2018 PRO BOWL IN ORLANDO TO FEATURE WEEK-LONG CELEBRATION OF FOOTBALL - NFL Communications
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/17/18
2018 PRO BOWL IN ORLANDO TO FEATURE WEEK-LONG
CELEBRATION OF FOOTBALL
For First Time, Kids 14 and Under to Receive Postgame Field Access
Game Tickets on Sale at ProBowl.com
When the 2018 NFL PRO BOWL returns to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, the NFL is
bringing back a week-long celebration to unite and inspire the entire football community.
Leading up to the game, the NFL is hosting a series of PRO BOWL WEEK events, including
free interactive fan experiences, youth and high school football competitions, and a series of
community events with nonprofit organizations and military personnel to positively impact
thousands of local residents, children, and their families.
One of the new additions this year is the PRO BOWL KIDS STADIUM TAKEOVER. For the first
time, after the Pro Bowl postgame ceremony, all kids ages 14 and under with parents at
Camping World Stadium will be invited to run around the very same field as some of the NFL’s
biggest stars. On Pro Bowl Sunday, participants can check in at a Pro Bowl Kids Stadium
Takeover check-in table located on either the field level near section 145 or on the plaza level
near section 149. More information is available at ProBowl.com.
Additional Pro Bowl Week activities will include the NFL FLAG CHAMPIONSHIPS; PLAY
FOOTBALL HIGH SCHOOL DAY; PRO BOWL SKILLS SHOWDOWN; free access to AFC &
NFC TEAM PRACTICES; NFL PRO BOWL EXPERIENCE, a free, football-themed fan festival;
and NFL PLAY 60 events. The NFL will also work with the You Can Play Project on an event for
NFL Legends, local LGBT youth and allies, and with Raliance and Break the Cycle on a summit
for local young leaders, with the goal of empowering and equipping youth with strategies to
combat gender-based violence.
As part of the “THANK YOU, COACH!” initiative, Pro Bowl players will invite a high school
coach, who most impacted their life and NFL career, and a guest to celebrate Pro Bowl Week in
Orlando. With the PRO BOWL GIVEBACK PROGRAM, players will compete for more than
bragging rights – each member of the winning team may apply for a $10,000 NFL Foundation
grant to be donated to the high school or youth football program of their choice, help leave a
lasting legacy on the community, and increase opportunities for the next generation of football
players.
The week-long celebration will culminate with the Pro Bowl game, featuring 88 of the NFL’s best
players, on SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 at Camping World Stadium that will air on ESPN, ESPN
1Deportes, WatchESPN, and ABC at a new start time of 3:00 PM ET. Tickets to the 2018 Pro
Bowl game are on sale now at ProBowl.com.
All fans will also be able to stream the game live with the NFL and Yahoo Sports mobile apps.
Live audio coverage of the Pro Bowl will be provided by Westwood One and will also be
available on SiriusXM and the TuneIn app.
ESPN is the League’s media partner for the Pro Bowl and will provide live coverage of the game
and many of the events during Pro Bowl Week across the ESPN, ABC, and Disney platforms, in
addition to NFL Media.
Genesis, the Official Luxury Vehicle of the NFL, will award the Most Valuable Player on offense
and defense with a brand-new Genesis model of their choice.
The Pro Bowl is an all-inclusive event for fans on gameday. The 2017 Pro Bowl marked the first
autism-friendly game hosted by a professional sports league. Working with KultureCity,
Camping World Stadium's sensory-inclusive partner, the NFL will offer families who attend the
2018 Pro Bowl with support, including sensory accessibility resources and two dedicated
sensory rooms located in the stadium to enable them to enjoy the game with more confidence
and comfort.
The following are ways the NFL is celebrating the football community, providing fans access to
a range of free football activities, and positively impacting Orlando and the surrounding region
during Pro Bowl Week.
PRO BOWL WEEK KICKOFF AND COMMUNITY GRANT EVENT
On Tuesday, January 23, the NFL will join the City of Orlando and LIFT Orlando at Orange
Center Elementary School (2043 Jacobs Place), to kick off Pro Bowl Week festivities and host a
tree planting project as part of an Orlando-based neighborhood revitalization project.
Among those who will take part in the event are Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Florida Citrus
Sports CEO Steve Hogan, NFL Senior Vice President of Events Peter O’Reilly, Pro Bowl
Legends Captains Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn, Jason Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson
and local high school football teams from Maynard Evans High School and Jones High School.
