Over 140 NFL Alumni Joining “Heads Up Football” Effort

Among those 140 alumni include NFL icons Barry Sanders, Merril Hoge, and Ruben Brown.  With a mission statement that encourages proper tackling to ensure the health and safety of youth football players, it’s no surprise that so many former players are jumping to be a part of the movement.

In addition, 127 former NFL players will serve as Heads Up Football Ambassadors, visiting practices and games of teams that participate within the program. Ambassadors strengthen awareness and reinforce Heads Up Football’s messages and standards.

More than 750 high schools and 5,500 youth football leagues will take part in the Heads Up Football movement this season.  Master Trainer and 9x Pro Bowler Ruben Brown addresses the importance of this program to both he personally as well as all youth footballers.

“USA Football establishes important standards rooted in education, which is so important for young players,” said Ruben.  “I’m a father – nothing is more important to me than the health of our kids. Heads Up Football is changing for the better how coaches are prepared, players are taught and safety is addressed, and it’s exciting to see so many other former players share this commitment.”

Here’s a list of Master Trainers who’ve had experience playing at the NFL level.

Marco Battaglia (CIN, WAS, PIT, TB, CAR)
Phil Hansen (BUF)
Stephen Braggs (CLE, MIA)
Mike Haynes (CHI, NO)
Ruben Brown (BUF, CHI)
Terrence Metcalf (CHI, DET, NO)
Doug Cosbie (DAL, DEN)
Mike Middleton (DAL, MIA)

Ronald Bellamy (MIA)
Willie Pile (KC, DAL)
Buddy Curry (ATL)
John Swain (MIN, MIA, PIT)
Troy Drayton (STL, MIA, KC, GB)
Thomas Williams (JAX, SEA, NE, BUF, CAR, TB)
Robert Droege (CHI, CAR)
Alan Zematis (TB)
Nick Greisen (BAL, JAX, NYG)

To join the Heads Up Football effort and get your team certified this season, click HERE.

To support the Heads Up Football effort through social media, follow their Twitter feed as well as their official website.