Recently in Football Category

College football fans made their voices heard and selected the best college football player in the country. AT&T* announced today that University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy is the AT&T All-America Player of the Year, the only major college football award chosen exclusively by fans. Receiving more than 137,000 text votes, McCoy is the people's choice for best college football player in the nation.

McCoy led his team in total offense with 3,328 passing yards and 368 rushing yards, averaging 308 yards per game. During the Longhorns' undefeated season, he threw 27 passes for touchdowns and rushed for three. McCoy's 70.5 completion percentage ranks third nationally. McCoy is the first player in the school's history to be nominated twice as a Heisman finalist. In addition, he won AT&T's All-America Player of the Week in week 13 when he passed for 304 yards and ran for a career-high 175 yards with five total touchdowns in Texas' win at Texas A&M. He beat out an impressive field of nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award, including University of Alabama running back and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram placing second, and University of Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, placing third and fourth, respectively.

"AT&T congratulates Colt on having a spectacular season and for winning the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award," said Jamie Kerr, senior manager, AT&T National Sponsorships.

"We are proud to offer this unique award that enables fans to vote for the player they believed excelled on the field throughout the entire season. Congratulations again to Colt and the other nominees, and thanks to all the college football fans who participated and voted all season long."

Fans - regardless of wireless carrier - were invited to submit a text message to vote for their pick among the following candidates:

• Colt McCoy (University of Texas)
• Mark Ingram (University of Alabama)
• Ndamukong Suh (University of Nebraska)
• Tim Tebow (University of Florida)

Polls stayed open until midnight ET Wednesday, Jan. 6. In addition to the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award, AT&T offered fans the chance to vote for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week awards through text message voting, all season long.

Last year, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell was honored as the AT&T All-America Player of the Year, edging out Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, Texas' Colt McCoy and Florida's Tim Tebow.

AT&T customers can view video highlights and photos of each candidate and track select teams through AT&T's wireless NCAA Football Portal, which is accessible on AT&T handsets equipped with AT&T MEdia(TM) Net by launching the application and clicking through to the sports category.

Through the AT&T MEdia Net, fans can also download fight song ringtones from more than 150 colleges and universities. Animated screensavers and 3-D mobile wallpaper are available for more than 100 colleges and universities.

 

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

Calling all coaches--- Little League, Pop Warner, Police Athletic League, college, professional, football, soccer, hockey, baseball, current or past ---you're invited to join Eagles' wide receiver DeSean Jackson as he hosts The DeSean Jackson Show live from the aloft Philadelphia Airport Hotel, beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21. Tight end Brent Celek will join the event to sign autographs and mingle with the crowd at the aloft's w xyz Bar.

Coaches Are Also Pals

Most athletes can identify at least one coach who has had a profound impact on his or her life. Great coaches foster positive self-image, athletic prowess, learning and self-actualization. Plus, studies show that getting kids involved in athletics early reduces the chances of childhood obesity.

On Dec. 21, the night belongs to coaches. Not only will Jackson host his one-hour ESPN radio show in front of a live audience and, as always, pepper his commentary with his favorite game stories, but coaches and their guests will also have the chance to make a difference in the lives of children. All admission fees are donated to the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Philadelphia to fund health education that will impact the lives of Philly's future athletes. Can it get any better? It sure can!

Celek will arrive as Jackson's show wraps up and will be on hand to meet the coaches, sign autographs and take pictures. Throughout the evening, coaches and their guests will enjoy drinks and food specials.

"aloft Philadelphia Airport Hotel is thrilled to have the Eagles' hot and up-and-coming players at this hot and up-and-coming hotel. DeSean and Brent are two of the Eagles' most dynamic players. Hats Off to Coaches Night is an opportunity to pay tribute to coaches who have invested their time and energy in the physical and emotional growth of their teams. And, of course, what better team players to have on hand to lead the round of applause for that special group of people who willingly give of their time and talent," said aloft Philadelphia Airport Director of Sales and Marketing, Nina Timani.

Not a coach but know a great one? E-mail the details about what makes your coach noteworthy and/or a picture and he or she will be recognized at "Hats Off to Coaches" Night.

About Hats Off to Coaches Night

Admission is $10 and includes food and fun with Jackson and Celek. Proceeds will be donated to PAL to fund health education for disadvantaged inner-city youth, directly impacting the lives of Philly's future athletes. To reserve a spot for the event, RSVP by December 18 to (215) 884-6499 or e-mail Nicole@comsolutionsgroup.com.

