NFL Characters Unite Playbook

PLAYBOOK

NFL CHARACTERS UNITE In NFL Characters Unite, NFL stars share

deeply personal stories of facing hardships in

their lives and mentor young people in their

communities who are currently struggling

to fit in, deal with bullying and overcome

adversity. Through meaningful conversations

and unique one-on-one confidence building

activities made possible by local YMCAs, the

players encourage the kids they meet to find

the character, strength, and courage to

persevere and pursue their own dreams.

NFL Characters Unite premieres on Friday,

February 6, at 7/6C, on USA Network.

END BULLYING ZONE

The End Bullying Zone is a place where

everyone can help prevent bullying and build

character. In this playbook, you will find tips

and resources on stopping bullying; discussion

questions and interactive activities addressing

the issue; and “plays” from your favorite NFL

players. We hope you join us and millions of

people around the country on Team #NFLCU.

Together, we can reach the End Bullying Zone!

Team #NFLCU

HINES WARDPITTSBURGH STEELERS (FORMER)

RICHARD SHERMANSEATTLE SEAHAWKS

DARREN SPROLESPHILADELPHIA EAGLES

CHARLES TILLMANCHICAGO BEARS

J.J. WATTHOUSTON TEXANS

TONY DUNGYINDIANAPOLIS COLTS (FORMER)

LARRY FITZGERALDARIZONA CARDINALS

JIMMY GRAHAMNEW ORLEANS SAINTS

TONY GONZALESATLANTA FALCONS (FORMER)

PETE CARROLLSEATTLE SEAHAWKS

VICTOR CRUZNEW YORK GIANTS

RANDALL COBBGREEN BAY PACKERS

JAMAAL CHARLESKANSAS CITY CHIEFS

MARIO WILLIAMSBUFFALO BILLS

NICK MANGOLDNEW YORK JETS

TROY POLAMALUPITTSBURGH STEELERS

JAMEEL McCLAINNEW YORK GIANTS

MARK HERZLICHNEW YORK GIANTS

JUSTIN TUCKOAKLAND RAIDERS

BULLYING is any hurtful behavior that is done on purpose to harm another

person. Bullying can take many forms, such as verbal, physical, relational and

cyberbullying.

PREJUDICE is a preconceived judgment or irrational opinion for or against

an individual, a group, a race, or their community.

DISCRIMINATION is an action or behavior made in favor or against someone

based on something about them—for example, their race, religion, ethnicity,

gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability—instead of their merit.

sources: dosomething.org, stopbullying.gov

The Issues

15% of High School students were

cyberbullied in the past year

Over 3.2 million students are

victims of bullying each year

Approximately 160,000 teens skip

school every day because of bullying

1 in 10 students drop out of

school because of repeated bullying

Discussion Questions

JAMAAL CHARLESKansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles

faced many difficult challenges during his childhood.

Raised without a father, teased because of his learning

disability, and living in a high-crime neighborhood, he

worked hard to stay out of trouble by playing football.

Today, Jamaal is a record-breaking player in the NFL

and is committed to being a role model that he didn’t

have in his own father. In NFL Characters Unite, Jamaal

mentors Martinous, who also lost his father and has

been bullied for being different from other kids.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Jamaal suffered with a learning disability that made

him ashamed and want to hide from his classmates

for fear of their judgment and teasing. Have you ever

wanted to hide from classmates for fear of being

judged or teased?

• Martinous was bullied for not having a father and

being different from other kids. Have you ever been

teased or bullied for being different than other kids?

• Jamaal’s play to reach the End Bullying Zone is to

draft a strong offensive line and enlist a community

to help stop bullying. Who would you recruit to help

prevent bullying in your school or neighborhood?

JAMAAL’S PLAY TO REACH THE END BULLYING ZONE

“Draft a strong offensive line and enlist

a community to help stop bullying.”

DARREN SPROLESPhiladelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles was

a top football player and track star growing up. He ran

fearlessly, but was always nervous to talk because he

stuttered. Sports was an outlet and protected him

from being taunted, but he still worried about what

other kids would say about his speech impediment.

However, through hard work on his game, his speech

and his confidence level, he made incredible strides

and is committed to helping other kids refuse to let

a disability get in the way of achieving greatness.

In NFL Characters Unite, Darren mentors Sheila at the

Columbia North YMCA in Philadelphia. Just like Darren,

Sheila has a stutter that has made her a target for bullies.


• Darren avoided talking because of his speech

impediment and fear of being ridiculed. Have you

ever avoided doing something because you were

concerned what people would think of you?

• Sheila had become anti-social and didn’t participate

in school activities because she was teased so often

as a result of her stutter. Have there been activities

you wanted to participate in but did not because you

were afraid you would not be accepted?

• Darren’s play to reach the End Bullying Zone is to

take it a few yards at a time and be persistent. What

are some of the steps you can take to stop bullying?

DARREN’S PLAY TO REACH THE END BULLYING ZONE

“Take it a few yards at a time. Bullying

might not stop overnight, but be persistent

and we can make it stop over time.”

