prevent and treat ACL injuries, grants were made to Cincinnati Children s Hospital, Columbia University and the University of Florida to explore valuable research on the evaluation of post-surgery arthritic joint changes; potential mechanisms for regenerating fibrocartilage between soft tissue and bone; and rehabilitation programs to protect cartilage and facilitate longevity. Medical Research Grants NFL Charities is committed to supporting scientific research that benefits everyone involved in the game of football, competitive sports, and recreational athletics. 01

NFL Charities awards $1 million in grants each year to further the charitable efforts of current and former NFL players who have established non-profit organizations. In 2007, NFL Charities funded 77 player foundations. Each year, foundations performing extraordinary charitable services are recognized with Player Impact Grant Awards and receive maximum funding. There were five Player Impact Awards in 2007 which are detailed below. 2007 Player Impact Awards The Brees Dream Foundation is a nonprofit founded by Drew Brees, whose mission is to help find a cure for cancer while improving the quality of the lives of patients who are living with the disease. This organization also provides scholarship programs, conducts educational events and has built highly successful partnerships in the Greater New Orleans area to help rebuild the Gulf Coast and support the youth who suffered trauma as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The mission of the Junior Seau Foundation is to empower young people and provide child abuse prevention and awareness programs in Junior s hometown of San Diego. In 2007, the foundation awarded over $65,000 in scholarships for outstanding youth in San Diego to pursue higher education. Through its trademarked Shop with a Jock program, Junior Seau teams up each year with corporate sponsors and local youth-serving organizations to give 200 children the opportunity to shop for gifts during the holidays alongside NFL Players. Junior also opens the restaurant that he owns in San Diego, SEAU S, to serve Thanksgiving dinner to 650 families every year. Pictured: Former LB Junior Seau with kids from the Junior Seau Foundation. Player Foundation Grants 02 NFL Charities supports current and former NFL players working to give back to their communities.

The Brian Waters 54 Foundation focuses on providing opportunities for underprivileged children and families with a goal of breaking the cycle of poverty in their lives. By providing scholarships, school supplies and uniform giveaways, this foundation teaches that education, goal-setting, and teamwork are vital to economic and social success. While Brian plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, ties to his hometown in Texas remain strong. In June 2007, Brian brought 20 kids from The Promise House in Dallas, Texas, on a field trip to Kansas City - linking his commitment to the youth in both of his home communities. This field trip was documented by NFL Films and highlighted in one of the NFL-United Way Public Service Announcements (PSAs) during the 2007 season. Jim Kelly s Hunter s Hope Foundation funds research related to curing Krabbe disease and other leukodystrophy and blood disorders. The foundation lobbies for expanded newborn screenings of these diseases because when detected early, there are effective treatments. Due to the tireless lobbying by Jim and his wife Jill, New York became the first and only state to test for leukodystrophies at birth in August 2006. House of Isaiah/Athletes for a Drug-Free America was founded eighteen years ago by NFL alumni, Isaiah Robertson. The organization runs a long-term residential drug and alcohol recovery program for young men between the ages of 16 and 40. This organization is also dedicated to providing quality care to chemically dependent individuals with the necessary tools to live productive and sober lives. Pictured: Colts Safety Bob Sanders with youth at his annual football camp. 03

A rise in obesity rates among today s youth as well as the decline of physical education programs in schools across the country has prompted the NFL to take a leadership role in the movement to get youngsters physically fit. In October 2007, NFL Charities launched NFL Play 60, a national youth health and fitness campaign focused on increasing the health and wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day. NFL Play 60 brings together the NFL s long-standing commitment to health and fitness with an impressive roster of partner organizations who all work to make the next generation active and healthy. In addition to its national reach through PSAs and online programs, Play 60 is also implemented at the grassroots level through NFL s in-school, after-school and team-based programs such as What Moves U. In conjunction with the launch of NFL Play 60, NFL Charities helped 28 teams build Youth Fitness Zones in their communities in 2007, providing new places for kids to be active. The fitness zone projects were part of the NFL s annual Hometown Huddle, a league-wide day of service in partnership with the United Way. This initiative also comes to life in prominent ways during the NFL s key calendar events, which include the NFL Draft, Kick Off, Thanksgiving, Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. In conjunction with the 2008 NFL Draft, a 2-day Youth Football Festival was held in Central Park. The event brought current NFL players as well as the top NFL draft prospects to the playing field with 1,000 New York City students, teaching the importance of being active and living a healthy lifestyle. Similar festivals are held at other NFL events throughout the year. Pictured: 2008 NFL Draft prospects give tips at a NFL Play 60 event in Central Park, New York. Youth Health and Fitness 04 NFL Charities promotes the physical health and well-being of our most valuable asset America s youth.

What Moves U is one of the feature programs within the NFL Play 60 campaign. Developed in 2006 by NFL Charities and the American Heart Association, What Moves U is a school-based program and awareness campaign designed to promote physical fitness and healthy living. What Moves U incorporates several key elements: an in-school activity kit created for teachers, by teachers; program-specific learning materials and school promotional materials; an interactive fitness-focused website for children; and community outreach events coordinated by NFL teams and American Heart Association affiliates. Unique to physical fitness programs for students, What Moves U helps teachers of various academic disciplines find ways to integrate physical activity into existing academic lesson plans. More than 25,000 middle schools nationwide received the activation kits in 2006 and 2007. At the start of the 2008 academic year, the What Moves U Challenge launched in team markets. The Challenge is a 6-week period of time during which teachers and students work together to ensure that everyone gets 60 minutes of activity per day. While the Challenge itself lasts only 6 weeks, the goal is to help schools create an active and healthy lifestyle for kids that will last a lifetime. A national public awareness campaign including television, radio and print PSAs has been a part of this campaign since its inception. Pictured: Cardinals QB Kurt Warner leads a What Moves U event during Super Bowl week. 05

NFL Youth Education Towns (YETs) are education and recreation centers constructed in Super Bowl host cities that serve as a lasting legacy of each game. With each Super Bowl, the NFL donates $1 million towards YET development in an underserved area of that city. The Super Bowl host committee works to gain local public and private support to match the NFL s investment; the NFL also requires each host city to establish a 10-year operating and fundraising plan to ensure that each YET remains viable in their communities long after the Super Bowl has been played. When a Super Bowl returns to a city that already has a YET from a previous game, the NFL s $1 million contribution is reinvested in the existing center. This was the case with Super Bowl XLII in Arizona, where the NFL donated $1 million to its Phoenix-based YET to fund capital improvements, a multi-media center, and a football field. Presently, there are 14 YETs in 11 cities: Atlanta, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston (2), Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Phoenix, San Diego (2) and Tampa (2). The newest YET is currently under construction in Honolulu, Hawaii, home of the Pro Bowl. YET facilities vary, but all provide educational programs, access to physical fitness and personal development programs, recreation opportunities, technology and many other resources. NFL Charities partners with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America on the YET initiative to ensure that all centers offer programs and services that effectively meet the needs of youth in the areas of education, technical training, life-skills development, and recreation. Highlights in 2007 and 2008 Each year NFL Charities allocates $500,000 toward YET program intiatives. In 2007 these funds were directed to the installation of NFL Play Action Training Systems (powered by HOPSports) at each YET location. NFL Play Action is an interactive video technology Pictured: Miami YET dance group with first place trophy from the Dade County Dance Competition. Youth Education Towns 06 By providing educational enrichment and leadership training we strengthen America s future.

