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NFL & HHF Celebrate HHM!

Hispanic Heritage Foundation

32 Hispanic Leaders Recognized During Hispanic Heritage Month

in Every NFL Market

Teams designated home game in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

The National Football League and its teams celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept.15 – Oct.15) with a series of special events focused in weeks 3 and 4 of the season.

All NFL teams enhanced the celebration with local efforts throughout the month including designated home games with in-stadium themed elements and local community outreach in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

For the 2014 celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the NFL, Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Verizonmpartnered for the fourth annual NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards.  The awards recognized the contributions of Hispanic leaders in each NFL market.  Each award recipient was recognized in-stadium at a Hispanic Heritage game in their local market.  With support from Verizon, each recipient selected a non-profit organization of their choice that serves the local Hispanic community to receive a $2,000 donation.

The Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs hosted NFL PLAY 60 Character Camps as part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.  NFL PLAY 60 Character Camps were held in 12 NFL markets during the summer and were presented in partnership with the Muñoz Agency and USA Football.  The camps are part of the NFL’s year-round Hispanic outreach initiative, focused on offering youth opportunities to play and experience the game of football while emphasizing exercise and reinforcing the importance of character in athletics and life.

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, fans could visit www.NFL.com/HispanicHeritage for a look at the personal stories of Hispanic players past and present who have left a lasting legacy on the NFL.

A national spotlight shined on the NFL’s celebration during Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football broadcasts in weeks 3 and 4 which highlighted in-stadium elements as well as community events.

In week 3, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 21 (8:30 PM ET, NBC and Univision Radio) and the Chicago Bears visited the New York Jets on Monday, September 22 (8:30 PM ET, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes Radio).

During week 4, the New York Giants visited the Washington Redskins on Thursday, September 25 (8:25 PM ET, CBS, NFL Network and Univision Radio), the New Orleans Saints faced the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 28 (8:30 PM ET, NBC, mun2 and Univision Radio), and on Monday, September 29 the Kansas City Chiefs were set to host the New England Patriots (8:30 PM ET, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Deportes Radio).

Thursday Night Football was available in Spanish via SAP (Secondary Audio Program) with Roberto Abramowitz calling the action on CBS and NFL Network.

During Sunday Night Football on NBC, Telemundo’s sportscasters Rene Giraldo and Edgar Lopez provided coverage in Spanish via SAP.

And on Monday Night Football, the broadcast team for ESPN Deportes featured Spanish-language Emmy-nominated play-by-play voice Álvaro Martín, analyst and former NFL kicker Raúl Allegre, and sideline reporter John Sutcliffe.

On Saturday, September 27, 2014, Telemundo aired a NFL Hispanic Heritage Month special, Fútbol Americano Celebrando el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, presented by Verizon, at 4:00 PM/3:00 PM Central highlighting the NFL’s Hispanic players.

NBCUniversal’s Hispanic cable network mun2 broadcasted the Saints-Cowboys September 28, 2014 Hispanic Heritage Month game in Spanish.

Team events included:

