This year, NFL Players Inc., the licensing and marketing arm of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) supported six player-led community football camps through a new pilot program that connected NFLPA staff, licensees and businesses.
In the camps the players taught football fundamentals, but also promoted teamwork, self-esteem and healthy living.
NFL licensees Oyo, Fathead and Panini America, as well as online retailer Fanatics, each donated new merchandise to the camps. The youth participants received products such as licensed trading cards, decals and T-shirts.
Each camp had to meet the following criteria: It had to be in at least its second year; the player hosting the camp must be active in his community year-round; and the player also needed to obtain a letter of recommendation from his team’s NFLPA player representative.
The players selected were Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, Buffalo Bills cornerback Mario Butler, Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Colin Cole and Baltimore Ravens defensive end Chris Canty.
For more information, visit nflpa.com. — J.B.