As the United Football League's "Premiere" season is coming to a close, the League announced today that its season-end recognition awards will be determined by the fans through online voting and texting. The UFL's Championship Game, featuring the Florida Tuskers and the Las Vegas Locos, will be held on November 27th in Las Vegas at Noon PST. The UFL also announced that its fans will determine the Championship Game MVP using a text messaging campaign to vote. Candidates for the award will be announced at the beginning of the fourth quarter during the VERSUS telecast.

Beginning today, fans can vote online at www.ufl-football.com for the UFL's Motorola Season MVP and Men's Wearhouse Coach of the Year. On November 22nd, fans can vote for StubHub's Fan Favorite Play of the Year. Fans will have the opportunity to vote for the Title ElectroEnergy Drink Championship Game MVP during the game's fourth quarter via text messaging.

"The UFL is truly about the fans and we wanted to make sure their voices were heard when recognizing coaches and players at the conclusion of our 'Premiere' season," said Michael Huyghue, UFL Commissioner. "By utilizing our website and text messaging platforms, we are integrating all forms of communication to engage our fans."

The UFL was developed to fulfill the unmet needs of football fans in major markets currently underserved by professional football by providing a high quality traditional football league comprised of world class professional football players. The UFL will serve the communities with pride, dedication and passion, and uphold a leadership role in the development of football worldwide. The UFL will provide every fan with an affordable, accessible, exciting and entertaining game experience. Scheduled to debut in October 2009, the UFL's headquarters is in New York, N.Y. and has satellite offices in Jacksonville, Fla. and Rutherford, N.J. The UFL is led by Commissioner Michael Huyghue, COO Frank Vuono and is being funded by a consortium of private investors. For more information on the UFL and how to purchase tickets for the UFL's "Premiere" season, please visit www.ufl-football.com. For group ticket sales, please call 877.UFL.2009.

SOURCE UFL

The National Football League, Prilosec OTC® and Pro-Football Hall-of-Fame Member John Madden announced today the creation of the first annual Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award presented by Prilosec OTC. The award will celebrate the important role linemen play in their team's success and honor the NFL's best offensive linemen based on their 2009 regular season performance.

While most attention is typically focused on more glamorous performances by quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award will commemorate the accomplishments of a high-performing group of offensive linemen and their unique ability to provide protection for their teammates. The inaugural Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award will be presented Super Bowl XLIV Week in Miami, Florida.

As a proud five-year sponsor of the NFL, Prilosec OTC is presenting this award to recognize the loyal protectors who serve as the backbone of every NFL team - just as Prilosec OTC provides powerful OTC protection against frequent heartburn. As an authority who appreciates the weekly battles in the trenches, John Madden understands the importance of great offensive line play and is an ideal ambassador for recognizing the NFL's best offensive line.

"I am happy that Prilosec OTC has created an annual award that recognizes the NFL's best offensive linemen," said John Madden. "The guys up front are the ones that provide powerful protection, just like Prilosec OTC."

NFL® fans who want powerful protection against frequent heartburn, or heartburn that occurs two or more days a week, can take a 14-day course of Prilosec OTC to maximize game day fun.

During this season's NFL Playoffs in January 2010, fans will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the NFL's best offensive line by visiting www.MaddenProtectorsAward.com. Criteria for selecting the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award winner will take into account statistics from the full season's performance, a combination of opinions from the NFL, and fan voting.

For more information on the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award presented by Prilosec OTC, visit www.MaddenProtectorsAward.com.

©2009 NFL Properties LLC. All NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League.

SOURCE Procter & Gamble

What does it take to be named the "Unofficial Official Tailgate Recipe of the New England Patriots"? According to Katie Pelczar of Dedham, Massachusetts - the winner of Ocean Spray's first ever tailgating recipe contest - it takes mixing sweet and savory flavors with the irresistible tang of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail and Ocean Spray cranberries. Pelczar's tantalizing Grilled Bacon Apple Bites with Chunky Cranberry Spread tailgate recipe, which exemplifies the spirit of tailgating and highlights the versatility of the cranberry, will be showcased at the New England Patriots Tailgate party on October 18.

Pelczar was among the three finalists today who participated in Ocean Spray's Tailgating Recipe Contest cook-off at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Finalists whipped up cranberry-inspired tailgate recipes using equipment provided by Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place.