system aimed at engaging kids in physical activity. By using cutting-edge media to implement current exercise trends as well as supporting the required state and national curriculum guidelines in physical education for youth, this investment continues to promote the NFL s commitment to youth health and fitness. The NFL Play Action system includes over 75 lesson plans, covering a wide range of sports and activities and is customized with NFL content, game highlights and NFL Films music. Each system comes with a computer/video system, fitness equipment and individual heart rate monitors for up to thirty students per session as well as an automated external defibrillator (AED). Another exciting development in 2008 was the long-awaited groundbreaking at the site of YET Hawaii. This facility will officially open during Pro Bowl week in February 2009 and will serve as a lasting commitment to Hawaiian youth for years to come. As a legacy from Super Bowl XXXIX, the NFL, donors from the Jacksonville community, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, along with Mayor Peyton and owners of the Jacksonville Jaguars, celebrated the official opening of Jacksonville s Youth Education Town in March, 2008. This NFL YET will serve children from the Jacksonville Housing Authority s $20 million Hope VI project, 96 HabiJax homes, and children from surrounding neighborhoods, serving as an integral element of the revitalization of the Brentwood community. NFL YET Across America is an academic enrichment program developed and funded by NFL Charities that allows all students across the national YET network to study a particular subject matter over the course of a semester. The fourth and final curriculum component of the Learn Across America program focused on science and outer space and culminated in February, 2008, with a field trip to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each YET sent two of its highest achieving youth on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Pictured: Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware visits with YET youth. 07

The NFL Tuesdays program raises awareness for volunteerism and the charitable activities of NFL players who place great importance on giving back to the community during their time away from the playing field. Tuesday is the traditional day off for players during the season. On any given Tuesday during the season, NFL players can be found working in soup kitchens, reading with elementary school children, coaching at middle and high school football clinics, or listening to a child with a question or a problem. The NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle is an NFL-wide day of service, held one Tuesday in October each year. This program highlights significant involvement of NFL players, coaches, staff, and wives who participate in a variety of community service activities. Hometown Huddle activities in recent years have included building homes for low-income families, serving food to the homeless and visiting local military bases. In 2007, NFL Charities integrated its focus on youth health and fitness into Hometown Huddle by encouraging teams to use this day of service to build new places for youth to be active. The resulting Youth Fitness Zone initiative launched nationally with a playground build with the New Orleans Saints, and 27 other teams creating new play spaces for kids in their local communities. NFL Fitness Zones take many shapes and sizes: playgrounds, gymnasium refurbishments, activity trails, and interactive fitness technology installations are among these projects. NFL Charities and the NFL clubs continue to develop Youth Fitness Zones as part of Hometown Huddle 2008. NFL Charities continues to award funding to clubs to honor community volunteers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their communities. One of the leading initiatives in this area are the Community Quarterback and Student All Star Awards, in which monetary donations are made in the award winner s name to the non-profit organizations they serve. Pictured: Saints CB Mike McKenzie helps kids build a youth fitness zone during Hometown Huddle, 2007. Volunteer Programs 08 Players and fans committed to their local communities help build a promising tomorrow.

NFL Charities supports the NFL Players Association s Player Assistance Trust (PAT) through an annual grant of $1.25 million. In addition, one-quarter of the on-field fine money collected each year from NFL players is donated through NFL Charities to the Players Assistance Trust. In total, nearly $2 million was donated from NFL Charities to the Players Assistance Trust in 2007 to support retired players who have fallen on hard times. In May 2007, the NFL, NFL Players Association, NFL Retired Players Association and the Pro Football Hall of Fame committed to further support retired players by forming the NFL Alliance and the Player Care Foundation with the support of NFL Charities. This partnership is focused on providing nationally-coordinated medical support for former players in need. The formation of the Alliance and this non-profit immediately streamlined the process for retired players who are vested in their retirement plan to receive disability benefits through an expedited process. In October, team owners approved directing $10 million in additional funds to the NFL Alliance, establishing a new benefit to assist eligible retired players to receive joint replacement surgeries if performed at one of 14 leading medical centers across the country. This coordinated care program includes financial assistance to all players that would cover the cost of any necessary football-related surgery. Through the Alliance, the Player s Care Foundation and the PAT, the NFL and NFL Charities continue to assist former players in addressing medical issues and other financial constraints that they may face during retirement. Pictured Right: Gene Upshaw, the visionary and iconic 25-year leader of the NFL Players Association, 12-year Oakland Raider, 7-time Pro Bowler, only player in NFL history to play in 3 Super Bowls in 3 different decades (1960s, 70s and 80s) and a first year eligible enshrinee of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1987). Retired Players Assistance Caring for those who helped build the game and lay the foundation for success and glory. 09

The prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award is unique among NFL honors. It is the only award that recognizes a player for outstanding community service activities as well as for excellence on the field. The award has been given annually since 1970 and is administered by NFL Charities. It was renamed in 1999 after the late Walter Payton, legendary Chicago Bears running back. Recent winners include Drew Brees, LaDainian Tomlinson, Peyton Manning, and Warrick Dunn. Past winners include many of the league s greatest players, 13 of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 2007, for the first time, all four finalists for this prestigious award were recognized at the Super Bowl. Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys, Brian Waters of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins. All represent the very best of the NFL and were honored for their on and off-the-field accomplishments. Jason Taylor was ultimately named the national winner and was presented the trophy by Commissioner Goodell and Connie Payton in an on-field ceremony just prior to kickoff of Super Bowl XLII in Arizona. Jason Taylor has focused his outreach work on supporting children in need with programs that help improve health care, education and quality of life. He and his wife, Katina, established the Jason Taylor Foundation in 2004 which reaches thousands of youngsters through opportunities like the Jason Taylor Reading Room, Camp Katina-Cartwheels to Character program and the Jason Taylor Children s Learning Center at Holtz Children s Hospital. Pictured: Dolphins DE Jason Taylor received the 2007 Walter Payton Man of the Year award on the field at Super Bowl XLII. Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year 10 Recognizing excellence on and off the field, there is no greater distinction that an NFL player can achieve.

In 1990, the NFL created the NFL Teacher of the Year award to honor outstanding teachers who inspired the educational and life skills development of NFL players. Players from all 32 teams submit essays to nominate teachers who inspired them to pursue excellence in life. NFL Charities facilitates this program and a panel of educators and civic leaders select the winning teacher from the pool of nominations. Panelists include Commissioner Roger Goodell; former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue; Congressman Gary Ackerman; Congressman Michael Honda; Edward J. McElroy, President, American Federation of Teachers; and Aaron Craver and Randall McDaniel, both former NFL players who are currently teachers. Each year, the winning teacher is awarded a $2,500 prize, as well as a $5,000 grant for his or her school through NFL Charities. The honoree also travels to the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii as a guest of the NFL, where the nominating player officially presents the winning teacher with the Teacher of the Year Award during an on-field ceremony. Jacquelyn Stevens, an English teacher for 30 years at Washington-Marion Magnet School in Lake Charles, LA, was named the 2007 NFL Teacher of the Year. Former Kansas City Chiefs WR Eddie Kennison nominated Mrs. Stevens. In his nomination essay Kennison wrote of Mrs. Stevens, Her unquestioned gift as a teacher and ability to ignite a spark that quickly grew into a passion for learning helped me in the classroom, during my athletic endeavors and, most importantly, in my life! Simply put, she understood what it took to become successful and easily relayed that information. Stevens learned of her selection for the award when Kennison surprised her at a school assembly with the good news. Eddie frequently visits with Mrs. Stevens classes. Pictured: Former Chiefs WR Eddie Kennison & Mrs. Jacquelyn Stevens. NFL Teacher of the Year Honoring those who made a lasting impact on the educational and personal development of NFL players. 11

The NFL s all-star game has been played in Honolulu since 1980. With each visit to Hawaii for the AFC / NFC Pro Bowl, the NFL looks to strengthen its commitment to the people of Hawaii. During Pro Bowl week, the NFL conducts a series of community outreach programs, including NFL Play 60 festivals in schools and parks around Oahu, player visits to hospitals and military bases, and a football skills competition for local Special Olympics athletes. NFL Charities also hosts a group of kids and their families through the Make-A-Wish foundation. This special group joins Pro Bowl players at a private game practice, and is treated to a dedicated autograph session. NFL Charities allocates $100,000 in grants each year to Hawaiian non-profit organizations in celebration of the Pro Bowl. The recipient organizations must be focused on youth health or education programs. In 2007, there were 17 grant recipients, including the Marimed Foundation, which has provided ocean-based experiential education and therapy including outrigger canoe paddling for Hawaii s at-risk youth for over 15 years; the Hawaii Armed Services YMCA, which provides important youth programs and valuable support to the numerous military families stationed in Hawaii; and the Waikiki Community Center, providing excellent youth programs and childcare for parents working in the vast Hawaiian tourism industry. In 2007, the NFL broke ground in Nanakuli, Hawaii on its newest Youth Education Town. This special YET is dedicated to our Pro Bowl host community in Honolulu and will serve children and families in Oahu as the most comprehensive structure in the YET family. This multi-purpose facility is being designed as the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified green building in Hawaii and is on target to open in June 2009 with Gold certification. Pictured: Marimed Foundation puts its leadership development program to work on land and at sea. Pro Bowl Outreach 12 Supporting our all-star hosts in Hawaii.

