NFL HEALTH UPDATE -- SEPT. 3, 2014
RAIDERS ASSIST IN NAPA EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY EFFORTS
The American Red Cross, Napa Valley Unified School District, and Napa Valley Education Foundation received $50,000 from the Oakland Raiders to assist in efforts to recover from the recent earthquake in the region. The Raiders just completed their 19th training camp in Napa. Pro Football Hall of Famer and Raider Legend Willie Brown presented the funds.
"We are so appreciative of the Raiders for their support of our work to help the Napa community recover from this major earthquake and their longstanding partnership and presence in Napa County," said Tim Miller, Regional CEO, American Red Cross California Northwest Region.
While in the Napa Valley, the Raiders are deeply involved in community outreach. Current and former players, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Brown, annually visits veterans at the nearby Veteran's Home-Yountville. Recently, the team invited local football teams to watch summer practice and participate in a chalk talk in celebration of USA Football Month, where they heard from Raiders alumni and current stars Maurice Jones-Drew and Charles Woodson.
CHARGERS HOLD ANNUAL MILITARY WALK-THROUGH
An annual tradition continued last week as the San Diego Chargers held their pre-game walk-through at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Instead of practice as usual, the Chargers spent the afternoon with Sailors, Marines and their families showing their support to the armed services.
"It's an honor and privilege to be here," said Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. "We're very fortunate to be part of the NFL and live the lives we do. But we cannot do it without the men and women who support our country. So there are a lot of sacrifices they make with their families and everything they do for the better of the country. So we're very fortunate."
Spending time with the troops was also meaningful to a number of players coming from military families.
"A lot of my family has been in the military so I know what they're going through," said Reggie Walker. "My mom and dad were both in the army, and my brother is in the air force. So to be able to give back in any way possible always means a lot."
The visit held significance to the service members as well. "This really makes us feel special," said John Farnam, commanding officer of the Air Station. "To a lot of our people, you see the Chargers on TV and think they are larger than life. Then you get to meet them and you realize they are larger than life because they are tremendous individuals. You saw Philip Rivers throwing passes to members of our football team here at Miramar, and that's an experience they will never forget."
LOCAL POP WARNER TEAMS TAKE THE FIELD DURING A RECENT JETS GAME
Four Newark Pop Warner Football League teams took the field at Metlife Stadium during halftime of the August 22 preseason matchup between the New York Jets and New York Giants.
"This is something that they'll remember the rest of their lives," the league's deputy commissioner, Ralph Steele, said in an interview with NJ.com prior to the game. "They are all so excited. It's going to be great."
Earlier in the week, former Jets offensive lineman Brandon Moore visited with the teams as a part of USA Football's Heads Up Football. Moore passed along the invitation to play at Metlife, along with a donation of 1,500 tickets to the game.
"This makes it seem like we've finally made it," the league's President Michael James, who founded the organization 30 years ago said. "It's grown into a great program and we work with a lot of kids. I'm proud of what we've been able to do, and this makes it even better."
-- NFL Communications