Well known Chef Ming Tsai, host of Simply Ming and chef/owner of the award-winning Blue Ginger restaurant in Wellesley, Massachusetts, announced the winner. Pelczar's recipe was awarded the title of "Unofficial Official Tailgate Recipe of the New England Patriots" and she received a prize package including two tickets to the New England Patriots' October 18 game against the Tennessee Titans.

"The recipes were imaginative, bringing the flavors of fall to the grill and the gridiron. It was difficult to choose," said Ming Tsai. "The judges and I felt that Katie Pelczar's recipe displayed the true versatility of the fruit with Grilled Bacon Apple Bites with Chunky Cranberry Spread."

Ming Tsai, a football enthusiast, also got in on the action by preparing several of his favorite tailgate recipes, including his Blue Ginger Cranberry Chicken Wings and Cranberry-Ginger-Soju Fizz cocktail. To view his cranberry inspired tailgate recipes visit, www.oceanspray.com or www.ming.com.

The contest was open to New England residents with a passion for cranberries and tailgating. The recipes had to be original and reflect the overall theme of tailgating. Creations were judged on creativity, use of product, taste, overall appearance and ease of preparation. The respected panel of judges included Chef Ming Tsai, Pro Football Hall of Famer John Hannah and Cindy Taccini, senior test kitchen manager at Ocean Spray.

"Showcasing the versatility of the cranberry and our products year-round is part of everything we do at Ocean Spray," said Larry Martin, vice president of marketing at Ocean Spray. "While cranberry inspired holiday favorites are top of mind this time of year, we're giving consumers yet another reason to enjoy the sweet, tangy taste of cranberries."

The recipe contest was held at Gillette Stadium in conjunction with Ocean Spray's "Patriot Place Bog." The free-standing, 1,500 square foot cranberry bog - created using more than 2,000 pounds of cranberries - is on display and open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 17 and to fans attending the Patriots game on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Visitors are also encouraged to visit Ocean Spray's "Nature Trail and Cranberry Bog at Patriot Place." The nature trail, which is free and open to the public from dawn until dusk every day, sits on 16-acres behind the Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place and is a part of a 32-acre wetland system. Visitors seeking light exercise or fun, educational activities for children are invited to enjoy the cranberry bog and wide variety of wildlife and plant life from the trail, bridge or observation platform, which extends across a six-acre pond.

Tailgate Recipes

The winning recipe will be posted on the official New England Patriots website www.patriots.com, delivered to thousands of Patriots fans via the Patriots Now newsletter and featured on www.oceanspray.com.

Grilled Bacon Apple Bites with Chunky Cranberry Spread

Recipe by: Katie Pelczar

    INGREDIENTS:

    1 cup Ocean Spray(R) Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
    1/2 cup water
    1/4 cup Ocean Spray(R) Cranberry Juice Cocktail
    1/4 cup raisins
    1/4 cup sugar
    2 tablespoons cider vinegar
    1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1/2 cup chopped onion
    1 teaspoon chopped garlic
    16 slices bacon
    8 slices hearty whole-grain bread
    4 teaspoons mustard
    1 large apple, sliced
    1/3 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, thinly sliced

Directions:

Preheat grill to high.

Bring cranberries, water, cranberry juice cocktail, raisins, sugar, vinegar and ginger to a boil in cast-iron pot or Dutch oven. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened.

Meanwhile, heat oil in small cast-iron skillet. Add onion and garlic; saute until soft and slightly brown. Stir onion mixture into cranberry mixture.

Cook bacon on griddle until crisp. Spread 4 bread slices with mustard. Top with bacon, apple and cheese. Spread cranberry mixture on remaining 4 bread slices. Place bread slices, cranberry side down, on cheese to form sandwiches. Grill sandwiches on griddle until browned on both sides and cheese is melted. Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles. Serve with remaining cranberry mixture.

Makes 4 sandwiches.

Score big with other game day treats, including Ocean Spray's Ultimate Party Meatballs. For more recipes visit, www.oceanspray.com

Ultimate Party Meatballs

    Ingredients:

    1 14-ounce can Ocean Spray(R) Jellied Cranberry Sauce
    1 12-ounce bottle Heinz(R) Chili Sauce
    1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs

Directions:

Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.

Makes 30 appetizer servings.

Slow cooker Preparation: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.

