Flag football: Its a game for girls, too

MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2011
ISSUE #20

KIDS

Aaron Rodgers is a great example to follow

Want to be a quarterback?

ISSUE 20

CONTENTS
Kickoff
NFL FLAG powered by USA Football

OCT 2011

with USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck PAGE 4

Hard work, perseverance got Percy Harvin to the top PAGE 11 Quick tips: pass blocking in the backeld PAGE 12

NFL FLAG powered by USA Football regional tournaments under way PAGE 16 Improve your speed during the offseason PAGE 18 Fueling up for the fall doesnt have to weigh you down PAGE 19 High school students introduced to ofciating PAGE 20
Percy Harvin

FEATURES
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers offers advice to young signal-callers PAGE 6 How the Pros Do It: Covering man-to-man PAGE 8 Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson was small for his age growing up PAGE 9

Football helps victims of Texas wildres overcome tragedy PAGE 13 Las Vegas girl has no problem playing with the boys PAGE 15

Find a USA Football Regional Manager near you PAGE 17

Picture page PAGE 23

Puzzle Page PAGE 24

USA Football Magazine

KICKOFF
Dear players, I hope that this season has been a fun and memorable one for you and your family. Little else seems to make weeks on the calendar move by faster than a football schedule. By competing in games, you likely encountered peaks of accomplishment and valleys of second-guessing. However, through it all, you contributed to Americas football community a community bound together by the games fun, excitement and values. Wearing smiles and looks of determination, exchanging handshakes and a spirit of sportsmanship with your opponents after a game or the pat on the back from your coach following a successful play are all part of what makes football our favorite sport. Whether your season is still under way or complete, it is always a good time to read, talk and learn about our game. And thats precisely what your USA Football Kids Magazine issue does in the pages to follow. This issue covers more than one dozen stories lled with football insight, including: Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers talking about the quarterback position; Words from the mom of Philadelphia Eagles standout WR DeSean Jackson; News about NFL FLAG powered by USA Football Regional Tournaments taking place across the United States through December; Training tips on how to increase your speed in preparation for the 2012 season. If you are a USA Football Player Member, fuel your football knowledge throughout the year with exciting resources made just for you, including a Drills Library with computer animation to sharpen your skills, the latest in player health and tness, your own myPLAYERS web page with fun social networking and information most important to you and more. And if youre not a member, check us out at usafootball.com what you nd there will make you a better player. If your season is over, congratulations on a terric year. And if youre still playing, best of luck through your nal snap. Sincerely,
We want to hear your thoughts about USA Football Magazine. Write to us at magazine@usafootball.com today.
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SCOTT HALLENBECK Executive Director:

USA FOOTBALL EDITORIAL STAFF

Managing Editor: JOE FROLLO Contributors: STEVE ALIC, BLAKE FOLDEN, WILL FRASURE, MARY KAMINSKI, RETT LARSON, JOSH WEINFUSS To contact USA Football: (877) 5-FOOTBALL

pressassociation.com Design / Production: LUKE THORNHILL Editorial Ofce: 292 VAUXHALL BRIDGE ROAD, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM page.ready.sport@pa.press.net

Scott Hallenbeck USA Football Executive Director

USA Football Magazine

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Aaron Rodgers: Success is years in the making

By Joe Frollo

ome NFL quarterbacks make it look so easy. Take the snap, drop back, look off one receiver and throw to another. The pass is right on target, avoiding a defenders arms and hitting the receiver in stride to get extra yards. Ask any quarterback, though, and they will tell you its not easy. It never is. Years of practice and repetition combined with countless hours of lm study is the difference between a talented QB and a great one. Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers earned the ultimate prize in February, when he led his team to a Super

Bowl championship and was named the games Most Valuable Player. He also was named USA Footballs All-Fundamentals Team quarterback last season. Rodgers road to the Super Bowl didnt start in 2005 when he was drafted or even during his years at the University of California. He grew up playing football, getting better every fall thanks to the help of his family and the numerous youth coaches who guided him along the way. Rodgers recently spoke with USA Football Kids Magazine, sharing insights to help young quarterbacks learning the position and giving an

inside look at how he prepares to play every Sunday. What fundamentals are most important to work on as a young QB? The fundamentals that are most important are balance and timing. Everyone throws a little bit differently, everyone holds the ball a little bit differently, and whatever works for you is the most important thing. When it comes to balance and timing, when youre throwing the football, that is how youre going to be accurate. The better your timing is with getting your feet in the right position