The NFL seeks to improve the surrounding communities and leave a positive legacy in the host
city beyond the Pro Bowl game. The tree planting project alongside Orange Center Elementary
School is one of three NFL Environmental Program events planned, as part of efforts to
enhance the Orlando community’s environment.
The event will kick off at 11:00 AM ET with brief remarks from attendees and a media
availability with the Pro Bowl Legends Captains. Following the press event, at approximately
11:30 AM ET, participants will plant trees alongside community residents and NFL volunteers.
For more information, contact Ana Blinder, Ana.Blinder@NFL.com and Kamran Mumtaz,
Kamran.Mumtaz@NFL.com.
2THANK YOU, COACH!
Pro Bowl players will be saying “Thank You, Coach!” to that special high school coach who
most impacted their life and NFL career. Each Pro Bowl player attending may invite their high
school coach and a guest to celebrate Pro Bowl Week in Orlando.
On Friday, January 26, high school coaches will enjoy a special welcome reception, and on
Saturday, January 27 at ESPN Wide World of Sports, coaches and Pro Bowlers will lead the
“Thank You, Coach!” clinic and High School Skills Challenge. On Sunday, Jan. 28, the coaches
will attend the Coaches Tailgate at the Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium before kickoff and
be recognized on-field alongside their Pro Bowl player.
For more information, contact Ellie Mills, 314-982-8610, ellie.mills@fleishman.com.
NFL FOUNDATION PRO BOWL GIVEBACK
This year, Pro Bowl players will compete for more than bragging rights – players on the winning
team may apply for a $10,000 NFL Foundation grant to be donated to the high school or youth
football program of their choice. The Pro Bowl Giveback Program ensures the NFL and its
players will leave a lasting legacy on the youth and high school football community and increase
opportunities for the next generation of football players.
For more information, contact Ana Blinder, Ana.Blinder@NFL.com.
2018 NFL PRO BOWL EXPERIENCE
The NFL Pro Bowl Experience will be open to fans Wednesday, January 24 – Thursday,
January 25 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET and Friday, January 26 – Saturday, January 27 from
10:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort.
The free-admission, family-friendly football fan festival will bring fans closer to the NFL through
interactive games and sponsor activations. New activities to this year’s Pro Bowl Experience
include some of the same challenges that AFC & NFC Pro Bowlers will compete in during the
Skills Showdown, such as: Kick-Tac-Toe, in which three footballs must be kicked in a row on a
giant tic-tac-toe board, and the Best Hands competition to catch as many different passes as
possible.
Leading up to Pro Bowl Week, the NFL will launch its official companion app: Pro Bowl – Fan
Mobile Pass. It guides visitors through Pro Bowl Week and provides exclusive chances to win
prizes, including tickets to the game, autographed footballs, and more. The app will also feature
gameday content, including real time updates of which players are on the field. Fans are
encouraged to register in advance at NFL.com/PBFanMobilePass.
An assortment of free fan activities at the 2018 NFL Pro Bowl Experience are detailed below.
No tickets are required.
• 40-Yard Dash: Race down the field against your opponents and virtual NFL players on a
giant 40-yard long LED wall.
• Airbrush Tattoos: Show your team spirit through NFL and Pro Bowl themed airbrush
tattoos and face painting.
3• Best Hands: Catch as many different passes as possible like an NFL all-star.
• Family Football Zone: An interactive area for kids and families to play together. Play
catch in the field or take part in a range of football and tailgate-themed games.
• Kick-Tac-Toe: Kick 3 in a row on a giant tic-tac-toe board. The Kick-Tac-Toe challenge
will also occur doing the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown, where AFC & NFC Pro Bowlers will
attempt to do the same.
• Long Snap Accuracy Challenge Presented by Verizon: Test your aim by long
snapping footballs through a variety of obstacles.
• NFL Pro Bowl Trophy: Take a photo with the official NFL Pro Bowl Trophy.
• NFL Shop at Pro Bowl: Shop for your favorite NFL and Pro Bowl gear at the NFL Shop
trailer located inside NFL Pro Bowl Experience.
• Obstacle Course: Navigate through obstacle courses and train like an NFL player.
• Panini: The exclusive physical trading card licensee of the NFL, Panini is an Official
Sponsor of the NFL Pro Bowl. Stop by the Panini booth for a chance to win NFL trading
cards.
