The Green Bay Packers, the NFL and the United Way are encouraging fans to show their Packers spirit with the Back to Footballcampaign.
Back to Football Thursday is a way for communities nationwide to show their excitement for the return of NFL football. Starting now and continuing through Kickoff weekend (September 8-12), the NFL and United Way are teaming up to celebrate the start of the football season. Fans are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to their NFL teams and their excitement for the upcoming season by planning a unique Back to Football Thursday event for their communities, in the workplace or at school, to support youth health and wellness.
Whether they're planning a pep rally or wearing their favorite team jersey or shirt to school or work, fans can show their passion in any creative way Sept. 8, and enter for the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime prizes from the NFL.
Schools can enter the Back to Football Thursday contest at www.NFLRUSH.com/BackToFootball. They will be asked to submit photos of their Back to Football Thursday event and answer brief essay questions for the chance to win a $10,000 NFL PLAY 60 grant for fitness equipment at their school and a visit from a Green Bay Packers player this fall. Thirty-four winning schools will be selected as "NFL PLAY 60 Super Schools," one in each of the 32 NFL markets, and two at-large winners. Through the contest, schools can cheer on their favorite teams, while supporting the health and wellness of children in their community. Butte des Morts Elementary School in Menasha, Wis., was last season's winner.**
Fans also are encouraged to take their Packers spirit to work on Sept. 8, wearing their Packers jerseys or gear or planning a special office event to celebrate the return of football season. Working with United Way, the NFL is offering companies the chance to show their NFL passion and win a Back to Football celebration at their office. Companies can register to take part at United Way's special Back to Football website, www.UnitedWay.org/BackToFootball. Many NFL sponsors are planning Back to Football Thursday celebrations for their employees.
As a supporter of Back to Football Thursday, Dick's Sporting Goods is providing special offers at retail cost for NFL fans who participate in a celebration, as well as a $500 gift certificate to each of the "NFL PLAY 60 Super Schools."
Designed to tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL's long-standing commitment to health and fitness with partner organizations like United Way. Since the program was launched in 2007, the NFL has committed more than $200 million to youth health and fitness through programming, grants, and media time for PSAs.