USA Football Magazine

Photos courtesy the Green Bay Packers

What do you eat on game day mornings? I dont like eating a whole lot on game day. Its kind of something Ive done my entire sporting career. But I do enjoy something simple like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches if theyre available. What advice do you have for young quarterbacks who are just starting out? Play a number of sports. All of the sports correlate in some way. They all have a relation to each other. A good quarterback can learn a lot by being a point guard on the basketball court; a pitcher, a shortstop, a center elder in baseball; or a goalie in soccer. Too many kids specialize in just one sport, and I was in three sports all the way up until high school. The more sports you play, the more you learn about competition and the better youll be at those individual sports once you decide to focus on one.

getting your hips in the right position, getting your shoulders in the right position, the ball being in the right position the timing of all that, the mechanism of throwing paired with your balance, the more accurate youll be and the better a quarterback youre going to be. Do you have a routine on game day to mentally prepare? I like to listen to a selected playlist

of songs that puts me in the right mood. Its usually very soft, calming guitar, just very melodic acoustic rock. Other than that, I like to get to the stadium about three hours early thats after I call my grandparents who live in California, which I do before every game. Hot tub, shower and then get into my game day routine of going onto the eld two hours early, dress and then into the regular routine.

USA Football Magazine

How the Pros Do it: Man-to-man coverage A

By Will Frasure

lockdown cornerback takes pride in his work. Its his job to stop receivers from making catches, to make offensive coordinators want to avoid him. The ability doesnt come naturally, and preparation is key. It takes work on the practice eld and in the lm room to be the best. I watch how the ball is delivered (on lm). I watch when the receiver gets in and out of his breaks, said Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey, a 10-time Pro Bowler and member of the 2010 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team. When I was younger, I didnt look at enough lm. Now, I watch more of it and notice a lot more things. I think that comes with learning how to watch it. Jacksonvilles Rashean Mathis wants to know receivers from speed to route-running to toughness. On Sundays, he implements what he saw on lm. When Im at the line, if Im pressed, Im concentrating on getting my hands on the receiver, Mathis said. If Im off, then Im staying down in my backpedal and pacing myself, because I know if Im in a good place then I have a great chance of getting my hands on the ball. USA Footballs Player Progression Development Model offers numerous drills to help young corners guard receivers, including ones to improve route-reading and bump coverage. Buffalos Terrence McGee takes note of the quarterbacks steps to read the play. By looking at a QBs feet, McGee can see if its a quick

Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey is one of the best in the NFL at separating players from the ball.

Thats what my coaches tell me: Look at the little things, and youd be surprised what you nd.
Ike Taylor

pass and break or if he needs to start backpedaling and focus on the receiver. For Pittsburghs Ike Taylor, its about details. Is he coming out with a pep in his step for a pass or is he jogging because its a run? Taylor said. Thats what my coaches tell me: Look at the little things, and youd be surprised what you nd.

USA Football Magazine

YOUR TEAM. YOUR COLORS.

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WHEN THEY WERE KIDS: DeSEAN JACKSON

Eagles receiver was short in stature, big in desire

By Joe Frollo

eSean Jackson grew up as the little guy. Whether alongside his father, his older brother or friends from the neighborhood, Jackson looked up to bigger, taller people. At 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, Jackson still isnt the biggest player on the football eld for the Philadelphia Eagles. His heart, his energy and his speed, though, help make him one of the top young wide receivers in the NFL. DeSeans mother, Gayle Jackson, has watched her son grow on and off the football eld. She remembers an energetic, eager child who loved sports and his family. Gayle recently talked to USA Football Kids Magazine about what DeSean was like as a child. ON SPORTS: DeSean played anything with a ball, his mother said, especially football, basketball, baseball. With his speed, he also was a natural at track and eld. Anything you told him to do, he did it fast, Gayle said. He was always playing something somewhere. It seemed he never had a week off.