• Precision Passing presented by EA SPORTS Madden NFL 18: Pass to as many
targets as possible while on the clock.
• Run-A-Route: Test your wide receiver skills and run a see-and-react route to catch a
pass down field.
• Vertical Jump: Jump as high as you can and hit the corresponding flag to discover your
vertical reach just like at the NFL Scouting Combine.
• Virtual Reality Experience: Get inside the NFL with virtual reality technology and
experience what it is like to be on-the-field on an actual NFL game.
For more information, contact Kamran Mumtaz, NFL, Kamran.Mumtaz@NFL.com.
AFC & NFC TEAM PRO BOWL PRACTICES
The AFC and NFC teams will practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports from Wednesday,
January 24 through Saturday, January 27. All media availabilities will take place on the field at
the conclusion of each practice.
Practices are free and open to the public, and entry to the seating areas is available on a first-
come, first-served basis. To attend practice, fans must register for Fan Mobile Pass via the Pro
Bowl – Fan Mobile Pass app or on NFL.com/PBFanMobilePass. Visit ProBowl.com for more
details.
4Wednesday, January 24
10:30 AM ET NFC team practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports – Field 16
10:45 AM ET AFC team practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports – Field 17
Thursday, January 25
11:30 AM ET NFC team practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports – Field 16
11:45 AM ET AFC team practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports – Field 17
Friday, January 26
11:30 AM ET NFC team practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports – Field 16
11:45 AM ET AFC team practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports – Field 17
Saturday, January 27
11:30 AM ET NFC team walk-through at ESPN Wide World of Sports – Field 16
11:45 AM ET AFC team walk-through at ESPN Wide World of Sports – Field 17
For more information, contact Jake Gellerman, NFL, Jacob.Gellerman@NFL.com.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED FLAG FOOTBALL GAME
For the second year, the NFL will team up with Special Olympics in Orlando during Pro Bowl
Week to host a Unified Flag Football game with Special Olympics Florida athletes. The NFL and
Special Olympics are committed to building inclusive communities and providing opportunities
for athletes of all abilities to participate in sports through the expansion of Special Olympics
Unified Sports flag football, where individuals with and without intellectual disabilities play flag
football together on the same team. The Unified Flag Football game will take place on
Wednesday, January 24 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET on Field 21 at ESPN Wide World of
Sports. Current Pro Bowl players will serve as coaches and cheer athletes on during the game.
The NFL and Special Olympics kicked off their national partnership at the 2017 Pro Bowl. With,
contributions from the NFL Foundation, Special Olympics provided grants to local Special
Olympics Programs in eleven NFL team markets. This year, the NFL and Special Olympics will
expand those efforts to five new markets that will receive NFL Foundation funding. The grants
will be used to help enhance Unified Sports programming and increase participation of athletes,
Unified partners, and coaches across the country. NFL teams will continue to work with local
Special Olympics Programs to help grow and expand opportunities for Special Olympics Unified
Flag Football.
Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the
transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. We empower people with
intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which
leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst and
programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and
intolerance. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has
grown to more than 5 million athletes and Unified partners in more than 170 countries. With the
support of more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-
type sports and over 108,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is
supported by individuals, foundations and partners, including the Christmas Records Trust, the
Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics, The Coca-Cola Company, The Walt
Disney Company and ESPN, Microsoft, Lions Clubs International, Bank of America, Essilor
Vision Foundation, the Golisano Foundation, Finish Line, and Safilo Group. Click here for a full
5list of partners. Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and our blog on
Medium.
For more information, contact Catherine Boyle, Catherine.Boyle@NFL.com.
NFL WOMEN’S CAREERS IN FOOTBALL FORUM
The NFL will host the Women’s Careers in Football Forum Friday, January 26 and Saturday,
January 27 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Fifty women were selected from among more
than 400 applicants to attend the second annual forum. The event will feature panel
discussions, breakout sessions, and networking sessions aimed to educate and prepare women
for careers in Football Operations, including coaching, officiating, scouting and football front
office positions.
Featured speakers and panelists will include Canadian Football League (CFL) Commissioner
Randy Ambrosie, NFL Chief Football Administration Officer Dawn Aponte, Glazer Family
Foundation Co-President Darcie Glazer Kassewitz (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Women’s
Leaders in College Sports Chief Executive Officer Patti Phillips, Atlanta Falcons Assistant
General Manager Scott Pioli, CFL Toronto Argonauts General Manager Jim Popp, NFL
Director of Football Development Samantha Rapoport, Stanford University Head Coach David
Shaw, and Minnesota Vikings Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren.
