NFL Players ‘Make a Difference’

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

The National Football League is now the official on-air teammate for USA WEEKEND’s Make A Difference Day (October 27). During the rest of September and October, you can read inspirational words from NFL players in the weekend newspaper and watch for messages about Make A Difference Day on NFL Network’s Total Access, during a game broadcast, and on NFL.com.

To kick things off, N.Y. Giants quarterback Eli Manning talked about great returns — but not where you would expect them.

“It’s amazing to know the effect you have on people by simply signing your name on a piece of paper, or getting a picture taken with a young fan and seeing them smile and have their spirits lifted. These kids look up to me and watch my football games, and it feels great to give back to them and let them know that they’re in my thoughts, too.”

You don’t need to be an NFL player to help in your community. You can get that same great feeling Eli was talking about on Make A Difference Day by helping people in your path. Join a food drive, take your family to clean a park, ask your club or office to team up to paint a homeless shelter. Whatever you do, do something. Make a difference!

Upcoming stories in USA Weekend will feature Warrick Dunn, Derrick Johnson, Ben Roethlisberger and Champ Bailey. To learn more about the NFL’s commitment to making a difference off-the-field and to get active in your community, visit jointheteam.com.