Arizona Cardinals  In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Cardinals center Lyle Sendlein and Big Red took part in a Kids Camp presented by University of Phoenix at the NFL YET College Prep Academy. The Cardinals presented Tom Espinoza with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award during halftime of the September 21, 2014 contest against the San Francisco 49ers. Hispanic Heritage messaging and imagery from past events was displayed on Facebook.com/AZCardenales, the Cardinals Spanish-language Facebook page.  Continuing the celebration, dancers performed a traditional Folklorico routine during halftime and cheerleaders performed to Latin themed songs throughout the game.
Atlanta Falcons   The Atlanta Falcons joined the NFL’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting a Heads Up Football Clinic at the Walters Boys & Girls Club in Gainesville, GA for Hispanic youth on September 9, 2014. The children learned Heads Up Football techniques and participated in a variety of drills assisted by Falcons players. The celebration continued on September 18, 2014 when the Falcons presented Marisa Salcines with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. Members of the Latin American Association served as the Flag Crew during pregame introductions and Isabella Marquez sang the national anthem.
Baltimore Ravens  The Baltimore Ravens celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting an NFL PLAY 60 youth football clinic at Bonvegna Field in Baltimore for 150 predominately Hispanic children on September 22, 2014. The Ravens also recognized Ana Maria Schwartz Caballero with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award during their September 28, 2014 game. Her many achievements were highlighted in the gameday program.
Buffalo Bills In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Buffalo Bills honored NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award recipient, Tamara Alsace, during their September 21, 2014 contest against the San Diego Chargers. An ad ran in Bills Digest, as well as a blog post recapping the recognition ceremony on BuffaloBills.com.
Carolina Panthers  In celebration of Hispanic Heritage, the Carolina Panthers hosted an NFL PLAY 60 Character Camp featuring Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz September 20 at the Simmons YMCA in Charlotte, teaching local Hispanic youth the fundamentals of football and the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle. Mexico’s 2013 NFL Tochito flag football championship team attended the camp and was also recognized during the Panthers September 21, 2014 game. The Panthers presented Norberto Sanchez with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Month Leadership Award during pregame of their contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month by participating in Fiestas Patrias – the 26th Street Parade in Chicago that celebrates Mexican Independence – with a float that featured Staley Da Bear, the Drumline and students from UNO’s Cisneros Cheetahs co-ed flag football team. These students won the UNO-CSN league, sponsored by Bears Care, in the spring of 2014. Additionally, at their game against the Miami Dolphins on October 19, the Bears honored Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. Dr. Andrade will be welcomed to the field pregame. Congratulatory messaging was played during the game via LED, as well as via a story on VamosBears.com and in La Raza newspaper advertisement.
Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals honored Anthony Simms-Howell with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award at their September 21, 2014 game against the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals also partnered with Scholastic for a local NFL PLAY 60 Read and Rise Program on September 30, 2014. Players and Who Dey the mascot visited Heritage Hill Elementary in Cincinnati, a predominately Hispanic school, to talk about the importance of having a healthy and active lifestyle with students and their families. The Bengals then sponsored a Scholastic Book Fair where each child received a free book to take home.
Cleveland Browns In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Browns Leadership Group, including President Alec Scheiner and General Manager Ray Farmer, joined Browns players for a visit to the Walton School on September 9. The Walton School is an investment school of the United Way and is supported by the Cleveland Browns Foundation. The Cleveland Browns continued their celebration by presenting Luis Cartagena with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award on September 21, 2014.
Dallas Cowboys  In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Dallas Cowboys participated in Fiestas Patrias, an all-day event at Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, on September 21. This event, hosted by Spanish radio flagship, CBS La Grande, was expected to draw a crowd in excess of 25,000 attendees. On September 22, 2014, the Cowboys hosted a PLAY 60 Futbol Americano Youth Camp for the students of Gabe Allen Elementary School, a predominantly Hispanic charter school in Dallas. Prior to the Cowboys contest against the New Orleans Saints, the Cowboys, in conjunction with their media partners Telemundo 39 and CBS La Grande hosted a Latino-themed tailgate party in Lot 14. This lot was located so that even fans who are not attending the game can participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. Cowboys Rhythm & Blues Dancers, Mascot Rowdy, CBS La Grande talent Shoboy and DJ Ivan G and Telemundo 39 news talent attended. Miller Lite also sponsored an autograph session at the tailgate with actor Danny Trejo. In-stadium, ballet folklorico dancers and mariachis performed on the plazas and assisted on-field with a presentation of the US flag and a display of Hispanic Heritage country flags during the national anthem. Additonally, Sandra Sedillo-McGlothlin was recognized during pregame as the recipient of the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award.
Denver Broncos In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Denver Broncos presented Sister Alicia V. Cuaron with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award on October 5, 2014.
Detroit Lions   The Detroit Lions celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by awarding Anthony Benavides with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award during their September 21, 2014 home game versus the Green Bay Packers.