ON SCHOOL: DeSeans favorite subjects were science and math. He liked studying about animals the most. DeSean was antsy growing up and had a hard time sitting still at school, his mother said. As a kid, he had boundless energy. He wasnt being mischievous. He just needed a place to channel that energy. His father found that place in sports. ON HEIGHT: Always short for his age, DeSean constantly had to prove himself to new coaches. It didnt take them long, though, to see his talent. People doubted him because he was so small, Gayle said. At 15, he still weighed just 130 pounds. And he played a lot (of pickup games) with his older brother, so it made him look even smaller.
Center photo courtesy the Philadelphia Eagles

ON FOOD: Mexican food was DeSeans favorite. Soul food, too. The Jacksons didnt eat out much, so DeSean grew up on his mamas cooking. Boy did he like tacos, still does, Gayle said. He loves to eat, but he never wanted to do the cooking.

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USA Football Magazine

Hard work, dedication help Harvin succeed

Vikings receiver says to keep working toward goals

n explosive, dynamic playmaker with the Minnesota Vikings, Percy Harvin knows theres no slowing down in the NFL if he wants to enjoy success. A rst-round pick out of the University of Florida in 2009, Harvin helped the Gators to win two national championships and is now looking to lead the Vikings to their rst Super Bowl crown. As a player capable of scoring a touchdown every time he touches the ball, opposing defenses have to account for him every time he lines up. With 131 catches for 1,658 yards (12.7 average) through his rst two full seasons, Harvin has scored 15 total touchdowns coming on runs and returns as well as catches. A spokesman for USA Football partner Shock Doctor, Harvin recently discussed his career and his life out of football. How did you get started in football? I started playing ag football as a kid and just gradually moved up from there. My mom was an athlete (track), and I always wanted to be an athlete just like her. When did you realize you had the potential to be a pro football player? Coming out of high school and going to play in the SEC at Florida was a big step. Being able to perform on that stage proved to me that I belonged.

A lot of hard work and sacrice got me to where I am today. What challenges have you encountered along the way? In football, there are many ups and downs both physically and mentally. The key is to keep a positive outlook and keep working towards your goals. What do you tell young athletes about wearing the proper equipment? In sports, safety is extremely important, and that begins with the proper equipment. There is no substitute for good equipment. What advice do you have for young athletes? It is important to set goals and to work hard every day to attain them. A good support system is important as there will be struggles along the way. Having people close to you to keep you motivated and focused is key. What are some of the challenges being a NFL player? Many people only see us on Sunday and dont realize the hard work we put in year round. Football is a 12-month sport and takes a high level of commitment to keep in shape and study the mental aspects of the game to be able to execute on game day.
USA Football Magazine

11

Quick tips: Pass blocking as a running back

By Will Frasure

ts the least glamorous part of being a running back. When they arent in the spotlight breaking long runs, backs play a pivotal role in protecting the quarterback. Before the play, the back scans the defense for his assignment. Once the ball is snapped, he takes on the blitzing linebacker by stepping up and in with his inside foot and rotating to face the sideline. His body must be positioned slightly inside the rusher. Now, the running back is engaged in the block. Extending both arms and striking the center of the pass rushers chest will heed the progress of the linebacker.

This can be done effectively if he aims one of his palms at the chest and the other on the outside of the shoulder pad. While re-setting the strikes, he slides in the direction of the rusher. Based on how the

linebacker is rushing, the back must push him either away or past the quarterback. If his work is complete, his quarterback should have the time to complete his pass. Its not pretty, but it gets the job done.

12

USA Football Magazine

Click here to how Texa read more about s football families overcame wildres

Texas wildres destroy homes, not spirits

Players rush to save equipment before eeing towns

By Josh Weinfuss

t was as close to the backyard dream as a boy can get Two touchdowns. Team wins the game. But add in that it was William Pahlows rst two touchdowns of his football career and the win was the Cedar Creek Eagles juniors rst since 2009. And if that wasnt enough, it all happened in the rst game after the Cedar Creek and Bastrop youth football leagues were interrupted in September because of a raging wildre that destroyed more than 1,650 homes and 34,000 acres in Central Texas. It felt good winning, but making the touchdowns felt even better after everything I went through, Pahlow said. Pahlow might as well have just won the Super Bowl. William, 11, and his brother, Zachary, 9, were among hundreds

