Each grant will be used to support the Champions Live Here initiative. This has put the spotlight on 56 local organizations that focus on youth development, job creation, economic opportunity, and justice.
Each of the organizations selected by the Legacy Program received a $10,000 grant, a professionally-produced vignette-style video about the organization, and recognition for their efforts in the run-up to the Super Bowl. Six out of 56 organizations were chosen in December to receive $50,000 grants to help make an even greater impact on their communities.
Renata Simril (president and CEO of LA84 Foundation) stated that “Super Bowl 56 Legacy Program” will increase the work of many partners who are dedicated to finding solutions for the challenges that kids face in under-resourced areas. These are the challenges that every city faces. But they can be overcome if we all work together. The NFL has committed resources to help unsung heroes in the Los Angeles area, and is shining a light on their efforts to encourage others to get involved. This partnership will bring sports and play to areas where children don’t have the opportunity to play. It will also address the issue of play equity and improve the lives of these children. This is the true legacy of Super Bowl 56.
NFL WIVES
The official wives association of NFL players and Hall of Fame Health have partnered to provide health care for families.
Hall of Fame Health was established two years ago and aims to provide world-class healthcare solutions to the football community. Its focus does not just include former players, but also includes spouses and children as well as other dependents or family members.
OTF, a 16-year-old nonprofit, aims to empower its members across the United States by providing opportunities for them to make a difference in their communities through philanthropic efforts that are focused on families.
Hall of Fame Health CEO Jeremy Hogue said, “This could be the most important relationship that we will ever create.” These strong women are like all women in the country and make their own decisions about health care. They make sure their husbands receive the care they require and that their children get the care they deserve. We want to help them, make it easier for them, but also ensure they don’t have to sacrifice themselves.
Hall of Fame Health provides a concierge service, partnerships with medical groups and health systems; assistance with insurance and benefits issues; and a comprehensive network of behavioral health providers with all levels of care.
Rachel McKenzie (OTF president, wife of Mike McKenzie, a 11-year NFL veteran), said that she is looking forward to the partnership. “We will reduce the time we spend dealing with the details of disability benefits and do much more together.
WOOTEN AWARD
The Cleveland Browns are one of the most diverse front offices in the NFL and have been awarded the John B. Wooten Award to promote workplace equity.
Fritz Pollard Alliance, an organization of coaches, scouts and league front office staff, honored the team. It is a non-profit organization that aims to provide equal opportunities for all sports professionals.
The former chairman of the alliance, Wooten, 85, was an offensive lineman for the Browns between 1959 and 1967.
The award was presented to the team in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Andrew Berry, Browns executive vice-president and general manager, said that diversity, equity, and inclusion are our top priorities. Berry is one of seven Black GMs within the league. We are conscious in hiring and developing people from diverse backgrounds and with different perspectives. We believe that the NFL is only for good people. Good people come from all walks.
“We are grateful for the recognition and look forward the the continuation of the work.”
In recent years, the Browns have been active in filling positions in business and football operations with numerous fellowships and minority hires. Berry hired Glenn Cook, the vice president of player personnel, as well as Kwesi Adofo–Mensah (the team’s former vice-president of football operations, who was recently appointed Minnesota’s general manager).
Callie Brownson, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski’s chief of staff, was promoted to assistant coach by Stefanski — one of few female assistants in league.
DEEBO
Deebo Samuel’s achievements in 2021 are worthy of anyone, but one failure is still a problem.
Third-year wideout in San Francisco and 2021 All Pro selection, Samuel had an NFL-record 8 rushing touchdowns. He also had over 1,400 receiving yards. Samuel will be sitting idly Sunday, as the Los Angeles Rams defeated the 49ers in NFC championship.
Samuel stated, “I still haven’t got over it yet.” “I thought about it again as I walked into this place, thinking, ‘Man! We should be here.’ But, it is what is.”
AP podcast host Rob Maaddi said that Samuel was a fan the extra workload Kyle Shanahan threw at him.
Samuel stated, “I really like it because I feel like a very dangerous person whenever I have the ball in mine hands.” It’s that reason I love it so much.
The offense of the 49ers may change next year. San Francisco seems poised to replace Jimmy Garoppolo as the starting quarterback after drafting Trey Lance, the third-round draft pick in 2021.
Samuel is confident in any option, regardless of who is under center in 2022.
Samuel stated, “I’ve always been a Jimmy fan and when I say that I’m going rock with him, it’s because I am.” Samuel said, “Even though he isn’t going to be part of the team. I’m still going be a Jimmy fan.”
“But, as I said a while back, I have all of the trust and faith in Trey Lance that he will be the man we need.”
CLOSE CALLS
Matt LaFleur, Green Bay coach, is the repeat winner for the EdjSports Coaches of the Year award.
Analytics company ranks coaches on the basis of how they handle fourth-down decisions using its Critical Calls Index. It also provides a power ranking of teams’ performance to create a season-long ranking.
LaFleur was ranked eighth on the Critical Call Index, and third in power ranking. This placed him ahead of Frank Reich in Indianapolis. Reich, Andy Reid from Kansas City and Sean McDermott from Buffalo were the only other coaches who finished in the top ten in each category.
After his fourth-down aggressive season, Brandon Staley, Chargers’ first-year coach, was awarded the top spot on the Critical Calls Index.
The Super Bowl coaches were further down the list with the Rams’ Sean McVay ranking at 14th and Cincinnati’s Zac Tway at 19th.
LACES OUT
Two bracelets will be made from the shoelaces that Sony Michel, Los Angeles Rams runningback, will wear to Sunday’s game.
The bracelets will be made by Daniel Kasidi, founder of Rastaclat. Michel will receive one and the other will go to auction, with the proceeds going to the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club.
Michel stated in a statement that he was excited to work with Rastaclat to give back to the Los Angeles community. It is amazing that Rastaclat transforms something so simple like my football cleat laces to a work-of-art. I look forward to a wonderful partnership with the company.”
Michel averages eight carries per game in Rams’ postseason games.
SKYLINE BATH
C.J Uzomah, Bengals tight end, is open to celebrating in an unusual way if Cincinnati wins Super Bowl.
Uzomah claimed Thursday that he was on the podcast “Pardon the Take”. When the host mentioned that he would take a dip in Cincinnati’s famed Skyline chili if the Bengals win, Uzomah agreed to join in.
Uzomah stated, “I said that I would join you.” “Easy. 100%. I am wearing swim trunks, but if you place it in a pool, I will dive in and eat my way out.”