Green Bay Packers In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Green Bay Packers presented Gabriela Gamboa with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award.
Houston Texans The Houston Texans honored Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting the annual Hispanic Heritage Day game presented by XFINITY on September 28, 2014 versus the Buffalo Bills. Jose Cruz, former Houston Astros player and coach, led the Texans out of the tunnel prior to team introductions as the Home Field Advantage Captain. Mariachi bands and Ballet Folklorico provided pregame entertainment at stadium entrances and members of the Texans Hispanic Fan Club, Toros Bravos, held the Texas flag during pregame festivities. Houston Grand Opera Singer, Octavia Moreno, performed the national anthem, and Marine JROTC students at Pasadena High School, a predominately Hispanic high school, filled the role of the game’s color guard. The Texans will present Alex López Negrete with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award at halftime. During the week of the game, the Texans hosted an event in conjunction with Negrete and his non-profit organization of choice, Neighborhood Centers, Inc., with a Texans player and cheerleaders.  Additionally, members of the Toros Bravos fan club, alongside a Texans player and cheerleaders, hosted a volunteer day at the Houston Food Bank.
Indianapolis Colts  The Indianapolis Colts celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting a free youth football camp and recognizing local members of the Indianapolis Hispanic community. On September 16, 2014, about 200 local youth attended a Hispanic Heritage Football Camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. The students had the opportunity to interact and run through several football drill stations with Colts players and Mascot Blue. On September 20, 2014, the Colts took part in the festivities at FIESTA Indianapolis in the American Legion Mall. The Colts PLAY 60 Zone was on-site to teach children various football drills. Colts cheerleaders also made a special appearance. The Indianapolis Colts continued their celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month by presenting the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award to Maria M. Quintana on September 28, 2014.
Jacksonville Jaguars  In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Jacksonville Jaguars presented Wilfredo J. Gonzalez with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award on September 21, 2014, when the Jaguars face off against the Indianapolis Colts.  Gonzalez will be the Jaguars honorary captain as he walks out for the coin toss at the beginning of the game.
Kansas City Chiefs  In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Chiefs defensive line hosted local youth, including students from the Guadalupe Center’s Alta Vista Middle School, at the team’s University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex for an exclusive NFL PLAY 60 Character Camp on September 23, 2014.  The Chiefs also honored David Chavez with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award during pregame on September 29 versus the New England Patriots.
Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins launched their celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting the first of many “Football Fiestas” of the season, a community activation event at Dolphin Mall. On September 21, 2014, Jorge A. Plasencia was presented with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award when the Dolphins squared off against the Kansas City Chiefs. Additional in-game elements included Latin inspired music during pregame, appearances by DJ personalities and giveaways from four local Hispanic radio stations.
Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on September 23, 2014 when former Viking great E.J. Henderson and current players S Robert Blanton, TE Chase Ford,  LB Gerald Hodges, CB Jabari Price and S Andrew Sendejo, cheerleaders and Viktor the Viking visited Partnership Academy in Richfield. The Vikings Fútbol Americano PLAY 60 clinic featured Vikings players and members of the Sanneh Foundation. In addition to putting the 4th and 5th graders through various football and soccer drills, Vikings players stressed the importance of education at the college level and recognized the school’s leadership Stand Up Club. The Vikings continued their celebration by presenting Richard Aguilar with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award at their game on September 28, 2014.
New England Patriots  The New England Patriots celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring Dr. Vanessa Calderón -Rosado as their NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award winner during a pregame ceremony on September 21, 2014. Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots and Andre Tippett, Executive Director of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and Pro Football Hall of Famer, presented her with a commemorative check on the sidelines. Dr. Calderón-Rosado was also featured in the Patriots’ Spanish language newsletter and Patriots GameDay magazine.
New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at their September 21, 2014 game by recognizing Carolina Hernández as their NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award recipient during an on-field presentation. The Saints hosted an NFL PLAY 60 Character Camp in partnership with the Muñoz Agency and hosted four Saints Junior Training Camps at the largest Hispanic-populated elementary schools throughout the state, beginning with Esperanza Charter School on September 23, 2014. Game tickets were donated to the Iglesia de Dios el Milagro youth group and the Saint participated in the Carnaval Latino parade and festival as well.
New York Giants In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the New York Giants presented Mariano Rivera with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award on September 21, 2014 when they faced off against the Houston Texans.  The game was broadcasted on the Giants Spanish radio flagship station WADO 1280 AM. Continuing Hispanic Heritage Month, on September 30, 2014 the Giants hosted an event with former Atlanta Falcon LB Tim Green called Giants PLAY 60 Read 20.  Green, now a best-selling children’s book author, joined Giants RB Rashad Jennings, at the Berkley School in Bloomfield, New Jersey.  At the school, they hosted a PLAY 60 activity to teach the kids about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, followed by a reading of Green’s latest book, First Team. Each child in the school received a copy of the book to take home.