Twenty-two of the female participants at the inaugural Forum in 2017 went on to secure
internships and full-time positions in coaching and scouting at the professional, collegiate and
high school levels, including nine with the NFL.
Media interested in attending the NFL Women’s Careers in Football Forum and/or setting up
interviews with speakers and participants, may contact Catherine Boyle, NFL,
Catherine.Boyle@NFL.com.
NFL PLAY 60 CHARACTER CAMP
On Thursday, January 25 at 10:00 AM ET, the NFL will host a free Character Camp on Field
23 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The event will include 300 predominantly-Hispanic youth
from the Orlando area. The non-contact football camp will be led by Pro Football Hall of Fame
offensive tackle Anthony Muñoz.
The NFL PLAY 60 Character Camps program is a partnership between the NFL and the Muñoz
Agency. The mission of the camps is to make a positive impact on youth through teaching
football skills, emphasizing exercise, and reinforcing the importance of character in athletics and
life. The camp is part of a series of NFL PLAY 60 Character Camps hosted as part of the NFL’s
year-round Hispanic outreach initiative, focused on offering youth opportunities to play and
experience the game of football. Since the inception of NFL PLAY 60 Character Camps in 2012,
over 60 camps have been held impacting more than 20,000 youth across the country.
For more information, contact Nicolle Lopez, 305-951-8013, nlopez@pintausa.com.
NFL PLAY 60 FIELD DAY
6On Thursday, January 25 from 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM ET, the NFL will host a PLAY 60 Field
Day with current NFL players, local youth and students from local schools enrolled in the Fuel
Up to Play 60 program. In addition, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers will host community groups from their regions at the PLAY 60 Field Day, which
will take place on Field 21 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Prior to the PLAY 60 Field Day,
local community groups attending the PLAY 60 Field Day will have the opportunity to view Pro
Bowl practice.
The event will consist of different physical activity stations ranging from relay races to ‘fuel up’
healthy eating stations and Quarterback Challenge drills.
The NFL is celebrating 10 years of getting kids active and healthy through NFL PLAY 60, the
league’s youth health and wellness campaign encouraging kids to get active for 60 minutes a
day. For more information, visit NFL.com/PLAY60.
For more information, contact Catherine Boyle, Catherine.Boyle@NFL.com.
NFL FLAG YOUTH MEDIA NIGHT
Members of the NFL FLAG Championship teams will experience what it feels like to be in the
spotlight as an NFL player at NFL FLAG Youth Media Night on Thursday, January 25 at 6:00
PM ET at ESPN Wide World of Sports. At the event, NFL FLAG participants will take part in
media interviews with current Pro Bowl players, NFL Legends, and members of the media.
In addition to being interviewed like the stars, NFL FLAG competitors will enjoy food and
entertainment, photo opportunities, walk the Play Football Red Carpet like the NFL’s best, and
have an opportunity to mix and mingle before the competition kicks off on Friday, January 26.
For more information, contact Ellie Mills, 314-982-8610, ellie.mills@fleishman.com.
NFL & USA FOOTBALL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The NFL/USA Football High School Ambassador Program Coaching Initiative offers former NFL
players interested in understanding the Youth Football landscape and currently coaching or
interested in coaching youth football, an opportunity to network and participate in in-person
Heads Up Football training sessions.
Former NFL players who are a part of the year-round program, which is a Play Football
initiative, will participate in weekend-long Pro Bowl activities. Activities include: interviewing NFL
FLAG competitors during NFL FLAG Youth Media Night; a day-long seminar led by the NFL and
USA Football; viewing Pro Bowl practice and various Play Football High School Day activities;
and attending the USA Football National Conference.
For more information, contact Ellie Mills, 314-982-8610, ellie.mills@fleishman.com.
USA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
7The fifth annual USA Football National Conference, which is expected to draw more than 1,000
attendees, is the largest annual gathering of high school and youth football administrators and
coaches in the United States.