The 2008-2009 NFL season marks the 35th year of collaboration between the National Football League and the United Way. Together, the NFL and the United Way have changed the landscape of corporate/non-profit community partnerships. During its long partnership, over 1,000 NFL-United Way television messages have aired during NFL games, making it the longest-running public service ad campaign in television history. These public service announcements reach more than 120 million viewers per week via airtime furnished by the NFL at no cost to the United Way. With help from the NFL, United Way fundraising has soared from $800 million to more than $4 billion. In three decades of working with the United Way, said Commissioner Roger Goodell, we have shown how NFL players, coaches and owners serve their communities in order to inspire others to join in volunteering to make a difference. Starting with the 2007 season, United Way television spots feature players volunteering in their communities and running fitness programs for youth, as cameras traveled with them on their off-days. Moving forward, the campaign will continue to document players at local community service events with a particular focus on youth health and fitness, tying the NFL-United Way PSA series into the league s broader NFL Play 60 campaign. Pictured: Youth activities at a Redskins fitness event. United Way The most visible and longest-running public service partnership of its kind. 13

In 1965, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, seeking ways to demonstrate the league s support for America s fighting forces, conceived the idea of sending NFL players to Vietnam on goodwill tours. The following year, the NFL teamed with the USO and became the first sports organization to send a group of players to Vietnam and other parts of Asia. Over the past four decades, NFL stars Terry Bradshaw, Dick Butkus, Larry Csonka, Don Meredith, Mike Singletary and Johnny Unitas have visited troops on NFL-USO tours in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, and Somalia. In March 2008, defensive ends Luis Castillo and Mike Rucker, defensive tackle Tommie Harris, and Sports Illustrated/NBC journalist Peter King teamed up to meet and greet the troops at U.S. military bases in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan during a 9-day goodwill tour. I have always supported our military, Mike Rucker said. It has now taken on a new meaning for me. I have seen first-hand how our brave men and women serve our country - with honor, hard work, pride and unparalleled commitment. This was a humbling experience and proud moment all rolled up in sincere gratitude. The NFL participated in a second USO tour in July 2008, when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora participated on a seven-day, three-country summer USO tour led by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. The group visited Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan thanking thousands of troops for their service. Also participating in this trip were two members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, true-life We are Marshall football coach, Jack Lengyel, and Heroes actor Milo Ventimiglia. Pictured: Bears DT Tommie Harris, former Panthers DE Mike Rucker and Chargers DE Luis Castillo with troops during their 2008 NFL/USO tour. Military Support/USO 14 The NFL s proud partnership with the USO is in its fifth decade. Both organizations support our nation s troops, who sacrifice for our freedom.

The NFL s member clubs serve as the primary funding source for NFL Charities. Each season, $8 million of the league s national revenue is directed to NFL Charities to fund philanthropic projects on a national level. Other funding sources for NFL Charities include NFL Auction, player and coach fine money, and fundraising events. NFL Auction is a league website that allows fans to bid on autographed NFL memorabilia, with all proceeds going to charity. In 2007, NFL Auction generated more than $1.4 million for NFL team and league charitable initiatives. Grant recipients for funds generated by the sale of league merchandise are designated through NFL Charities and in 2007 these included: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, The American Cancer Society, United Way, KaBoom!, and the NFL Youth Education Towns. Money generated from disciplinary fines of players and coaches has traditionally been donated to charitable causes through NFL Charities. On-field player fine money has netted over $2 million per year for charity in each of the past three years. One-quarter of this annual fine money supports former players in need through the NFL Player Association s Players Assistance Trust (PAT). Last year, that amount totaled more than $650,000. Other organizations that receive annual funds through NFL Charities from the player fine pool include the Brian Piccolo Memorial Fund and the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Care Center. Celebrity golf and bowling tournaments are hosted each year in conjunction with the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. All proceeds from these events go to NFL Charities. In 2007, NBC Television s Deal or No Deal game show promoted a special episode featuring the NFL. Proceeds from this show totaled over $50,000 and were directed to NFL Charities. Pictured: Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan signs autographs to benefit NFL Charities. Funding Focusing resources to accomplish more. 15

NFL Charities supports the community initiatives of the 32 clubs by providing $1.5 million in team program grants annually. These grant dollars fund the national initiatives that are implemented in local markets by each team. The team program grant money generally focuses on the NFL s movement to make youth active and healthy. Pictured: Redskins WR Santana Moss shows kids how to stretch before becoming physically active. NFL Team Programs 16 Every NFL team is dedicated to its community and helping those in need.

ARIZONA CARDINALS The Cardinals PLAY WITH THE PROS program is designed to uplift and motivate youth using today s newest video games. This incentive-based program helps teachers motivate their students. It rewards children with the opportunity to compete against a Cardinals player in a multitude of video games as other children cheer them on. The program will also be implemented in hospitals for children in need of encouragement. Founded in 1990, CARDINALS CHARITIES supports programs designed to improve the quality of life and enhance opportunities for children, women, and minorities in the state of Arizona. Since its inception, Cardinals Charities has distributed more than $3.5 million dollars to over 250 worthy Arizona charitable organizations on behalf of the Arizona Cardinals and the NFL. The Cardinals have teamed up with their local American Heart Association chapter to promote healthy lifestyles among Arizona youth through the WHAT MOVES U program. In order to fight against childhood obesity in youths aged 9-13, every middle school in the state of Arizona received an Activation Kit that included a curriculum infusing physical activity into daily lesson plans. The Cardinals are active participants in Arizona s high school football landscape by providing programs that include: Player of the Week, Coach of the Week and the annual free high school skills and kicking camp. With representation from New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Colorado, the 2008 skills and kicking camps hosted over 500 athletes. ATLANTA FALCONS In 2007, more than 16,000 students from elementary and middle schools and youth organizations throughout Georgia participated in the FALCONS FIRST DOWN FOR FITNESS PROGRAM. In conjunction with the NFL s What Moves U fitness program, the Falcons First Down for Fitness program encourages students to participate in physical activity for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. The Atlanta Falcons BALL BOY MENTORING PROGRAM gives young men from the Boys & Girls Club of Hall County an opportunity to assist the Falcons equipment staff with all of the duties associated with practices and games, and allows them to interact with players during the season. During each home game, the FALCONS FITNESS FLAG CREW PRESENTED BY FLAGSTAR gives children from local youth football leagues or non-profit organizations the opportunity to participate in an aerobic warm-up with the cheerleaders, an on-field rehearsal, lunch and unfurling of the Falcons flag on the field before the game. BALTIMORE RAVENS The RAVENS HONOR ROWS PROGRAM, presented by M&T Bank and in its 8th year, salutes youth groups or organizations that provide outstanding volunteer service to communities. During each Ravens home game throughout the 2007 regular season, the winning groups received up to 100 tickets to a game, Honor Rows t-shirts for all participants, official in-game recognition on the SMARTVISION screens, and were featured in local public service announcements. Honorees were selected by a panel of youth judges from the Maryland Youth Action Corps with the assistance of the Governor s Office on Service and Volunteerism, as well as Ravens and M&T Bank staff. The Baltimore Ravens promote academic, athletic, and community excellence through the RAVENS CHAMPIONS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK, a program that recognizes the athletic achievements of Baltimore area youth. Eight times during the NFL regular season (corresponding with Ravens home games), a male and a female student athlete are awarded the honor of Ravens Champions Athlete of the Week, presented by TOYOTA. The mission of the RAVENS ALL COMMUNITY TEAM (ACT) is to increase corporate and community awareness of the Ravens All Community Team Foundation, player and coach foundations, and the associated local charitable organizations through a season-long NFL football competition between area and regional Baltimore-based business leaders and companies. The ACT works to improve local communities with the generous support of Ravens players and the philanthropy of its members to build both financial and public support for a multitude of youth-based local and regional charities. 17