Zach (left) and William Pahlow

of young football players affected by the wildres, which started Sept. 4 when dead trees fell on a power line and ignited sparks. Football practices and games were canceled the week after, and teams were nally allowed to play again on Sept. 17. Most families were given less than a couple of

hours to collect their most important personal belongings. While parents collected photos and clothing, children ran for their school bags and their football equipment. Thats the rst thing my kids grabbed, said Jerome Ramirez, president of the Bastrop Youth Football Organization. Many players lost their cleats and pants to the res, but thanks to the generosity of friends, family and neighboring youth football leagues, those were replaced in time for the games to get under way. Both leagues lost coolers, tables, footballs and ags, among other equipment. But donations poured in to help teams and families. Theres been an overwhelming amount of support, said Jessica Brown, president of the Cedar Creek Eagles Youth Football League.
USA Football Magazine

13

Football is not just a boy thing

By Josh Weinfuss

ometimes begging really does work. When Shestan Lynam was 9 years old, she spent most of her free time playing competitive soccer and watching her brothers play football. But watching wasnt enough. She wanted to play football, too. It took Shestan a while, however, to convince her father, Andy, to let her join the boys. He always told me, Stick to soccer, stick to soccer, Shestan said. And one year I begged him so much, he let me play. It just looked like so much fun, just being out there, being competitive, playing sports, throwing the ball around. It caught my eye. At 13, Shestan has become a veteran of the Las Vegas ag football circuit. She played with boys until she was 11, a stretch that included a regional championship with the WASUP Flag Football League, located near Las Vegas, in 2009 and a berth in the NFL FLAG national championships in Florida. Shestan was the secret weapon that season because she was a girl. Boys didnt want to cover her, so she was often left wide open.

They underestimate you. After a few times, they think, Oh, we should pick up the girl.
Shestan Lynam

Nobody gave her any respect, and you could throw it to her, and she always caught it, Andy said. This year, shes playing for the Steelers in the girls 12-14 age group of the Henderson Flag Football League but will be playing in the Arizona regional for the WASUP Cardinals. Shestan is multi-dimensional, playing quarterback and wide receiver on offense, on the line and safety on defense. She briey entertained the idea of playing tackle football, but shes happy playing ag football, and even happier when a boy questions her talent. They ask You play football? But youre a girl, Shestan said. I say, Yeah, I know. We can do it, too. I guess its just another unique thing. It makes me feel good, especially when I play with boys. They underestimate you. After a few times, they think, Oh, we should pick up the girl.
Shestan Lynam of Henderson, Nev., likes playing football against boys. They often underestimate her talent, leading to some early scoring opportunities and a newfound respect for girls in the sport.

USA Football Magazine

15

NFL FLAG tournaments offer fun, competition

By Joe Frollo

s youth football leagues across the nation are wrapping up their seasons, ag football competitions are just starting to heat up. NFL FLAG powered by USA Football is hosting regional tournaments in eight cities for the chance to compete in the National Tournament of Champions on Feb. 24 in Kissimmee, Fla. Boys and girls in Phoenix, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Houston, New Orleans, Oakland and Connecticut

join winners from Dallas a tournament held in September for the chance to have fun, exercise, compete and possibly call themselves national champions. NFL FLAG powered by USA Football promotes physical tness and teaches the sports values and life skills on and off the eld to more than 150,000 young people. A non-contact version of traditional football offered for boys and girls ages 5-17 in cities across the country, the program emphasizes safety,

teamwork, self-esteem, discipline and goal-setting.

To learn more about NFL FLAG powered by USA Football, visit www.nag.com NFL FLAG regional sites Dallas (held Sept. 24) Phoenix Baltimore Cincinnati Houston New Canaan, Conn. New Orleans Oakland

GIVING IT YOUR ALL ON THE FIELD

Were committed to helping student athletes become stronger and more determined achievers. Thats why PNC is proud to be the official bank of USA Football.
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USA Football Magazine