Speakers addressing National Conference attendees include Pro Football Hall of Fame wide
receiver Cris Carter, former Pro Bowl quarterback and Super Bowl XXXV Champion Trent
Dilfer, Villanova University Director of Athletics Mark Jackson, National High School Hall of
Fame coach Chuck Kyle of Cleveland St. Ignatius H.S., four-time state champion head coach
Jason Mohns of Scottsdale Saguaro H.S., University of Arkansas head coach Chad Morris,
and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker and Super Bowl XX Champion Mike Singletary.
National Conference speakers will address a range of topics, including coach education, player
safety, program development and key trends. This year’s conference will take place from
Friday, January 26 to Sunday, January 28 at the Orange County Convention Center.
USA Football National Conference Schedule:
• Friday, January 26: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
• Saturday, January 27: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM ET
• Sunday, January 28: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET
Media interested in attending and/or setting up interviews with panelists and speakers may
contact Melinda Whitemarsh of USA Football at mwhitemarsh@usafootball.com.
For more information or to apply for a USA Football’s National Conference media credential,
please visit USAFootball.com/nationalconference.
NFL FLAG CHAMPIONSHIPS AT PRO BOWL POWERED BY USA FOOTBALL
The NFL FLAG Championships powered by USA Football are returning to Pro Bowl. The
NFL FLAG Championships will be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports from Friday, January 26
– Saturday, January 27 and are part of the NFL’s weeklong celebration of football at all levels.
All teams will kick off the week at NFL FLAG Youth Media Night on Thursday, January 25. Live
coverage will occur on ESPN and ABC during “Postseason NFL Countdown” at 1:00 PM ET.
Sixty-six teams from across the country – ten regional champions in four divisions plus 26
teams selected by NFL Clubs – will compete. An additional five international teams from
Canada, China and Mexico will participate in the exhibition games. Divisions include: 9-10 coed,
11-12 coed, 13-14 boys and 13-14 girls. NFL Pro Bowl players and Legends will serve as guest
coaches, encouraging the teams as they compete for the national title.
The 13-14 Girls Championships will take place on Saturday, January 27 after Pro Bowl
practice during Play Football High School Day. ESPN and ABC will televise the 13-14 Boys
Championship Game on Sunday, January 28 as part of the network’s “Postseason NFL
Countdown” show.
NFL FLAG powered by USA Football promotes physical fitness and teaches the sport’s values
and life skills on and off the field to more than 410,000 young people. A non-contact version of
traditional football offered for boys and girls ages 5-17 in cities across the country, NFL FLAG
emphasizes fun, safety, teamwork, self-esteem, discipline, and goal-setting. USA Football is the
sport’s national governing body in the United States.
8For more information, contact Ellie Mills, FleishmanHillard, 314-982-8610,
ellie.mills@fleishman.com.
YOU CAN PLAY PROJECT: HI-FIVE INITIATIVE
On the morning of Saturday, January 27, the NFL will team with the You Can Play Project to
host Orlando-area LGBT youth from local organizations, including the Hope Community Center,
Our Fund and the Zebra Coalition, for a special event at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Students
will attend Pro Bowl practice and then sit down with current NFL players and NFL Legends for a
conversation on LGBT rights and inclusion in sports. The session will be facilitated by former
NFL player and You Can Play Project Executive Director, Wade Davis. Additionally, youth
participating in the event will attend the Pro Bowl on Sunday, January 28 at Camping World
Stadium.
The You Can Play Project is an advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect
and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation and gender identify. The
organization’s Hi-Five initiative aims to create meaningful connections between LGBT youth and
leaders within the professional sports community. The NFL was the first professional sports
league to join the initiative when it launched in 2013.
For more information, contact Clare Graff, Clare.Graff@nfl.com.
PLAY FOOTBALL HIGH SCHOOL DAY
On Saturday, January 27, during Play Football High School Day, the best will meet the next!
The NFL will host approximately 200 local high school football players and celebrate both male
and female football participants as well as coaches. These student-athletes will participate in
numerous exclusive, invite-only activities throughout the day.
The day kicks off with an opportunity to learn and polish their skills during the High School Skills
Challenge which will be led by the high school coaches of current Pro Bowl players in
attendance as part of the NFL’s “Thank You, Coach!” initiative. After viewing Pro Bowl
practice, the student-athletes will attend a character development session led by an NFL
Legend and will have a chance to explore the Pro Bowl Experience.