BUFFALO BILLS For eight years the Buffalo Bills Toyota ROOKIE CLUB has been making appearances and hosting community events throughout the region. The program gives the team s newest players a chance to get involved and learn about the community by giving back. The program includes a variety of events including visits to Children s Hospital, youth football events, Thanksgiving, and Holiday programs. The Bills Time Warner Cable STUDENT LEADER PROGRAM is designed to provide high school students with unique experiences that will help develop leadership skills. The students selected to participate in this year-long program work with the Bills as well as other business and community leaders. Student Leaders are encouraged to share what they ve learned with their schools and communities. Responding to the continuing decline of physical education programs in many of America s schools and the lack of physical activity for today s youth, the Bills teamed up with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and the American Heart Association to offer the WHAT MOVES U program to youngsters. The program encourages physical activity and healthy living through in-school programs and a public awareness campaign. The Bills, the Western New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Kaleida Health and Zeta Tau Alpha joined forces to support the BILLIEVE breast cancer awareness program. The two-part program includes a merchandise campaign where a percentage of profits from Billieve pink ribbon logo items are donated to the Komen Foundation. The second part of the program focuses on breast cancer awareness. CAROLINA PANTHERS The PANTHERS FIT SQUAD youth fitness initiative is dedicated to health, fitness and fun for elementary school-aged children around the Carolinas. Thousands of classrooms in North and South Carolina participate in the program, which is designed to get children excited about fitness and exercise through fun and creative activities. YOUTH FOOTBALL is a cornerstone of the Panthers outreach programming. The team is committed to growing youth football participation at the grassroots level through a wide variety of team and NFL-based initiatives that serve communities throughout the Carolinas. The Panthers helped launch CLASSROOM CENTRAL in 2002, a non-profit retail store that allows teachers in the Charlotte metro area to shop for school supplies free of charge. The store serves over 6,000 teachers in Charlotte and surrounding school districts and has donated over $12 million in school supplies to teachers at high-need schools. In an effort to honor the significant contributions that North and South Carolina-based armed service personnel make to our country, the team launched OPERATION WELCOME HOME, a program that salutes service men and women from every military branch who have returned from active tours of duty. Operation Welcome Home engages the service personnel, their families and Panthers players in a special program that culminates with the thrilling experience of leading the Panthers onto the field at select home games. CHICAGO BEARS The Chicago Bears consistently support the Chicagoland community through programs and events at schools, hospitals, health organizations, youth agencies, and numerous community organizations. Community highlights have included Bears players visiting 20 different Chicago Public Schools and speaking to over 7,000 students as part of BEARS SCHOOL OUTREACH. Through the club s HELLO TO OUR HEROES program, Bears players helped hundreds of middle school students write and send letters to men and women of the military who are currently serving our country overseas. The TALES TO TACKLE reading incentive program reached over 7,800 students in Chicagoland schools during the 2007-2008 school year and hundreds of children in Chicago area hospitals received a visit and a teddy bear from Bears mascot Staley through the BEAR HUGS program. Over 27,000 winter coats were collected as part of the 19th annual CHICAGO BEARS COAT DRIVE. The team donated the coats to deserving children and families through the Salvation Army and public schools in the Chicagoland area. Nearly 900 people joined Chicago Bears players and staff for the thirteenth annual BEARS CARE GALA, which raised over $600,000 to support breast and ovarian cancer research and treatment programs. Players and coaches also purchased nearly 2,000 tickets and donated them to 14 different Chicagoland charities so children served through those organizations could attend a Bears game during the season. The team has helped over 1,700 children sharpen their football skills by participating in the CHICAGO BEARS YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS, and the WHAT MOVES U fitness program, which was brought into Chicagoland middle schools to help promote physical fitness and healthy living to an increasingly inactive generation of kids. 18

Cincinnati Bengals As part of the 2007 HOMETOWN HUDDLE, Bengals players and the Marvin Lewis Community Fund worked in collaboration with the United Way and more than 30 other companies to build a much needed youth fitness course. Avondale is Cincinnati s fourth largest neighborhood, with 18,706 residents, yet more than 77 percent live at or below the current poverty level. The location is central to major interstates, schools, churches and YMCA s making this park a prime location for renovation. The Hometown Huddle event improved both Seasongood Park and the surrounding Avondale community. The event enriched the lives of neighborhood youth, promoted volunteerism and goodwill, and provided a much needed revitalization of the park. BENGALS TASTE OF THE NFL has been held each year since 2003 and brings together players, coaches and alumni with benefactors of the FreeStore/FoodBank of Cincinnati to dine on samples from Cincinnati s finest restaurants. The event has raised, on average, more than $60,000 per year, enabling the FreeStore/FoodBank to provide more than 300,000 meals annually to hungry people. In 2007, Cincinnati Bengals Taste of the NFL reached an all-time high raising more than $180,000. Bengals players, alumni, cheerleaders and staff help the HOXWORTH BLOOD CENTER collect donations at Paul Brown Stadium before the busy holiday season of each year. The Bengals participation in these drives has earned them Special Recognition Awards from America s Blood Centers. In 2007, the 6th Annual Bengals Hoxworth Blood Drive reached an all-time high with 696 registered donors, 718 units of blood collected and 140 participants signed up for the National Bone Marrow Registry. Cleveland Browns The CLEVELAND BROWNS FOUNDATION is dedicated to supporting local charities and non-profit organizations by providing year-round funding and support of educational, health and wellness, neighborhood enhancement and youth football programs. These focus areas represent the team s commitment to strengthening the mind, body and hearts of Greater Cleveland s children, families and neighbors. The team s players, coaches, executives and staff members donate a significant amount of time and funding to support charitable causes, organizations, schools, hospitals and civic groups. Through the NFL PLAY 60 initiative, the first Cleveland Browns Fitness Zone was built at the Goodrich-Gannett Neighborhood Center in Cleveland, creating a new and safe workout environment for inner-city youth. This was the first of many to come in the future. VISION FIRST, a partnership between the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute, the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, is a program that provides free eye exams and glasses to those who need them - in one year 80 schools were visited. In partnership with the Cuyahoga County Public Library and 3-A-Day of Dairy, READ WITH THE BROWNS encouraged children and families to read along with players at the team s community website or through team events at their local libraries. The Cleveland Browns Foundation also supports field refurbishment projects, and will be assisting in the creation of a new field at Gunning Park in Cleveland later this year. At the heart of the Cleveland Browns Foundation are partnerships with organizations such as Youth Challenge, Hattie Larlham, Special Olympics, and United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. The Browns work with these organizations to give ill and disabled youth unique experiences they will never forget. DALLAS COWBOYS The Jones family s dynamic association with The Salvation Army is a visible example of the creative and innovative manner in which the Cowboys can make a difference in the world. In what has become an American holiday tradition, the Jones family has dedicated the annual Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game halftime show to officially launch THE SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN during a nationally televised live broadcast. Over the past 11 years the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign has raised over a $1 billion dollars since the halftime show partnership with the Cowboys began. This halftime event production has welcomed nationally renowned entertainers including: Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny s Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Creed, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gillman, Clint Black, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire. The GENE AND JERRY JONES FAMILY CENTER FOR CHILDREN opened in November of 1998, in conjunction with the local Salvation Army. The center offers low-income families affordable childcare programs that meet the needs of quality care and intellectual development. The Cowboys are very active in raising a large portion of the annual funds for the HAPPY HILL FARM ACADEMY AND HOME - a working farm and residential school that serves as a safe haven for abused and neglected children. The Cowboys Family Cookbook and the team s Kickoff Luncheon raise over $200,000 annually, serving as the major revenue producers for the academy which is also home to the Dallas Cowboys Ed Block Courage House. The GENE AND JERRY JONES FAMILY ARLINGTON YOUTH FOUNDATION is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for youth in the City of Arlington by funding programs and facilities dedicated to sports, recreation and education that foster community empowerment. This is part of the Dallas Cowboys long-term commitment to the City of Arlington. 19