USA FOOTBALL REGIONAL MANAGERS

Americas favorite sport is powered by you dedicated youth league commissioners, coaches, game ofcials, players, parents and volunteers. For each of you, there is a face and name to place in your football Rolodex: your USA Football Regional Manager. USA Football regional managers are equipped and trained to work for you. Each has the experience needed to help you make your league or team even stronger with USA Football resources. Contact your USA Football regional manager to learn about League afliation, the nearest USA Football Coaching School, Player Academy or State Leadership Forum. Stay in touch with your regional manager, whether it is to share news about your league or team or to ask about member resources. You may also contact our ofce through usafootball.com or by phone at (877) 5-FOOTBALL. Let us know how we can serve you better. Together, well ensure that teamwork and leadership continue to serve as the laces binding our favorite game.
West Central Great Lakes Northeast

Bassel Faltas

Joe Owens

Scott LeVeque

Ed Passino

(317) 489-4426 bfaltas@usafootball.com

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South

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Matt DeLuzio
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(317) 489-4422 (240) 351-7392 dcampbell@usafootball.com

Rick Peacock

(317) 489-4427 dfanucchi@usafootball.com

(317) 489-4438 rpeacock@usafootball.com

USA Football Magazine

17

Offseason speed training you can do at home

By Rett Larson

peed rules the gridiron, and how players train during the offseason can help give them extra quickness once the season starts. The key is to train three crucial areas: leg power, lower body quickness and core control. Most of the power used to drive off the line comes from the glutes, so players need to use an exercise that targets them. The single-leg box squat is great because it works each leg individually, which prevents muscle imbalances. Stand in front of a chair and sit the hips back until you feel your butt hit the seat, then

stand back up. The key is to keep the weight in the heel with the back at and see how low a chair you can squat into and successfully get back up. Do ve sets of ve on each leg. For lower body quickness, use single-footed jump rope. Do these on two feet or without the rope if need be. Concentrate on getting your heel off the ground as quickly as possible by pretending there is a nail under it. Do ve sets of 30 jumps on each foot. Kneeling arm-action drills will help make sure the upper body is helping the legs y down the eld during sprints. It is essential to attempt to

move the hands as fast as possible from pocket to chin without letting the movement affect your torso. Ideally, the individual will look like a statue from the neck down, so keep the abdominal muscles really tight. Do 10 sets of ve-second all-out bursts. Rett Larson is the director of coaching at Velocity Sports Performance and is a certied strength and conditioning specialist. He also is a member of USA Footballs Football and Wellness Community and serves as USA Footballs expert in sports performance training.

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USA Football Magazine

How to fuel up for fall

By Kim Schwabenbauer

or a game is a key time to focus on hydration by aiming for at least peed, agility and power are 16 ounces (2 cups) of uid and an essential in football. Athletes additional 8 ounces 10 to 20 minutes know this. prior to getting on the eld. Players also need to If the practice or game lasts understand how proper more than an hour and nutrition and hydration includes heavy aerobic as the weather turns activity, sports drinks with colder can either fuel sodium and potassium their team to victory may be necessary to or leave them on the prevent dehydration sidelines. and cramping. As the temperature Likewise, food drops, its easier to choices aid or impair forget about staying performance. hydrated before, during As the weather cools, and after competition. it may be tempting to eat Hydration is just as a large helping of moms important in cool, fall chicken pot pie with gravy weather as it is in the right before the heat of summer. big game. Cold temperatures However, large meals blunt the bodys thirst can make your body mechanism, leaving expend too much energy athletes feeling digesting food and divert less thirsty despite blood away from arm and signicant sweat loss. leg muscles. No matter the Foods high in protein season, athletes need and/or fat slow digestion to consume uids to and dont fuel the replace water. When muscles with the quick you breathe in cold, acting carbohydrates dry air, your body needed to produce short warms and humidies bursts of energy. that air. As you exhale, Big steaks, high-fat you lose signicant sauces and full fat cheeses amounts of water. can cause bloating, Dehydration can stomach pains and diminish energy and other adverse reactions The right foods can give an athlete that extra step that is needed impair performance. in athletes. to win. Even a 2 percent loss of Stick to high-energy body weight through sweat carbohydrate-based foods such 3 pounds for a 150-pound as breads, cereals, pasta, rice, player can put athletes at a fruits and vegetables along with disadvantage. lean sources of protein before a The same rules apply to practice or game. hydration in the summer Athletes should ll twoand winter. thirds of their plates with high-

Drink uids throughout the day by using water fountains, coolers and cafeteria beverages such as water and milk to stay hydrated. Two to three hours before practice

USA Football Magazine

19

carbohydrate options. Large meals should be consumed four hours before a practice or game small meals approximately three hours before you play. Protein shakes are suitable for two hours prior. Very light snacks, such as a cereal bar, can be eaten less than

an hour before playing to provide the nal fuel. Just like your playbook, make sure all foods before a game day have been tested during practice. By incorporating these ideas before and during practice, fall athletes can stay hydrated, fueled and ready to

run straight to the goal line.