Additionally, during High School Football Day, the spotlight will not only be placed on tackle
football participants but the flag athletes will have an opportunity to compete with an emphasis
on Girls Flag with the NFL Girls 13-14 FLAG Championships and a Florida High School Girls
Varsity game occurring simultaneously after Pro Bowl practice.
For more information, contact Ellie Mills, 314-982-8610, ellie.mills@fleishman.com.
DON SHULA NFL HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award honors an exemplary football
coach at the high school level who displays the integrity, achievement, and leadership
demonstrated by Coach Shula. Coaches are nominated for the national award by all 32 NFL
teams, and the winner is selected by a panel of judges including Peyton Manning, Willie
McGinest, Condoleezza Rice and Michael Strahan.
9The Don Shula Award winner will be announced during the Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium
on Sunday, January 28 at 3:00 PM ET, and will be covered on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and
ABC. Two finalists will each receive $15,000 from the NFL Foundation, $10,000 of which will go
to their high school’s football program. The 2017 winner will receive an additional $10,000 from
the NFL Foundation, $5,000 of which will go to his high school’s football program, and attend
the Super Bowl.
All NFL club-selected Don Shula Award nominees will be invited and recognized in special ways
during the NFL’s week-long celebration of football in Orlando. The coaches will participate in a
special coaches’ clinic, enjoy a VIP visit to Pro Bowl practices and attend the USA Football
National Conference.
To learn more about this year’s nominees, click here.
For more information, contact Ana Blinder, Ana.Blinder@NFL.com and Ellie Mills, 314-982-
8610, ellie.mills@fleishman.com.
MAKE-A-WISH®
Through the assistance of the NFL, Make-A-Wish will grant the wishes of five children to attend
the 2018 Pro Bowl. Wish children and their families will attend a Pro Bowl practice at ESPN
Wide World of Sports and will attend the game at Camping World Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 28.
Every year since 1982, the NFL and Make-A-Wish have teamed to grant one or more wish kids
to attend either the Super Bowl or Pro Bowl.
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the
human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact,
most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true can have positive impacts on the
health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illnesses, and their
parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Based in Phoenix, Make-A-
Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the
United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 33,000
volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the country every 34 minutes. It has
granted more than 285,000 wishes since its inception in 1980; more than 15,300 in 2016 alone.
Visit Make-A-Wish at wish.org to learn more.
For more information on Wish Kid activities and media opportunities during Pro Bowl Week,
contact Josh deBerge at 602-792-3185 or jdeberge@wish.org.
MILITARY OUTREACH
The following is a sampling of events planned for service members and their families in Orlando
during Pro Bowl Week as part of the NFL’s Salute to Service:
• Following Pro Bowl practice on Saturday, Jan. 27 the NFL and Wounded Warrior
Project will host a flag football game for 50 wounded warriors from 11:30 AM – 12:30
PM ET on Field 21 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Following the game, warriors will
join 100 individuals from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) for a
special Military Appreciation Luncheon from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET. NFL Legends,
cheerleaders, and mascots will be in attendance to meet and greet TAPS families and
10wounded warriors and their families as they enjoy a complimentary meal provided by
MISSION BBQ.
• The NFL will host members of TAPS and Wounded Warrior Project at Pro Bowl
practices throughout the week at ESPN Wide World of Sports and on gameday.
• Family members from TAPS will enjoy complimentary admittance to Disney’s theme
park.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national organization providing
compassionate care for the families of America’s fallen military heroes and has offered support
to more than 70,000 surviving family members of our fallen military and their caregivers since
1994. TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars
and retreats for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, case work assistance, connections to
community-based care, online and in-person support groups and a 24/7 resource and
information helpline for all who have been affected by a death in the Armed Forces. Services
are provided free of charge. For more information, visit www.taps.org.
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) connects warriors with one another, their families, and
communities. It serves warriors through lifesaving programs and services targeting mental and
physical health, career and benefits counseling, and support for the most severely wounded.
And WWP empowers warriors to mentor other veterans and live life on their terms. To learn
more, visit: www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
For more information, contact Ana Blinder, Ana.Blinder@NFL.com.
THE COLLEGE CATCH
For the first time at Pro Bowl, the NFL will host “The College Catch,” a conversation with leaders
in football that is aimed at educating and inspiring the next generation of sports business
professionals.
Occurring at 10:00 AM on Sunday, January 28 at Harry Buffalo’s on Church Street, “The
College Catch” provides college students with the opportunity to learn from and network with the
best in the sports business. Attendees will get access to the speaker session as well as a ticket
to the NFL 2018 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium at 3:00 PM.