DENVER BRONCOS Since 2003, the Denver Broncos have funded the operating budget of the DENVER BRONCOS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB in Montbello, Colorado. The Broncos have committed to integrating community programs and player visits into the Club s operations, truly building upon a legacy of investment that transcends a mere monetary contribution. In the Club s inaugural year, its membership swelled to capacity with over 1,400 members and an average nightly attendance of over 200 kids. As the Broncos flagship youth initiative, it was ideal for expansion. On May 29th, 2008, the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center was added to the Club to expand its capacity to serve more metro area youth. Additionally, the Denver Broncos have made a multi-year commitment to collaborate with the DENVER RESCUE MISSION CROSSING FACILITY for homeless families in transition. The partnership entails the dedication of a Broncos Youth Center, complete with a Broncos Reading Corner, literacy programming, computers and recreational equipment as well as support for housing. Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey is also an ardent supporter and spends regular time with children at the facility. The Denver Broncos are thrilled to partner in a new capacity with DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS, working together to offer contact football programs to middle school children. The Broncos will incorporate youth focused programming to support a spring football season as well as underwrite the program s costs. It is a wonderful new collaboration to ultimately strengthen the feeder system that produces new athletes for high school football. DETROIT LIONS The Detroit Lions recognize their responsibility to put a good product on the field each Sunday as well as their duty to serve others off the field and the need to give back. DETROIT LIONS CHARITIES (DLC) was established in 1990 to respond to a diverse range of community needs in Michigan. A particular emphasis is placed on programs that benefit the youth of Detroit. During the 2006-2007 season, DLC awarded 102 grants totaling $508,884 to non-profit agencies, raising the total amount contributed to $4.8 million over the course of its 18-year history. The DETROIT LIONS COURAGE HOUSE benefits HAVEN, Oakland County s (Michigan) premier center for the prevention and treatment of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Proceeds from an annual banquet hosted by the Lions target the center s child abuse prevention and treatment programs. Previous banquets have raised approximately $1.4 million for HAVEN. The DETROIT LIONS ACADEMY, an alternative middle school for sixth, seventh and eighth graders, serves 140 students who have had difficulty succeeding in traditional school settings. The Academy, a Detroit public school, is supported by an annual financial contribution from the Detroit Lions, Costco, Dow Chemical and Ford Motor Company, among others. The Academy also receives visits from Lions players and support from the team in various ways. GREEN BAY PACKERS The Green Bay Packers community involvement takes many forms. The team sponsors special fundraising events, makes donations of cash and memorabilia to many charitable organizations in the region and team members, make personal appearances and serve on various community boards and commissions. The Packers created the GREEN BAY PACKERS FOUNDATION in 1986 to give back to the community through a wide variety of activities and programs that benefit education, civic affairs, health services, human services and youth-related programs. This past year, in its annual distribution of funds, the Foundation awarded $156,000 to 64 civic and charitable groups throughout Wisconsin. The PACKERS WOMEN S ASSOCIATION (PWA) members, comprised of the wives/girlfriends of Packers players, coaches, and staff, as well as full-time female Packers employees, team up with the community by sharing their time, talents, and resources. PWA, which is an arm of the Green Bay Packers organization, is a non-profit organization whose main focus is to support the community through various outreach programs, such as food drives, breast cancer fundraisers, and mentoring programs. Each year, the Green Bay Packers recognize outstanding volunteers within the state of Wisconsin through the Green Bay Packers COMMUNITY QUARTERBACK AWARD. Non-profit organizations are invited to nominate outstanding volunteers who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a commitment to bettering their communities. 20

HOUSTON TEXANS By example both on and off the field, the Houston Texans demonstrate character through a myriad of programs that help strengthen the character of youth in the Houston area. Since 2006, Texans players and coaches have donated over 2,000 bikes to underprivileged children through the Houston Texans Foundation, and during National Literacy month, over 1,800 books were donated to area children. The IMAGENET ALL STARS TICKET PROGRAM provided 1,000 home game tickets to youth during the 2007 NFL season and since 2006, over 2,000 kids have experienced an NFL game thanks to Houston Texans players who sponsored the TEXANS ALL COMMUNITY TEAM TICKET (T.A.C.T.) PROGRAM. In 2007, over 2,300 donors gave the gift of life during the HOUSTON TEXANS ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE sponsored by Methodist Hospital and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Since its inception in 2002, nearly 10,000 blood donations have been collected. Additionally, since 2006 over 4,000 men have received free prostate cancer screenings as a result of the TACKLE PROSTATE CANCER CAMPAIGN with Methodist Hospital and Reliant Energy. GIRLS GET IN THE GAME is a one day sports camp focusing on health and fitness where 250 school-age girls participate in football drills and a cheerleading clinic facilitated by the Lady Texans and Texans Cheerleaders. Houston Texans players also host an annual SHOP WITH THE TEXANS event to assist children from local charitable organizations as they purchase holiday gifts. Academy Sports and Outdoor supplies each child with a $100 gift card to participate. Over 150 college juniors and seniors representing at least 13 Texas universities attended the JOIN THE TEAM INTEGRATING BUSINESS AND SPORTS CAREER SEMINAR in March of 2007. The free seminar addressed business careers in sports, and featured workshops hosted by Texans executives and corporate sponsors. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS For eight years, the Indianapolis Colts have partnered with the Indiana Blood Center to host the annual BLEED BLUE BLOOD DRIVE. One of the largest drives in the history of the Center, the Bleed Blue Blood Drive encourages thousands of fans each year to give the gift of life. As a result of their continued partnership with the Blood Center, the Colts were presented with a 2008 Award of Excellence for Most Productive Blood Drive by America s Blood Centers during their annual conference in New York City. In 2007, the Colts launched their BLUE RIBBON LITERACY CAMPAIGN to encourage Hoosiers of all ages to spend more time reading and to inspire adults to become literacy tutors for children and other adults. To help accomplish this goal, the Colts have established several programs and initiatives, including Colts READ posters, Blue s Book Club, Family Reading Nights and a Public Service Campaign. As part of their ongoing partnership with Gleaners Food Bank and their support of the BACKSACK initiative, the Colts players and staff assembled 500 food bags for students at Edna Martin Christian Center in 2007. The Colts will further their efforts in 2008 by providing a year-long sponsorship of the BackSack program at the Center. This program provides low-income students with sacks of food at the end of each school week to ensure they have proper nutrition over the weekend. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS The Jaguars, in partnership with the Jaguars Foundation, Baptist Health and the American Heart Association Jacksonville chapter launched a pilot WHAT MOVES U program in 6th grade classrooms at selected schools during the 2007/08 school year and pre-selected non-profit organizations. Approximately 1,200 student participants received a colorful student journal to record weekly activities. What Moves U water bottles and other incentives including posters, autographed footballs and caps, and grand prizes were distributed. Tracking forms for activities completed and student progress were developed for the teachers to submit on a weekly/monthly basis. Jacksonville is one of several NFL cities to launch a local TASTE OF THE NFL dinner to help raise awareness in the fight against hunger. Since the beginning of the program in 2003, over $530,000 has been raised for the Food Bank of North Florida Second Harvest. The Jaguars annual holiday food distribution program is held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving in collaboration with OPERATION BLESSING. People in need are served bags of non-perishable food items donated by growers, food processors and manufacturers that support Operation Blessing. Jaguars players (led by RB Fred Taylor in 2007), along with 250 volunteers from Wachovia and Winn-Dixie Stores, helped distribute truckloads of groceries. Since this program s inception in 1999, over 23,000 families have been served. 21