Kim Schwabenbauer, a nutrition expert and corporate dietitian with Super Bakery as well as a member of USA Footballs Football and Wellness Committee, has some valuable advice on the matter.

Pre-workout meal ideas

(from Foods & Fluid for Team Spo rts Menu No. 2 whole grain bread Menu No. 1 by Susan Kundrat)

Ravioli with meat sauce Ham/veg gie sandwich on Italian bread Steamed vegetables Salad with lowfat
dressing

Menu No. 3

Baked chicken breast Rice pilaf Steamed broccoli Fruit yogurt Fruit juice

Fresh fruit salad Fig bars Sports drink

Canned fruit Low-fat/nonfat milk

CHAMPIONS ARE MADE IN THE OFF-SEASON.

Velocity specializes in making football players stronger, faster and more powerful. Before letting your players go until next year, introduce them to elite level performance training by scheduling a complimentary team training session at the Velocity nearest you. Our expert performance coaches will demonstrate how Velocity training can improve speed, power and agility. Better athletes make better teams. Get a jump start on next season with a complimentary team training session at Velocity. Find a location near you:

www.velocitysp.com
SM SM

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USA Football Magazine

Ofciating allows high school players to enjoy football on another level P

By Mary Kaminski

layers and coaches get all the attention on a football eld, but they are not alone out there. Ofcials are needed to enforce the rules. The Greeneld (Ind.) Youth Football League (GYFL) takes an educational approach to ofciating, teaching that its never too early to start on a career in stripes. The league, which serves as a feeder program for GreeneldCentral High School, enlists high school football players to ofciate Saturday games, pairing one licensed football ofcial with two high school players on each eld. Our youth players look up to our high school players, said Phil Morris, GYFL referee coordinator. They go to the games on Friday nights, attend the games for free if they wear their jerseys and watch these guys play. Then the guys are out the next day refereeing the youth games. The league encourages the high school player-ofcials to direct the youth players on technique and fundamentals while on the eld. Part of our league charter is to teach football fundamental and teamwork to youth players, Morris said. These high school players have that foundation, and we encourage them to share it. Seniors Matthew Dickerson and Tyler Colclazier, both in their fourth year as player-ofcials, are beneting from the experience as well. It gives us the chance to work

The Greeneld (Ind.) Youth Football League mixes high school students with adult referees to train the next generation of ofcials.

with the youth of our area, but it also allows us to acquire new knowledge of how the game works and the different perspectives that can be given to you from the same sport, Dickerson said, a wide receiver, running back and defensive back for Greeneld-Central. Colclazier, who plays quarterback, said its rewarding to help young players learn the game. They look to us as role models, and we are happy to be able to make an impact on their lives, Colclazier said. Friends on and off the eld, Dickerson and Colclazier hope to coach one day. For now, they value

ofciating, which gives them another way to celebrate their love of the game. We are like brothers Ofciating just gives us one more way to work together as a team and to have fun, Colclazier said. Dickerson said ofciating will help him continue his involvement with football after his playing days are over. I now have new doors that are available to me outside of just playing the game whether it be ofciating or coaching, Dickerson said. I am sure that somehow I will stay involved with the greatest game ever created.
USA Football Magazine

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The Whitmore Lake (Mich.) Junior Football third- and fourth-grade rs wore pink socks during games in October to supp ort Breast Cancer Awareness Mon th.

See your pics in this magazine!

Email us your football photos, and we might publish them in USA Football Kids Magazine. Send a JPEG image to magazine@usafootball.com. We will look through the submissions and post some in the magazine as well as some at www.usafootball.com.

Zachary Connell of Higley, Ariz., gives the thumbs up to football.

