NFL Alumni Health announced today that, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it will kick off an outreach and education initiative to help build COVID-19 vaccination confidence. Rolling out nationally and in 20 NFL Alumni chapter cities and regions, the campaign will feature more than 40 current and retired NFL players who will encourage the public to make the decision to protect themselves, their families and their communities by getting vaccinated.
"As a country, we've done a lot—individually and collectively—to help end the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19," said Beasley Reece, chief executive officer of the NFL Alumni Association (NFL Alumni). "We may be in the proverbial 'red zone,' but the fight isn't over. We hope that the voices of our NFL Alumni will help inspire people who have not yet been vaccinated to explore their concerns with a health care professional, get the facts and decide to protect themselves and others."
Millions of people in the U.S. have received COVID-19 vaccines, which has helped slow the trajectory of new cases across the country. But, despite widespread availability of vaccines and the emergence of the new, highly contagious Delta variant, millions of Americans have not yet opted to get vaccinated.
The NFL Alumni Health community outreach and education initiative appeals to those who are hesitant by acknowledging their concerns, dispelling common myths and driving them to resources that can help them make an informed decision. To date, more than 40 current and former NFL players have agreed to participate in the campaign, including 20 Super Bowl Champions, 25 Pro Bowlers, and 15 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"I did my part to end the pandemic by getting vaccinated," said Rod Woodson, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Super Bowl Champion, and 11-time Pro Bowler. "I understand that some people still have questions, but vaccination is the best way to protect ourselves and others, and reconnect with our friends, family and communities. If everyone makes a personal choice to get vaccinated, we all win together."
"I sought more information about COVID-19 vaccines before getting mine," said Marshall Faulk, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Super Bowl Champion, and seven-time Pro Bowler. "It's understandable that people have questions. It's an important decision. I want to encourage people to share what's on their minds and get the facts so they can take charge of their own health and help protect others."
"I had initial questions and hesitations about COVID-19 vaccines before I made the decision to get vaccinated," said Jerry Rice, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, three-time Super Bowl Champion, and 13-time Pro Bowler. "In the end, I made an informed decision to get vaccinated, to protect not only me, but also those I care about."
The campaign will include public service announcements from players, media interviews, a campaign website highlighting player perspectives, answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines and community events – such as player-supported vaccination events held in collaboration with local healthcare organizations across the country. Participating members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame include Derrick Brooks, Harry Carson, Cris Carter, Brian Dawkins, Marshall Faulk, Franco Harris, Michael Haynes, Howie Long, Anthony Munoz, John Randle, Andre Reed, Jerry Rice, Will Shields and Andre Tippett. Former NFL players Billy Davis and Kyle Richardson serve as Lead Ambassadors and Janet Marchibroda serves as the executive director of the campaign.
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