NEW YORK (AP) -- The NFL will award $2.5 million in grants for new or refurbished football fields in 15 cities.
The money will go to schools, parks and other facilities in Atlanta; Spartanburg, S.C.; Chicago; Alexandria, Ky.; Grafton, Ohio; Pueblo, Colo.; Detroit; West Allis, Minn.; New Orleans; Newark, N.J.; Philadelphia; Penn Hills, Pa.; Clearwater, Fla.; Madison, Tenn.; and Washington.
Teams whose markets will benefit from the grants are the Falcons, Panthers, Bears, Bengals, Browns, Broncos, Lions, Packers, Saints, Giants, Eagles, Steelers, Buccaneers, Titans and Redskins.
"Community fields are the pillars of neighborhoods across the country, places where families can `play 60' together in a safe environment," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
The program is a partnership between the league and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and is part of a 14-year, $32.5 million commitment the NFL has made through its grass roots program. So far, 256 football fields nationwide have been constructed or renovated.
"Health and safety in sports should be a priority at every level," NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said. "The field improvements made by this important program will be a tremendous benefit to active youth across the country. The players of the NFL also applaud these nonprofits for their work to better our communities."
Shortly after it was selected, the city of Spartanburg's Park & Recreation superintendent, Brian Wofford, was killed in an auto accident. The Woodson Rec Center was one of the facilities under his direction and Wofford played on the field that will be refurbished.
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Friday, May 24 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:00:34 GMT
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
The Chicago Bears will retire former head coach Mike Ditka's No. 89. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end's number will be officially retired during halftime at the Bears' Monday Night Football game Dec. 9.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
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Monday, May 13 2013 12:14 AM EDT2013-05-13 04:14:12 GMT
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp...
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp that ended...
Saturday, May 11 2013 11:39 PM EDT2013-05-12 03:39:02 GMT
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
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