The Golden Empire Northeast Knights in Bakerseld, Calif., is one of 1,772 youth leagues and high schools to receive a 2011 USA Football Equipment Grant.

Keissac Hill helped the Mighty Dolphins Youth Football Club of Miami win the 2011 Under-12 AAU Youth Flag Football national championship in Orlando, Fla.

USA Football Magazine

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Match the Super Bowl MVP with the following clues...

ACROSS 3, Only special-teams player to earn MVP honors 4, NFL All-time leading rusher was MVP of Super Bowl XXVIII 7, Three-time winner for 49ers. His name also is a state. 8, Saints QB was a gust of fresh air for New Orleans in Super Bowl XLIV 10, Steelers WR and MVP of Super Bowl X was never an ugly duckling 11, Long before Aaron Rodgers, he was MVP of Super Bowls I and II DOWN 1, Team of Harvey Martin and Randy White, co-MVPs of Super Bowl XII 2, Patriots QB with two MVPs 5, This wide receiver made the catch to clinch the Steelers win in Super Bowl XLIII 6, These brothers won back-to-back MVP honors in Super Bowls XLI and XLII 9, Broncos QB who played in ve Super Bowls, earning MVP in Super Bowl XXXIII

S A HU EW TM VQ DS J N P E I V ZO C L FM VO C F DJ

O P P E I C W L C Z M M D E J

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E I O S U N I W O H U P Y D E

superbowl championship playoffs football coinip

Can you nd in the grid?

P Super Bowl tr C 5,What city am M 1, What te has hosted has played in O the most Super Bowls T four Super but has never C Bowls? led at any point M of a game? 6, Who N is the only F 2, The Super team to go D Bowl trophy is undefeated U named after in the regular T Vince Lombardi. season and D What team did he win the Super coach? Q Bowl? D 3, Who are the 7, What team these words four current NFL has won the teams who have most Super not played in a mvp Bowls without Super Bowl? halftime ever losing commercials one? 4, Where will trophy be Super Bowl XLVI disneyworld played? D F O C X U S M Q L A B W K A N L D Q A T S Y Z W O K U Z B P I H S N O I P M A H C R X G P L A Y O F F S I G Y U L T E S U M B Y H P O R T K Y D A A Q V B G P V E O V F J A C Q F

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Answers are on page 25!

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USA Football Magazine

Michael Vick

USA FOOTBALLS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ray Anderson Executive V.P. Football Operations National Football League Joe Browne Senior Advisor to the Commissioner National Football League Tom Cove President and CEO SGMA International Alexia Gallagher Director, NFL Charities and Youth Football Fund National Football League

The shirts on your back E

veryone loves a winner even at NFLShop.com. After winning Super Bowl XLV, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Mathews had the top two selling jerseys this past offseason. Losing in the Super Bowl isnt bad for sales, either. The Pittsburgh Steelers lost, 31-25, but have three of the top eight among jersey sales: safety Troy Polamalu, QB Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver

Bob Gardner Executive Director National Federation of State High School Associations Roger Goodell Commissioner National Football League Merril Hoge NFL Alumnus and ESPN NFL Analyst Desmond Howard NFL Alumnus and ESPN College Football Analyst

Hines Ward. Here are the top 10 jerseys being sold at NFLShop.com: 1 Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers 2 Clay Matthews, LB, Packers 3 Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers 4 Michael Vick, QB, Eagles 5 Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers 6 Tom Brady, QB, Patriots 7 Drew Brees, QB, Saints 8 Hines Ward, WR, Steelers 9 Peyton Manning, QB, Colts 10 Tim Tebow, QB, Broncos

Mark Meana Chairman Fairfax County (Va.) Youth Football League Carl Peterson Chairman USA Football Grant Teaff Executive Director American Football Coaches Association
USA Football Magazine

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLE PAGE

Super Bowl trivia: 1, Minnesota Vikings; 2, Green Bay Packers; 3, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars; 4, Indianapolis; 5, Miami; 6, Miami Dolphins; 7, San Francisco 49ers. Crossword: Across 3, Howard; 4, Smith; 7, Montana; 8, Brees; 10, Swann; 11, Starr. Down: 1, Cowboys; 2, Brady; 5, Holmes; 6, Manning; 9, Elway.

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