Discussion Questions

MARIO WILLIAMSBuffalo Bills

When Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams

was in college, his brother-in-law was killed during

Operation Iraqi Freedom, leaving Mario’s sister to raise

her young sons alone. Mario was ready to quit football

in order to help take care of her and his nephews, but

his sister refused to let him give up his dreams. Mario

stayed in school, worked hard and earned the top

spot in the 2006 NFL draft. He also made it his life

mission to assist his sister and other military families

and wounded warriors. In NFL Characters Unite, Mario

meets Sophia, whose father was killed in Afghanistan.

This loss has been a struggle for her to deal with,

and has been made worse by the bullying she has

experienced at school on a daily basis for not

having a father.


• During a time of tragedy, Mario almost left school

and gave up football entirely to help his family. Have

you experienced a tragedy in life? How did you

handle the situation?

• Sophia uses her talent for art as a diversion from her

pain and fear of bullying. Are there activities you do

to help cope with bullying or any other hardship?

• Mario’s play to reach the End Bullying Zone is to

step up and say something if you see bullying. Have

you ever witnessed bullying? If yes, what did you do?

RICHARD’S PLAY TO REACH THE END BULLYING ZONE

“My play is blanket coverage. Get

kids, parents, schools and communities

involved to stop bullying.”

RICHARD SHERMANSeattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman grew

up in an area riddled with gangs and violence. Despite

the pressure from others around him who tried to lure

him down a dangerous path, he was focused on proving

that if he could make it, then any kid in a rough

neighborhood could too. He became a scholar–

athlete at Stanford and a Super Bowl champion, but

he has never forgotten where he came from and has

made helping others succeed a top priority. In NFL

Characters Unite, Richard Sherman meets Tevin, a teen

who lost his parents and is struggling to stay on the

right track, excel in school and not fall victim to a life

of poverty and crime.


• Richard felt peer pressure growing up to join

gangs and pursue a life of crime. Have you ever felt

pressured to do something you did not want to do

and/or knew was wrong?

• Tevin is called a loner and doesn’t have many friends

because he is focused on school and doesn’t want to

end up in trouble like others around him. Have you

lost friends because you made decisions that your

peers did not agree with?

• Richard’s play to reach the End Bullying Zone is to

get everyone—kids, parents, schools, communities—

involved to stop bullying. Do you know anyone

working to prevent bullying?

MARIO’S PLAY TO REACH THE END BULLYING ZONE

“Defense can be the best offense.

If you see someone being bullied,

step up and say it’s wrong.”

Joking, Teasing or Bullying?Understanding the differences

between harmless fun, hurtful

teasing, and bullying

# of Participants: Individuals or groups

Age Range: 8 through adult

Materials/Space Needed: Pens and paper

Instructions: Use scenarios below to identify bullying

situations. You can choose to work on this individually

or in small groups. Discuss reasons for identifying the

scenario as joking, teasing or bullying.

Joking – Intention is to create humor and fun; usually

between friends; reciprocal

Teasing – Intention is to provoke a reaction such as

anger, resentment or confusion

Bullying – Repeated, premeditated, intentional,

planned; trying to be the one in control; want to take

power or possessions from someone

Processing/Debriefing: Discuss how joking and

teasing can eventually become bullying. If time allows,

discuss what would be possible appropriate responses

by the targets.

Scenarios:

On his way to school every morning, Joe is stopped by

a group of older students. They help themselves to the

contents of his lunch and warn him not to tell anyone. • Is this Joking, Teasing or Bullying?

Carlos borrows a ruler from someone who sits near him

in class. He takes his time giving it back even though

the other student has asked for it several times. Carlos

tends to annoy his classmates from time to time.

• Is this Joking, Teasing or Bullying?

A group of students are playing outside on the

playground. One student grabs his friend’s hat and

shouts, “You can’t catch me!”


Anna has been receiving the silent treatment from

a group of girls in her class. Over the past month,

each time she tries to talk to them, they ignore her.

Sometimes they turn and face the other direction, or

talk about her as if she’s not there. Anna is feeling

frustrated and upset over the way they are treating her.

She doesn’t understand why this is happening.


Every morning when Claudia gets on the bus, no one will

share a seat with her. They move over or say “This seat is

taken.” Eventually, at the back of the bus she finds one.


SeesawRaising awareness of bullying

and experiences had by others

# of Participants: 5-50

Age Range: 10 and up

Materials/Space Needed: A large space to move around

Instructions: Read some or all of the following questions.

Have participants go to the left side of the room if their

answer is YES, or the right side of the room if their

answer is NO. Participants cannot stay in the middle of

the room. They must choose one side.

• Have you ever been called names?

• Have you ever been teased or been the butt of the joke?

• Have you ever witnessed someone being teased?

• Have you ever been ignored or neglected at school?

• Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied before?

• Did you stand up for the person being bullied?

• Have you been bullied at school, home or work?

• Have you been the bully at school, home or work?

Processing/Debriefing:

• Any eye-openers for you as we did this activity?

• Things you did not expect?

• What is the impact of bullying?

• Does bullying have a short-term or long-term

effect on people?

• How do we change the behavior of the “bully”?