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Under the direction of the Hunt Family, President Carl Peterson, and head coach Herm Edwards, the Kansas City Chiefs strive to meet the needs of the community by proactively bringing together resources that will benefit the lives of those in need. More than 60 players have established foundations or charitable programs since Derrick Thomas established the Third and Long Foundation in 1990. The Chiefs players and front office staff have raised over $20 million through charitable efforts since 1998, benefiting areas such as disadvantaged youth and families, education, health, civic initiatives and athletics. The Chiefs take great pride in fostering youth football. Programs include: installing and refurbishing football fields, honoring high school coaches, PLAY IT SMART, ATLAS & ATHENA, JUNIOR PLAYER DEVELOPMENT (JPD), and inviting 4,000 youth football players to a Chiefs game each year. For the second year, Coach Edwards hosted his free youth football camp in Kansas City, inviting 1,000 children and 200 coaches to participate. More than 30 Chiefs players assisted in the 2-day camp. The Chiefs unveiled plans for a Youth Football Field at the team s newly renovated practice facility, opening in the fall of 2008. Erected in the shadows of Arrowhead Stadium, this new field will allow all youth to dream big and feel as though they are a part of the Chiefs family. It is only the second of its kind located at an NFL team s official training facility. MIAMI DOLPHINS The Miami Dolphins Foundation formed a year-round partnership with the Public Library Systems and Miami-Dade and Broward County Public Schools through their MOST VALUABLE READER program. Dolphins players, alumni and cheerleaders have a history of supporting reading and learning initiatives in South Florida with special appearances, memorabilia, art contests and the Dolphins reading game. This is the first summer that they co-sponsored the summer reading programs at public libraries statewide. In addition, the Miami Dolphins Foundation is the presenting sponsor of the Miami-Dade and Broward Public Libraries Summer Reading Program, Miami-Dade Library s Teen Read Week, Children s Book Week and Broward Libraries Books and Bears program. Kids who participate in these various programs at the libraries and schools have the opportunity to win prizes such as bookmarks, posters featuring Dolphins players, game tickets, and the chance to attend a training camp practice as a VIP. In conjunction with Dolphin Stadium, the Miami Dolphins also honor select students from 20 partner schools at all regular season home games as part of the STUDENT OF THE WEEK program. The students are chosen for their citizenship and classroom achievements. They are presented with a plaque during an on-field presentation. The Dolphins also partner with the Broward County Public School system on The Empty Bowls program, which benefits the SOUPER BOWL OF CARING. Students make soup bowls to help raise money for homeless shelters and food banks. MINNESOTA VIKINGS The mission of the VIKINGS CHILDREN S FUND is to combine the time and resources of Vikings players, coaches, staff, and families with that of the corporate community and fans in an effort to support the many needs of children in the Upper Midwest. The Vikings Children s Fund grant history now totals nearly $8 million. The Minnesota Vikings, in partnership with Greater Twin Cities United Way, conduct three volunteer recognition awards programs. The VIKINGS COMMUNITY ALL-STARS AWARDS, NFL COMMUNITY QUARTERBACK AWARD and NFL JR. COMMUNITY QUARTERBACK AWARD honor individuals who have displayed a supreme commitment to volunteerism and improving their communities. The cornerstone of the Vikings volunteer efforts is the COMMUNITY TUESDAY program - as Tuesday is the traditional day off for all NFL players during the season. Through numerous volunteer activities, such as visits to children s hospitals, reading to students, playing flag football at Boys & Girls Clubs or playing bingo with veterans, Vikings players make a difference in the lives of others. Each year, to promote the NFL PLAY 60 initiative, the Vikings and the Wilf family build a playground at an area school and give kids the opportunity to play and be active outdoors. In 2007, the entire Vikings organization, including coaches, players and front office staff took part in the day-long event that was held at the American Indian/World Cultures Magnet School in St. Paul. In 2008, the Vikings partnered with KaBOOM! and generous community partner, Toro, to build a playground at the Seed Academy/Harvest Prep School in North Minneapolis. 22

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION was established by the Kraft family to support charitable and philanthropic agencies throughout New England, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Boston, the Greater Boston Food Bank and a host of other New England charities. The foundation, in partnership with Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries and the Salvation Army, annually provides food baskets and toys to hundreds of families during the holiday season. In 2005, the foundation launched the Write On scholarship program, which has awarded nearly $200,000 in college scholarships to over 80 local students. The NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS COMMUNITY MVP AWARD honors individuals who exemplify a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism. Every year, New England residents who provide volunteer services for non-profit organizations are eligible for grants of up to $10,000, which are awarded to the non-profit organizations for which the finalists volunteer. This year, the New England Patriots and the Kraft family have partnered with Shaw s Supermarkets, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston to expand the KIDS CAFÉ program in area clubs. The purpose of the Kids Café is to provide hot meals for underprivileged children who may not receive them at home. Kids Cafés currently provide children with 160,000 meals per year at five different locations. The Patriots hope to increase the numbers to 250,000 meals per year at nine different locations by 2009. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS As the proud people of Louisiana and the Gulf South Region work to get back on their feet, the New Orleans Saints organization feels an obligation to help. Saints owner Tom Benson and his family started the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF FUND to aid those in need days after the horrific storm. The monies collected have been used to provide aid and assistance to the people of New Orleans, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region affected by Hurricane Katrina. To date, the fund has raised over $1 million dollars from both corporate and personal donations from around the United States. The Saints organization understands that children represent hope for the future of New Orleans. Saints players visit New Orleans a rea schools each week during the regular season to stress the importance of education to students as part of the club s DOMINO S PIZZA LITERACY and FIRST BANK AND TRUST CHARACTER NOW programs. The club also partners with youth-oriented charities such as the New Orleans Recreation Department, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, the Fellowship Foundation, the United Way, Make-A-Wish and the NFL Youth Education Town. Encouraged by the Community Affairs Department, Saints players also provide hundreds of less fortunate families a holiday dinner with all the trimmings as part of the team s annual Thanksgiving benefit at Dryades YMCA. In addition, several Saints players take underprivileged children on holiday shopping sprees at their own expense. NEW YORK GIANTS The New York Giants have implemented the NFL and American Heart Association s WHAT MOVES U program in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut middle schools in order to improve childhood physical fitness. The Giants What Moves U spokesman, quarterback Eli Manning, as well as other Giants players, help to bring a fun and creative message of physical fitness to our schools and make regular visits to local schools that are utilizing the What Moves U curriculum. GIANTS ACADEMY, the Giants charter academic program located in Louise A. Spencer School in Newark, NJ, was opened in September 1994. The program is a cooperative effort between the New York Giants and Communities in Schools to create a heightened learning environment for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders who are designated as at risk students. The program consists of approximately 50 students and focuses on improving math, reading, leadership skills, as well as social skills. Seventh graders participate in a mandatory drug education program, focusing on the prevention of drug, tobacco and alcohol abuse. The GIANTS JINGLE JAM is held each holiday season. The Giants host approximately 750 local foster children and their guardians in the team s practice bubble for a holiday funfest complete with music, food, interactive football games, magicians, face painters, clowns, Geoffrey the Toys R US Giraffe, and numerous members of the team dressed up as Santa. The Giants Jingle Jam party is the result of a collaborative effort of the Giants organization, players, and the Heart Gallery of New Jersey, Inc. 23