To secure your tickets, please contact Will Prystowsky at (646) 688-4413 or
will.prystowsky@nfl.com.
PRO BOWL SKILLS SHOWDOWN
For the second consecutive year, players from the AFC and NFC will compete against each
other in unique competitions at the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown, which will air on Thursday,
January 25, at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN. The event will also re-air across ESPN, ABC and Disney
XD, as well as NFL Network.
The 2018 Pro Bowl Legends Captains, Jason Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson of the AFC
and Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn of the NFC, will lead their respective squads. Each
Skills Showdown team will feature a mix of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight
ends, linemen, linebackers, defensive backs and kickers.
11Taking place at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World in Orlando, the competition
will include:
• Epic Pro Bowl Dodgeball presented by Pepsi: Pro Bowlers will compete in a game of
dodgeball, with every member of each team participating. The team with the last person
on the court wins.
• Kick-Tac-Toe: A new challenge that tests the accuracy of placekickers from both
conferences with a version of the classic game, as they attempt to hit a 3x3 grid of
targets inside the uprights.
• Gridiron Gauntlet: Five players from each team will participate in a relay race designed
to showcase strength, speed, and agility. Among other surprises, the challenge will
include a 40-yard dash with an inflated parachute that is attached to the first player on
each team who will sprint before tagging in teammates.
• Best Hands presented by EA SPORTS Madden NFL 18: Four receivers – two from
each conference – will catch a series of passes at a sequence of downfield targets as
quickly as possible. Designated targets require a specific style of catch – diving, one-
handed, over the shoulder, etc. – which must be executed before the receiver can move
on to the next target.
• Precision Passing presented by EA SPORTS Madden NFL 18: Each conference’s
quarterbacks will battle it out in an accuracy competition, as they attempt to hit targets of
varying size and distance.
• Drone Drop Challenge: A bonus event during which one player from each team will
attempt to catch footballs dropped from drones from increasing heights above the field.
The player who makes the highest catch wins money for the charity of his choice.
Fans are encouraged to join the conversation surrounding the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown on
social media using the hashtag #ProBowl.
A limited number of free tickets to the Skills Showdown taping will be made available to fans.
Fans may register for tickets here.
For more information, contact Jake Gellerman, NFL, Jacob.Gellerman@NFL.com.
EA SPORTS: THE MADDEN NFL 18 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
From Thursday, January 25 to Saturday, January 27, EA SPORTS will host The Madden NFL
18 Club Championship tournament at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports. The Madden NFL 18 Club
Championship, the third EA Major Series event of the $1 million Madden NFL 18 Championship
Series, will bring together the top 32 players from across the country representing each NFL
club to compete during Pro Bowl Week. These elite competitive players advanced through a
grueling online elimination process featuring millions of Madden players in pursuit of the Club
Championship title and their share of over $400,000.
The competitions will take place:
• Thursday, January 25: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM ET
12• Friday, January 26: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM ET
• Saturday, January 27: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM ET
For more information, contact Corbin Bourne, EA SPORTS, cbourne@ea.com or Travis Varner,
EA SPORTS, tvarner@ea.com.
PRO BOWL FUN RUN SERIES
Grab the family and your favorite team jersey for the 2018 Pro Bowl Fun Run Series located at
the Track & Field Complex at ESPN Wide World of Sports beginning at 1:00 PM ET on
Saturday, January 27.
From Kids Dashes to a Half Mile Run, there is a distance for football fans of any age.
Participants can look forward to appearances from Disney characters, Pro Bowl cheerleaders
and mascots and a one-of-a-kind finisher medal! Click HERE to register.
Race packet pick-up begins at 11:00 AM ET on Saturday, January 27 at ESPN Wide World of
Sports.
For more information, contact Kamran Mumtaz, NFL, Kamran.Mumtaz@nfl.com.
PRO BOWL ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
The NFL is teaming with the City of Orlando, Verizon, Sabra and local community partners to
reduce the environmental impact of the Pro Bowl and leave a positive “green” legacy in the
Orlando host community.