Activities

source: YMCA of Greater Houston

GLSEN

glsen.org

GLSEN is the leading national education organization

focused on ensuring safe schools for all students.

GLSEN works to address anti-LGBT behavior and

bias in schools, striving to protect students from

bullying and harassment, advancing comprehensive

safe schools laws and policies, empowering principals

to make their schools safer, and building the skills of

educators to teach respect for all people.

STOMP OUT BULLYING

stompoutbullying.org

STOMP Out Bullying™ focuses on reducing and

preventing bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other

digital abuse, educating against homophobia, racism

and hatred, decreasing school absenteeism, and deterring

violence in schools, online and in communities across

the country. It teaches effective solutions on how to

respond to all forms of bullying; as well as educating

kids and teens in school and online, providing help for

those in need and at risk of suicide, raising awareness,

peer mentoring programs in schools, public service

announcements and social media campaigns.

1-855-790-HELP (4357)

TEENS AGAINST BULLYING

pacerteensagainstbullying.org

Created by and for teens, PACER’s Teens Against Bullying

is a place for middle and high school students to find

ways to address bullying, to take action, to be heard,

and to join an important social cause.

THE TREVOR PROJECT

thetrevorproject.org

The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide

among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and

life-affirming resources including a nationwide, 24/7

crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and

advocacy and educational programs that create a safe,

supportive and positive environment for everyone.

The Trevor Project Lifeline: 866-488-7386

Resource Guide

YMCA

ymca.net

A leading non-profit committed to nurturing youth as

they journey from birth to career, and our partner in

combating bullying with positive programming that

promotes character-building and instills core values.

WARNING SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED

• Be afraid of walking to/from school

• Change their usual route

• Not want to go on the school bus

• Ask you to drive them to school

• Feel ill in the mornings

• Not want to go to school/program

• Begin doing poorly in school

• Come home with clothes or other items destroyed

• Need more money than usual (keep losing money)

• Have possessions go “missing”

• Have unexplained bruises, scratches or cuts

• Begin to bully other children or siblings

• Have nightmares

• Become withdrawn

• Become aggressive and unreasonable

• Become anxious or distressed

• Attempt or threaten suicide

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Questions to ask your child:

• I’m worried about you. Are there any children at

school who may be picking on you or bullying you?

• Are there any children that tease you in a mean way?

• Are there any children who leave you out or exclude

you on purpose?

• Who do you sit with on the bus and at lunch?

Questions to ask teacher:

• How does my child get along with other students in

his/her class?

• With whom does he/she spend free time?

• Have you noticed or suspected that my child is being

bullied by other students? (when asking, give

examples i.e. not just physical)

Empower your child! Help build healthy friendships:

• Provide opportunities for your child to socialize

• Set up an expectation of friendship

• Help them find common interests with others

For Parents

For additional information and resources on how

you can prevent and respond to bullying, please

visit stopbullying.gov

About

CHARACTERS UNITE

Characters Unite, USA Network’s award-winning

public service program, was created to address the

social injustices and cultural divides still prevalent

in our society. Inspired by USA Network’s iconic

“Characters Welcome” brand and with the support of

leading national nonprofit organizations, the ongoing

campaign is dedicated to supporting activities and

messaging that combat prejudice and intolerance while

promoting understanding and acceptance—on-air,

online, and in communities across the country.

charactersunite.com

USA NETWORK

USA Network, the leader in cable entertainment,

offers a powerful stable of dramatic, comedic and

unscripted originals in more than 102 million U.S.

homes. The network also features spectacular live

television, a dynamic portfolio of acquired series

and the best in blockbuster theatrical films and

entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation

and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting

the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program

service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division

of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located

at usanetwork.com

YMCA OF THE USA

YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) is the national resource

office for the Y, one of the nation’s leading nonprofits

strengthening communities through youth development,

healthy living and social responsibility. Across the

United States, 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men,

women and children – regardless of age, income or

background – to nurture the potential of children

and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-

being and provide opportunities to give back and

support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000

communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships

and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver,

lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

THE COMPANY

Founded in 2010 by entertainment industry veteran

Charlie Ebersol and industrialist Mike Lanigan,

The Company creates, packages and produces

groundbreaking unscripted and scripted television

programming as well as feature films. The Company’s

library of programming spans a dynamic range of

leading broadcast and cable networks, top movie

studios, and unparalleled partnerships with major

sports and entertainment brands. The Company’s

current programming includes the record-breaking

CNBC hit “The Profit,” now in its third season, and

USA’s critically acclaimed “NFL Characters Unite.”

Past credits include “The Moment” (USA Network),

“The Great Escape” (TNT), “Race to the Scene”

(REELZ) “Off the Grid: Million Dollar Manhunt”

(History), “The Wanted” (NBC) and many others.

For more information, visit TheCo.com

Special thanks to the YMCA Buffalo Niagara and its

Southtowns Family YMCA; YMCA of Greater Kansas

City; Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA and its

Columbia North Center; and the YMCA of Greater

Seattle and its Coal Creek Family Branch.

NFL Characters Unite Playbook

Documents

Transcript of NFL Characters Unite Playbook