NEW YORK JETS The EAT RIGHT, MOVE MORE campaign encourages students to eat the nutritious foods offered in New Jersey schools. The campaign launched by the Jets and the state of New Jersey, features posters of Jets offensive tackle D Brickashaw Ferguson telling students to Eat Right and Move More. Jets players also make five school visits each year to schools with the most advanced nutrition policies. The ALLIANCE FOR LUPUS RESEARCH (ALR) is a national voluntary health organization chaired by Jets owner Robert Wood Johnson IV. Since its inception in 1999, ALR has committed more than $50 million to Lupus research. The Jets host several annual walk-a-thons, an annual Lupus Awareness Day and other activities to raise money for this important cause. The HEADS UP! program is a community partnership with the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) to provide support to New York City high school football teams. The Jets donate $100,000 each year (matched by the NFL s Youth Football Fund) which is used to recondition every helmet in the PSAL as well as support the C.H.A.M.P.S. flag football program throughout New York City. Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis is the program s spokesperson. The New York City Department of Education s School Food FEED YOUR MIND campaign is aimed at encouraging parents to apply for free or reduced-price meals for their children. New York Jets wide receiver Brad Smith is featured on posters encouraging students to eat healthy foods, stay fit and apply to win a Jets-sponsored sweepstakes for a trip to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. OAKLAND RAIDERS The Raiders TICKETS FOR KIDS program allows a company or individual to be a hero to children who really need one. The Raiders team up with local area non-profit organizations to enable disadvantaged and at risk youth to attend a Raiders home game. By participating in the program, individual and corporate sponsors exemplify the true heart and spirit of Raider Nation. FRIENDS OF FAITH was founded in 1997 by Faith Fancher after the popular Oakland TV personality was diagnosed with breast cancer. Though she passed away in 2003, her legacy lives on through an emergency fund created with the Women s Cancer Resource Center. The program offers financial assistance to low-income Oakland-area women who are living with breast cancer. For several years, the Oakland Raiders have produced and sold pink hats bearing the Raider logo, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the FRIENDS OF FAITH S EMERGENCY FUND. The Oakland Raiders longstanding charity golf tournament has been raising money for local non-profits for over 20 years. The event raised more than $175,000 in 2006 and proceeds from the latest event will help support the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games for more than 1,000 athletes at UC Berkeley. With more than 70 Raiders players, alumni, cheerleaders, and coaches participating in the event, the tournament is a clear demonstration of the Raiders team-wide commitment to celebrating local Special Olympics athletes. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES The Eagles launched the GO GREEN campaign in 2003 to introduce green principles, sustainable practices and programs throughout the Eagles organization. But Go Green is more than just an awareness campaign. The Eagles purchase almost 30% of their total energy from green power, reimburse employees for purchasing wind energy at home and installed solar panels at their training facility. To continue decreasing the organization s carbon footprint, the Eagles recently cut the ribbon on the 6.5 acre Eagles Forest. Designed to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer care and research, the EAGLES TACKLING BREAST CANCER campaign has raised more than $800,000 in just four years. For the 11th straight season, Eagles Youth Partnership sponsored its annual PLAYGROUND BUILD, an annual day of service when the entire Eagles organization -- from players and coaches to staff -- revitalize a blighted Philadelphia elementary school and bring hope, joy and a safe space to play to hundreds of children. The EAGLES EYE MOBILE gives free eye exams and free glasses to children in underserved communities throughout Philadelphia. The EAGLES YOUTH PARTNERSHIP BOOK MOBILE travels to hundreds of schools, shelters, libraries, recreation centers and summer camps each year. At each stop, books are read aloud to children and each child in attendance selects a free, new book to keep and take home. For many of these children, this may be the first book they own. 24

PITTSBURGH STEELERS The ART ROONEY SR. SCHOLARSHIP FUND awards scholarships to a senior at three local high schools in honor of Art Rooney Sr. The Scholarship is funded primarily by the Gatorade/Steelers 5K Race and proceeds from the silent auction at the annual kickoff luncheon. The Steelers hold two fundraisers to benefit the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and the Cancer Caring Center. The ANNUAL STEELERS STYLE FASHION SHOW features current players and their families and is chaired by Greta and Art Rooney along with Kiya and Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Steelers players take disadvantaged children shopping for winter outerwear as part of the SALVATION ARMY S PROJECT BUNDLE-UP program. Patricia Rooney, wife of Steelers chairman Dan Rooney, and Joe DiNardo, a local retired weatherman, founded the program more than 20 years ago. The Steelers partner with American Eagle Outfitters for SHOP WITH A STEELER night. Underprivileged children from the United Way of Allegheny County agencies receive gift cards and have the chance to shop with the players for holiday gifts for themselves and their families. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the United Way teamed with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania and STRIVE to create a Steelers Fitness Zone at the Boys & Girls Club in Millvale as part of the 9th ANNUAL NFL/UNITED WAY HOMETOWN HUDDLE. Charlie Batch and the Steelers Rookie Club visited to unveil the new Steelers Fitness Zone that was outfitted by STRIVE with youth-oriented fitness equipment. ST. LOUIS RAMS The Rams helped establish the HEALTHY YOUTH PARTNERSHIP to address the critical issue of childhood obesity in the greater St. Louis community. The effort consists of more than 75 youth development, health, nutrition and fitness organizations who are working together to address the issue. As part of the team s commitment to YOUTH FOOTBALL, the Rams have partnered with PHL, Inc. and the NFL Grassroots Football Fields grant program to refurbish and maintain St. Louis Public School athletic fields. Financially, the Rams have committed more than $650,000 to provide safe and accessible football fields in the bi-state area. After helping launch the DIVERSITY AWARENESS PARTNERSHIP in 2000, the Rams have continued to unite more than 100 organizations in an effort to reduce discrimination and promote the value of diversity among the people of St. Louis. The team s commitment to diversity and inclusion dates back to the Rams being the first sports team in the modern era to sign an African-American player. The Rams and CHARACTERplus have joined together to help educators integrate character building into classroom curricula called HUDDLE UP. The program features a web site that provides resources and lesson plans to classroom teachers. Teachers also have an opportunity to be recognized for outstanding lesson plans that integrate character into core academics. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS The CHARGERS CHAMPIONS program, an initiative of the Chargers Community Foundation, is now in its 8th year, providing $7,000 scholarships and laptop computers to 16 high school juniors. Chargers Champions makes a strong commitment to youth fitness and nutrition by providing up to $300,000 in annual grants to schools for programs and facilities throughout San Diego County. To date, the program has provided approximately $3 million in scholarships and grants. Each year through the COMMUNITY CORNER program, Chargers players and staff provide tickets to children s organizations for field level seats on the home side of Qualcomm Stadium. Along with the tickets, each participating child receives a free Chargers in the Community t-shirt and a coupon for a free drink and hot dog in the stadium. Last year, approximately 1,600 children participated in the program. The Chargers host the ANNUAL MILITARY APPRECIATION GAME and this year, the team will once again hold a regular mandatory practice on the field at Camp Pendleton. Last year, the team also held a Friday walk-through on the deck of the USS Reagan. Additionally, the Chargers have implemented a new season ticket holder UNUSED TICKET TURN-IN program benefiting the Armed Services YMCA and will host countless numbers of recovering soldiers at training camp, games, and special events. The Chargers also work with Lincoln Military Housing to provide numerous Jr. Chargers Camps for military children. 25

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Throughout the 60-year history of the San Francisco 49ers, the club has shared a commitment to its faithful fans and the community, taking a stand by advocating the value of respect through an outreach campaign created to target youth in the Bay Area. The RESPECT CAMPAIGN leverages the power of community involvement and its ability to generate public awareness, to share the importance of respect, and help young people become good community citizens. As part of the campaign, members of the 49ers organization take part in a variety of community events to reach out to youth and impart the value of respect in three important areas: families, schools and communities. The SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS FOUNDATION is the non-profit community funding extension of the San Francisco 49ers. Now in its 16th year, the 49ers Foundation supports development programs for underserved youth that keep them safe and in school. A significant portion of its funding goes toward family violence prevention programs and activities that teach youth leadership and respect. Through the leadership of 49ers team owners Denise and John York, the 49ers Foundation has donated more than $5.5 million over the last four years to non-profits throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS The Seahawks and Qwest offer the QWEST LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE to high school football and women s soccer athletes in order to promote involvement in community service. In 2007, 154 students volunteered over 3,500 hours of service. The program also distributed $20,000 in college scholarships to four students. Founded in 2004, The SPIRIT OF 12 PARTNERSHIP exemplifies the Seahawks commitment to the Pacific Northwest community. At every home game, youth service organizations partner with the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and Seahawks fans to raise funds. These organizations distribute the Seahawks Gameday Magazine, keeping 100 percent of the proceeds which are then matched by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. In 2007, the Spirit of 12 Partnership raised over $288,000, and has raised more than $1.1 million in total finds since 2004. READY, SET, GOALS, sponsored by Wells Fargo, is the Seahawks literacy program for third through sixth grade students. More than 100 classrooms throughout the state of Washington participate in the program, which brings Seahawks players directly into participating classrooms. Each month during the school year, a player writes a story based around a goal he had set and achieved. The students then write stories about their own personal goals. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS The GLAZER FAMILY FOUNDATION is dedicated to assisting charitable and educational causes in the West Central Florida region. It aids established, not-for-profit youth and family organizations in identifying and creating programs that support positive social and economic development. Since 1999, the foundation has contributed millions in programs, grants, tickets and merchandise throughout West Central Florida. In 2007, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers began the RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS program. Based on the concept of giving back, the program was an immediate success. Buccaneers players visited random locations in the Bay area to surprise fans with gifts from the team. BUCCANEERS DAY OF GIVING surprised 30 families with holiday gifts, game tickets, a shopping spree and more. The selected families reported to One Buccaneer Place under the impression they were receiving a tour of the team s headquarters. Buccaneers players, cheerleaders and Captain Fear revealed the true reason behind their visit during a surprise assembly in the team s auditorium, before taking the families to a nearby retail store for the shopping spree. Buccaneers offensive linemen teamed up to purchase 400 meals for disadvantaged families from the Tampa Bay area during TURKEY TIME WITH THE O-LINE. The Buccaneers transformed their facility into a drive-up/take-out service to ensure that all the families received their meals. 26