New York Jets  The New York Jets celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month during their September 22, 2014 contest against the Chicago Bears. During pregame, the Jets presented Hugo Balta with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award.
Oakland Raiders   In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Oakland Raiders hosted a Scholastic Read and Rise event at International Community Elementary and Think College Now Elementary on October 14, 2014. Players and members of the Raiders organization discussed the importance of reading, education and living a healthy and active lifestyle. Students were also provided with a free book during a book fair.  Beatriz Leyva-Cutler, the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award recipient, was honored at their October 19, 2014, game versus the Arizona Cardinals.
Philadelphia Eagles In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Philadelphia Eagles honored NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award recipient Will Gonzalez during their September 21, 2014 contest against the Washington Redskins. On September 22, 2014, Eagles players and the team’s mascot, SWOOP, joined representatives from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and the East Park Revitalization Alliance (ERPA) to host children at a local community garden to learn about healthy foods and where they come from.  The children are members of the Eagles supported flag football league, MVP360, an organization that aims to educate student-athletes and youth of all ages about essential life skills necessary for personal and professional advancement both on and off the field of play. MVP360 serves a primarily Hispanic population who are new to the game of football. A PHS representative took the players and these children through the garden, harvesting ripe vegetables and educating them on the proper growing and cooking techniques.
Pittsburgh Steelers   The Pittsburgh Steelers celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of elements during their September 28, 2014 game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Throughout the game, Miguel’s Mariachi Fiesta performed on the west main concourse and the Guaracha Latin Dance Band performed in the FedEx Great Hall. Fourteen members of the Steelers Flag Football Team from Mexico recognized during game festivities. As part of Hispanic Heritage Month the Towel Twirl was started by staff and students from Pittsburgh’s only Spanish-language based school, La Escuelita Arcoiris. Additionally, the Steelers honored Carrie Ann Quintana with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. A halftime performance dedicated to Latin music occurred.
St. Louis Rams  As part of the Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the St. Louis Rams recognized their NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award recipient, Virginia Braxs, during the September 21, 2014 game versus the Dallas Cowboys. As part of the honor, Braxs served as Coin Toss Captain for the game. A feature on Braxs ran in the gameday magazine, Rams Insider, and on the team website.
San Diego Chargers In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Diego Chargers presented Carlos and Linda LeGerrette with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award on September 28, 2014 when they faced off against the Jacksonville Jaguars. During pregame, NBC’s The Voice contestant, Karina Iglesias, performed the national anthem and halftime festivities featured performances by Mariachi Real de San Diego and traditional ballet folklórico dancers from Chula Vista.  As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the team also hosted a PLAY 60 Assembly for Hispanic youth at King-Chavez Academy on September 16, 2014. The school was presented a check for $2500 to help the school’s physical fitness and nutrition programs.
San Francisco 49ers In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Francisco 49ers presented Cindy Chavez with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award at their September 28, 2014 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 49ers’ Community Mondays program is a season-long program designed to reach out to local underserved populations. During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Community Mondays program focused specifically in assisting Hispanic youth who are socio-economically disadvantaged.
Seattle Seahawks In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Seattle Seahawks presented Ramon Rivera with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award on September 26, 2014.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers   On September 5, 2014, the Buccaneers continued their tradition of partnering with Hillsborough County Government to host “Eat at Joe’s Latin Style” in downtown Tampa at Joe Chilura Courthouse Square Park. The event was a celebration of the forthcoming Hispanic Heritage Month and City of Tampa’s historic Hispanic roots. Event features included Buccaneers Street Team with Kids Zone elements, Buccaneers cheerleader performances, Buccaneers ticket opportunities, food truck vendors, live Latin singers & bands, presentation of Hispanic Man & Woman of the Year Awards, and the Hermano Award. The celebration continued on October 26, 2014 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers present Maria Liliana Carrillo with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award during pregame.
Tennessee Titans In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Tennessee Titans presented Loraine Segovia Paz, the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award recipient, on October 12, 2014 when the Titans faced off against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Washington Redskins
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Washington Redskins presented Angela Franco with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award during pregame on September 25, 2014. The annual Redskins Read Activity Book, with 250,000 copies distributed to kids and families across the DC area, featured a page dedicated to Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

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