Below is a sampling of environmental initiatives taking place during Pro Bowl Week:
• Rosemont Community Center Gardens: Students and community volunteers will join
with the NFL, the City of Orlando, Verizon and Sabra to create community gardens at
the Rosemont Community Center (4782 Rose Bay Drive, Orlando) on Friday, January
26. Students from Annunciation Middle School, Rosemont Elementary, student athletes
from the University of Central Florida and Verizon volunteers will build and plant new
garden boxes for vegetables. They will also add plants that attract pollinators. There will
be a brief ceremony with NFL Legends to kick off the project at 9:00 AM ET. The
gardens will be cared for by the children and seniors who use the Community Center
and will provide an opportunity for education about healthy eating and cooking. In
addition to providing food, and teaching the children to care for the environment, the
plantings also promote NFL PLAY 60, the league’s youth health and wellness campaign,
by encouraging children to enjoy outdoor activities.
• Parramore Garden Rebuild: Orlando’s oldest community gardens, the Parramore
gardens (654 W. Robinson Street, Orlando) will be rebuilt with funding from the NFL
Foundation’s Pro Bowl Community Grant project in partnership with NFL sponsors
Verizon and Sabra.
• Food Recovery: The NFL is teaming with Second Harvest Food Bank and Disney
Harvest to recover unserved, prepared food from kitchens and minimize food waste.
13Unserved, prepared food will be distributed to local shelters and community kitchens in
Orlando.
• Materials Recovery: There will be an intensive drive to collect and donate all items left
over from Pro Bowl events. In partnership with A Gift For Teaching and Salvation Army,
the NFL will donate decorative materials, office supplies and other items to local
nonprofit organizations that can reuse, repurpose or remanufacture the material. This
project keeps material out of local landfills and turns it into valuable items for resale or
reuse.
• Renewable Energy Project: Camping World Stadium, the site of Pro Bowl 2018, will be
powered using “green energy” to reduce the climate impact of Pro Bowl. In addition to
game day, renewable energy credits will power Camping World Stadium during the
entirety of the two-week set up and breakdown of Pro Bowl.
• Solid Waste Management/Recycling: Comprehensive solid waste management is
implemented at all major Pro Bowl facilities including Camping World Stadium and
ESPN Wide World of Sports. Effective waste management and recycling efforts
significantly reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. PepsiCo is providing
recycle bins to Camping World Stadium and Wide World of Sports to help maximize
recycling.
The NFL Environmental Program has incorporated environmental projects into the management
of Pro Bowl events for seventeen years. The NFL Environmental Program is one of a significant
number of community initiatives developed each year by the NFL to leave a positive legacy in
the Pro Bowl host community.
For more information, contact Susan Groh, NFL Environmental Program,
Susan.Groh@nflenvironment.com, (401) 952-0885.
PRO BOWL FAN CENTRAL
Come early to the 2018 Pro Bowl to enjoy Pro Bowl Fan Central, the hub of fan excitement on
gameday at Camping World Stadium. Music, food, beverages and football fun will welcome fans
from 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET on Sunday, January 28 before entry into the stadium. Some of
the activations include:
• Bud Light: We all know Bud Light is Famous Among Friends. That’s why, at the 2018
Pro Bowl, attendees can share a beer with their friends at the Bud Light Bar at Pro Bowl
Fan Central
• Panini: The exclusive physical trading card licensee of the NFL, Panini is an Official
Sponsor of the NFL Pro Bowl. Stop by the Panini booth for a chance to win NFL trading
cards.
• Pepsi Zero Sugar: PepsiCo will be sampling its zero-calorie soda at the fan plaza.
For more information, contact Kamran Mumtaz, NFL, Kamran.Mumtaz@NFL.com.
SATURDAY NIGHT PEP RALLY & PRE-GAME ACTIVATION ZONE
14The Church Street Pep Rally – on Saturday, January 27 at 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET – and the
Church Street Pregame – on Sunday, January 28 at 11:00 AM ET to 3:00 PM ET – will provide
free fun for all football fans. Featuring an NFL Shop, music, games, player appearances, prizes,
food and drink specials, and more, Church Street is located a short four-minute shuttle ride
away from Camping World Stadium. On Sunday, free shuttle rides will begin at 10:00 AM ET to
take NFL fans from the Church Street Pregame to Camping World Stadium for the 2018 Pro
Bowl.
For more information, contact Kamran Mumtaz, NFL, Kamran.Mumtaz@NFL.com.
# # #
Media Contact:
Kamran Mumtaz
(212) 450-2631
Kamran.Mumtaz@NFL.com
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