TENNESSEE TITANS The Titans were recognized as 2007 co-winners of the Outstanding System-Wide Partnership Award by the PENCIL Foundation in recognition of community-school partnerships and volunteerism at Metro Nashville Public Schools. The PENCIL Foundation (Public Education Needs Corporate Involvement and Leadership) has been linking community resources with Nashville public schools for 25 years. Titans owner K.S. Bud Adams, Jr., along with his fellow owners and NFL players, have contributed approximately $515,000 in LISC grants to improve football fields at ten Metro Nashville Schools. Each Tuesday during the fall, Titans players visit Metro Nashville middle schools, where they discuss the NFL s Play 60 program which addresses youth fitness as well as information on WHAT MOVES U, a national program with the American Heart Association that also promotes physical fitness to today s youth. The Titans instituted COMMUNITY QUARTERBACK, a program that donates money to organizations served by outstanding volunteers in NFL cities. Funded by The Tennessee Titans Foundation, the team has distributed more than $160,000 in grants to local winners of this award since 2000. The Tennessee Titans host an annual charity golf tournament each summer that benefits the TITANS FOUNDATION, which supports charitable efforts throughout Tennessee. The inaugural event was held in 1999 and has raised more than $1.2 million for charity to date. Equally successful in raising funds for the Titans Foundation is the state-issued automotive license plate program, which allows fans to purchase Titans plates for their personal vehicles. More than $1.45 million has been raised for 10 statewide charities and the Tennessee Arts Commission from these specialty plate sales since the program began in 2004. WASHINGTON REDSKINS Encouraging and promoting literacy among youth is the mission of the REDSKINS READ literacy program. Through the production and distribution of Redskins Read activity books throughout the area and player appearances, Redskins Read has reached nearly three-quarters of a million children in the Washington, DC metropolitan area since 2000. The program utilizes the excitement and community influence of Redskins players to promote literacy. The centerpiece of Redskins Read is the activity book that is distributed free of charge to public libraries, schools, youth clubs, Redskins fans, after-school centers, literacy events, and Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation (WRCF) events. Each year, WRCF hosts a literacy contest, a Read Across America Day celebration for local elementary school children, and a library grant program. Verizon s Thinkfinity.org is the program sponsor. FIELDS FOR TOMORROW, also established in 2000, renovates, upgrades and maintains football fields at high schools in need throughout Washington, DC and Prince George s County, Maryland. REDSKINS ALL STARS is designed to encourage and promote community service and volunteerism among youth. In order to participate in the program, community and youth-based nonprofits in the Washington, DC metropolitan area plan and implement a creative community service project. A panel of community leaders judge the project summaries and the top projects receive incentive grants. All eligible non-profits also receive a $100 check to help defray expenses for future community service initiatives. The Freddie Mac Foundation was the 2007 presenting sponsor. 27

Charlotte Anderson: Executive Vice President/Director of Charities and Special Events for the Dallas Cowboys...President of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, considered the world s premier professional sports cheerleading organization...serves in leadership roles with organizations such as The Salvation Army and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Michael Bidwill: President, Arizona Cardinals...Former federal prosecutor...serves on the NFL s Business Ventures Committee and the league s Security Advisory Group...Active on several charitable boards and philanthropic activities. Roger Goodell: Commissioner of the National Football League...Started as an intern in the NFL office in 1982 and held positions as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer before being elected Commissioner in 2006...Member of the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, and Action for Healthy Kids. Jack Kemp: 1996 Republican Vice Presidential candidate...served as Secretary of Housing & Urban Development...Co-founder of Empower America...Former MVP quarterback for the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers...Nine-term congressman from Buffalo. Board of Directors 28

Mary Owen: Vice President of Strategic Planning and advisor to ownership for Buffalo Bills business operations and philanthropic interests, including the Buffalo Bills Youth Foundation and its Community Relations efforts...executive Director of the Ralph Wilson Medical Research Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation. Justice Alan Page: Minnesota s first African-American Supreme Court Justice...Nine-time Pro Bowler who played primarily for the Minnesota Vikings as a defensive lineman...member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988)...Founder of the Page Education Foundation, which has provided college tuition to over 650 Page Scholars. Paul Tagliabue: Former Commissioner of the National Football League...Senior Counsel at Covington & Burling, Washington, DC and New York...Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Neil D. Levin Graduate Institute of International Relations and Commerce... Member of the Board of Directors of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. Delores Barr Weaver: Co-Owner Jacksonville Jaguars, Chair and CEO, Jaguars Foundation...Trustee of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute of Boston, Trustee Emeritus of United Way of Northeast Florida and WJCT Public Broadcasting...Advisory Board of Ronald McDonald House and The Bridge of Northeast Florida. 29

BALANCE SHEET Assets Cash Accounts Receivable Receivables due from Affiliates Prepaid and Other Current Assets Total Assets Liabilities and Net Assets Grants Payable Accounts Payable Payable to Affiliates Net Assets Total Liabilities and Net Assets Fiscal Year 2008 20,018,683 56,200 513,200 5,013 20,593,096 716,976 93,098-19,783,022 20,593,096 Fiscal Year 2007 17,695,700 5,105 24,520-17,725,325 1,577,363 281 92,867 16,054,814 17,725,325 INCOME - Fiscal Year 2008 CBA Contribution - NFL Clubs and Players... 8,000,000 Player/Club Fines...1,525,660 SB Youth Education Town Revenue (NFLX and SB)...1,500,000 NFL Auction... 35,874 Golf/Bowling Tournaments, Net of Expenses...11,618 Misc. Donations - Take a Player to School... 76,500 Misc. Donations - NFL Deal or No Deal... 50,567 Misc. Donations - Other...1,000 Interest Earned, Net... 597,447 Total Income...11,798,666 financials 30

EXPENSES - Fiscal Year 2008 Medical Grants... 1,532,792 Impact Grants... 1,073,570 Player Foundation Grants... 1,046,591 Team Programs What Moves U... 444,928 Volunteerism... 393,290 Hometown Huddle...137,080 Join the Team...131,150 Man of the Year... 98,000 Take a Player to School... 52,000 Team Program Total... 1,256,448 Committed/Special Consideration Retired Players Assistance...1,250,000 Pro Bowl Grants... 87,500 Special Consideration... 39,000 Committed/Special Consideration Total... 1,376,500 Player Fine Grants Fine Payment to PAT... 656,660 Lombardi Cancer Center...100,000 Brian Piccolo Fund...100,000 Player Fine Grants Total...856,660 YET Programming...422,295 YET Super Bowl Payment... 1,500,000 General Donations/Administration Other Charitable Support... 344,375 Meetings, Audits, Technology, Other... 46,616 General Donations/Admin. Total...390,991 Total Expenses... 9,455,847 Surplus for Period...2,342,819 Grant Commitments - Net Change, Accrual Basis...1,385,389 Total Fund Balance...19,783,022 31

NFL Charities 280 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017 212.450.2000 Pictured Front Cover (left to right): Mike McKenzie works with youth at Hometown Huddle 2007. Kurt Warner visits a children s hospital. New Orleans Saints build a playground Pictured Back Cover (left to right): Play 60 Festival at the 2008 NFL Draft. Peyton Manning teaches teamwork in the off season. Mike Rucker visits military personnel in Afghanistan.