SOURCE Ocean Spray

AT&T* today announced that the new NFL RedZone channel will be added to the AT&T U-verse(SM) TV channel lineup. Through an agreement with the NFL Network, AT&T will make the channel available to U-verse TV football fans beginning with the NFL season's opening Sunday, Sept. 13.

NFL RedZone, a new sports channel produced by NFL Network, gives football fans quick and easy access to the most important moments of NFL Sunday football. Once a team gets inside their opponent's 20-yard line, U-verse TV customers will be able to experience the anticipation and excitement of each play within the red zone. NFL RedZone keeps fans up-to-date in real time by switching from game to game with live look-ins, highlights and a chance to see every important play.

"AT&T U-verse just got better, again. NFL RedZone is a new and exciting way to stay on top of Sunday football, and we're proud to kick off the NFL football season by adding this channel to our lineup," said Dan York, executive vice president of content and programming, AT&T Converged Services. "U-verse TV football fans will truly enjoy tuning to NFL RedZone to watch the touchdowns and the biggest plays as they happen on their big screen TV."

"We're excited to offer NFL RedZone to AT&T U-verse football fans so they can see the important plays from NFL games," said Kim Williams, chief operating officer for NFL Network. "U-verse TV customers across the country are going to enjoy this special channel produced by NFL Network."

NFL RedZone will be available on channel 1629 as part of the U-verse HD Premium Tier, which is available to U-verse HD subscribers for an additional $5 per month.

All U-verse TV packages include HD-ready equipment, and most packages include an HD-ready Total Home DVR, which gives you the ability to watch and manage recordings from a single DVR on any connected TV in the house. AT&T U-verse offers several additional features that improve the viewing experience for football fans and all customers, including the ability to record up to four programs (or can't-miss games) at once; the ability to program DVR recordings from your Web-connected mobile phone or PC; fast channel change for football fans to channel surf without the delay experienced on other digital TV services; picture-in-picture browse capability that lets you preview games on other channels; the ability to follow your favorite sports teams -- including your Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football team -- through the AT&T U-bar; and more.

AT&T U-verse TV is the only 100 percent Internet Protocol-based television (IPTV) service offered by a national service provider, making AT&T U-verse one of the most dynamic and feature-rich services available today. For additional information on AT&T U-verse -- or to order the HD Premium Tier -- visit http://uverse.att.com or call 1-800-ATT-2020. Customers can get more information about U-verse TV programming and television events by visiting http://uconnect.att.com.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

New York's hometown airline JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today proudly announced a partnership to become the Official Airline Partner of the New York Jets. The three-year sponsorship kicks off with this season's activities and also celebrates 50 years of New York Jets football.

Dave Barger, JetBlue's President and CEO, and Robin Hayes, JetBlue's Chief Commercial Officer, joined Woody Johnson, New York Jets' Chairman and CEO, and Matt Higgins, New York Jets' Executive Vice President, Business Operations, along with celebrated former New York Jets players Joe Namath, Marty Lyons, Wayne Chrebet and Curtis Martin, and members of the New York Jets Flight Crew, to make the announcement today at the airline's new Terminal 5 at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Hundreds of JetBlue crewmembers, customers and fans were also present to commemorate the announcement.

To further celebrate the launch of its partnership, JetBlue is offering a special Takeoff and Touchdown Sale with fares available for purchase today only to AFC East division cities. From New York's JFK, $12 fares (a) are available to Boston and Buffalo in honor of legendary Jets quarterback Joe Namath #12. Special $50 fares (a) are available from Newark to Fort Lauderdale in celebration of 50 years of New York Jets football. Sale fares must be booked by 11:59 p.m. MT today, September 8, 2009, and are one way. Travel must take place between September 12, 2009 and September 23, 2009. Travel must be completed by September 23, 2009. Fares may not be available on all days or on all flights. Certain restrictions apply (a).

In addition to the fare sale, it was announced that later this season, through a partnership with New York Daily News, JetBlue plans to feature a "50 Years of New York Jets Football" photo exhibit showcasing exclusive and rare photographs from throughout Jets history at the airline's Terminal 5.

"As New York's hometown airline, the Jets are core to what it means to be a sports fan in the city," said Dave Barger, President and CEO of JetBlue Airways. "We're the largest domestic airline at New York's JFK International Airport and are thrilled to partner with a major sports franchise right in our own backyard. We look forward to welcoming Jets fans on future JetBlue flights where they'll never have to miss a game with 36 channels of live television, the most legroom in coach, and unlimited snacks and drinks."

