FOR SUPER FANS

Join the legion of Super Fans on Back to Football Friday to give you and your school a chance to win big

By Hy Cotten

Thursday, September 9, 2010 - 1:08pm

As the kickoff to the biggest season of all NFL seasons approaches, the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee is huddling with the NFL League offices on a number of initiatives. One in particular is titled “Back to Football Friday.”

The NFL PLAY 60 campaign and United Way are teaming up for a first-of-its-kind program to make youth health and wellness a nationwide priority. Back to Football Friday is encouraging adult participation, too, and falls right on the day of the Host Committee’s big XLV countdown event at Cowboys Stadium.

On Friday, Sept. 10, fans in cities and towns nationwide are encouraged to wear the gear of their beloved NFL teams — not a difficult request in North Texas, where the Cowboys roam.

That Friday is the first weekend of the NFL’s regular season, and the aim is to celebrate the return of football in classrooms, office buildings and stores all over the country.

Those interested in participating can also register for prizes and learn more at www.nfl.com/backtofootball.

Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s Vice President of Fan Strategy & Marketing, says the project is a perfect tie-in to the Host Committee’s celebration at Cowboys Stadium that Friday evening. XLV Countdown Live From Cowboys Stadium, presented by Frito-Lay, will include, among other things, a concert by Tim McGraw, a celebration of Emmitt Smith’s Hall of Fame career and a 50-year salute to Dallas Cowboys history.

“The League and all of the NFL clubs and all of our partners are creating a day for fans all across the country to celebrate their team pride, on that casual Friday,” O’Reilly said. “We’re encouraging every fan who goes to work that day, and every school across the country, to really show their team pride, wear their jerseys or polos.

“It’s tied nationally to the League and the clubs’ commitment to youth health and wellness. Everything is tied back to helping kids get more active and healthy.”

The NFL will select 34 schools — one from each of its 32 markets, plus two out-of-market schools — that demonstrate the most enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to health and wellness with their celebration. Those schools will receive a $10,000 NFL PLAY 60 grant to be used for health and wellness programming. In conjunction with the United Way, the NFL is also encouraging office workers to show their team pride, and earn the chance to win an NFL-themed celebration.

“In our minds, it ties in beautifully with what the Host Committee is doing that Friday,” O’Reilly said. “There’s no better way to cap off Back To Football Friday across the country than with the major event and concert that night at Cowboys Stadium. It’s a big, big push for us.”

Each NFL franchise is making its own push in this campaign. The Cowboys, whose Back to Football Friday effort is being presented by University of Phoenix, are encouraging fans to be innovative in their efforts.

Besides the NFL PLAY 60 $10,000 grant, the North Texas Play 60 Super School will also stage an assembly featuring a Dallas Cowboys player, who will lead students in fitness activities.

Emily Robbins, the Cowboys’ Director of Community Relations and Alumni Affairs, says, “The Dallas Cowboys are pleased to partner with the University of Phoenix to present Back to Football Friday to all North Texas schools (grades K-8). Pre-registration is quick and easy, and in the end it could really pay off for one lucky entry.” Parents, school administrators and teachers can sign up their school at www.nflrush.com.