"We are excited to partner with JetBlue, the company's first professional sports team partnership in the New York area," said Jets Chairman and CEO Woody Johnson. "Also, I am looking forward to seeing the celebration of the 50 years of this franchise in this terminal for hundreds of thousands of travelers to experience as they come in and out of this great city."

"This is the perfect opportunity for JetBlue to establish a relationship with the New York Jets," said Robin Hayes, Chief Commercial Officer of JetBlue Airways. "We're a growing airline with a bright future ahead, and the Jets are starting an exciting new chapter with a new quarterback, a new coach and, soon, a new stadium. Both JetBlue and the Jets have histories rooted in New York. We're preparing to celebrate 10 years of aviation history, and the Jets are celebrating 50 years of football history. We congratulate the Jets on five decades and are excited to team up with them for the next three years."

"We know that JetBlue is a great partner for the New York Jets," said Matt Higgins, New York Jets, Executive Vice President of Business Operations. "JetBlue has innovative ideas, creative branding and marketing strategies and we feel that we are both brands doing exciting things whether it is on the field or on the runway."

As the Official Airline Partner of the New York Jets, JetBlue's sponsorship includes joint marketing promotions and advertising through 2012. Featured elements include a JetBlue runway and seat display as well as in-stadium signage and videoboard features at both the team's current stadium and the New Meadowlands Stadium. Other elements include social media and interactive fan engagement activities, such as entitlement of "Randy's Radar" blog, e-mail marketing, special JetBlue fares to away games, and activities with the New York Jets Flight Crew. In addition, JetBlue will partner with the Jets for special events throughout the year at the airline's Terminal 5 at JFK. JetBlue has also committed to supporting the Jets Foundation and associated programs throughout the New York metropolitan area as part of this partnership.

Customers enjoy JetBlue's award-winning customer service and in-flight experience, including all-leather seats with personal seatback TVs and Lots of Legroom. When jetting between destinations in the continental U.S., customers are treated to 36 channels of free live, DIRECTV(R) programming, including FOX, CBS and NBC as well as ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN News, ESPN U and Setanta Sports. A selection of JetBlue Features movies is also available for a small charge. Customers can surf more than 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio(R).

Source: JetBlue

As the New York Football Giants return to the Meadowlands from training camp in preparation for their final season at Giants Stadium, the team is shifting its daily focus to a new, state-of-the-art training center designed by a team of EwingCole architects and engineers.

The Timex Performance Center replaces team facilities inside Giants Stadium that served the team for several decades, and provides the Giants with advanced features that will help the team to achieve its goal to repeat their journey to the Super Bowl. Players, coaches and the team's administrative staff will call the facility their day-to-day business home, one that was specifically designed by EwingCole to reflect the Giants' steady, stable, and results-oriented approach.

"Our long relationship with the Giants helped us from the beginning in understanding the Giants' goals for their training facility, and how we could best help them achieve their vision," said Bob McConnell, EwingCole principal architect, and leader of the design effort. "The team wanted to expand what it could achieve in this new building. We listened carefully to their ideas, and worked cooperatively with them at every stage to develop what we believe is a facility that reflects the Giants' core values." McConnell noted that EwingCole was the executive architect and master planner for the Meadowlands Sports Complex including Giants Stadium, and is the architect and engineer of record for the New Meadowlands Stadium, which will become the Giants' and Jets' home beginning in 2010.

The Timex Performance Center project is the latest in EwingCole's global track record of successful architectural designs for stadiums, arenas and other athletic facilities, as part of its Sports and Entertainment practice. EwingCole was the architect and engineer for Citizens Bank Park for the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies baseball team, and has planned athletic facilities for Bucknell University, Monmouth University, the Kentucky Horse Park and more. From the design of racetracks in Singapore to the renovation of Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, EwingCole has compiled a distinguished record in this key sector.

As designed by EwingCole, the Timex Performance Center provides the latest technology and training features for complete mind and body football training, providing a showcase for presenting team heraldry, history and team identity. Daily training workflow was a critical component in the overall facility design, and it pervades the look, feel and layout of the entire facility. Players, coaches and staff continually interact on a variety of daily training routines, from body training and workout, football equipment, video coaching and lecturing to nutrition.

The centrally-located locker room provides a direct connection for all of the players' activities: one entry connects the players to the football equipment area, the fields and indoor field house, a second entry point directs the players to team meeting rooms, weight training and dining. A third entry point provides access to physical training, hydrotherapy and player grooming facilities. The training area is equipped with plunge pools, hydrotherapy pools, training tables and exam rooms, meeting the Giants' needs of physical training/rehab. Team meeting rooms and the auditorium are outfitted with audio and visual training equipment for reviewing game film and developing game strategies. The indoor facility is specifically designed by EwingCole to allow the Giants to allow full-clearance punting drills. The facility also features three outdoor grass fields and a half-sized synthetic field.

"Performance training was a priority for all the football-related activities," said John Mara, president and chief executive officer of the Giants. "Creating spaces, program elements and infrastructure to allow the facility to accommodate the latest in training methods was an important design goal for us; EwingCole clearly understood our requirements and worked with us cooperatively to develop a facility that will meet our needs for years to come."

Mara noted that the facility already has taken an important step in preparing for the future. Off the Performance Center's main entrance is a curved walkway with a wall-sized mural reflecting the Giants' 2007 championship.

"I have been asked many times, but most recently this morning, how do I feel about our new facility?" said Giants head coach Tom Coughlin. "Everyday is Christmas, are you kidding me? Everyday is Christmas. Our players are excited to be here. The very first day we moved here, the players came in and started in the weight room. I think the players recognize probably five different aspects of the facility. One is their locker room. It is a magnificent, huge locker room. We have 80 players in there right now, but it seems that it handles the 80 very well. When we get to fifty-three and the practice squad, the players will have plenty of room to operate."

Coughlin described the new weight room as "second to none. It is a beautiful facility. It allows our players, all of us really, to condition and develop strength, to stay in the best possible condition that we can be in." He noted, "Performance obviously must be preceded by preparation. Preparation is the key to success and that is what we are all about."

SOURCE EwingCole

Now you can own a piece of Super Bowl XLIII history and help The Salvation Army and WTAE-TV's Project Bundle-Up. Beginning now through Thursday, August 13th, WTAE-TV and the Western Pennsylvania Division of The Salvation Army will present an exclusive auction for the Waterford Crystal Super Bowl XLIII Trophy, officially licensed by the NFL.

This exclusive, handcrafted, crystal masterpiece celebrates Super Bowl XLIII and the Pittsburgh Steelers unprecedented sixth victory. The commemorative trophy, which stands 16.5 inches tall and 11 inches in length, weighs 12 pounds. It features the official logo of Super Bowl XLIII and a frosted crystal hexagon, hand-engraved with the Pittsburgh Steelers helmet logo. Log on to www.thepittsburghchannel.com or www.projectbundleup.com for details.

In its 23-year history, WTAE-TV Channel 4 and The Salvation Army's Project Bundle-Up has raised $9.9 million dollars for The Salvation Army's 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division to help provide new, warm winter outerwear for more than 205,000 needy children and senior citizens throughout western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 118 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org. The Salvation Army... Doing the most good... for the most people... in the most need.

Robert Henson, former football standout from Texas Christian University, was drafted by the NFL in the 6th round Sunday by the Washington Redskins. Henson, an outside linebacker for the Horned Frogs and first team Mountain West Conference selection, was excited to be picked by the Redskins.

"It is truly a dream come true," said Henson who celebrated with his wife Sarah, family and friends at the home of father-in-law Bishop T.D. Jakes. "I've dreamed of this moment from the first day that I started playing football, and I can't believe that this day is finally here."

Henson, who was honorable mention his first three years at TCU, said the Redskins will teach him all three linebacker positions as well as consider him for special teams play.

Speaking to Redskins personnel, Henson told them, "I'm ready to work."

Bishop T.D. Jakes was moved not so much by the fact that his son-in-law was drafted, but by the amount of work it took for him to get there.

"Robert has been through so much and worked so hard, I am so proud of him, not just for being a football player, but for being a man," said Bishop Jakes.

Henson, no stranger to adversity and struggles during his lifetime, became emotional when he recalled conversations he shared with his now deceased brother, Nicholas Sterling, about his chances of playing football at the highest level. "My brother and I would spend hours sitting on our porch talking about me being drafted and playing in the NFL and now this day is here and I am so excited."

Henson finished his career at TCU with 270 tackles and 4 interceptions.

SOURCE The Potter's House of Dallas