What on earth does Justin Tuck know about bullying, you ask? After all, the Giants All-Pro defensive end stands 6-foot-5 and weighs nearly 270 pounds; holds several defensive records at Notre Dame; picked up two sacks of Tom Brady in Super Bowl XLII; and has nearly 50 NFL sacks to his name.
Well, it turns out that when Tuck was growing up in Alabama, he was bullied while he was trying to succeed in school.
So how about Troy Polamalu? What does HE know about discrimination? After all, the Steelers’ seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time All Pro, two-time Super Bowl champion, and a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade team certainly hasn’t faced any discrimination in his life, right?
Well, it turns out that when Polamalu was growing up in rural southern Oregon, he faced discrimination as he was trying to embrace his American Samoan heritage and “different” looks.
These are just two of the stories that the USA Network will bring to light in a partnership with the NFL in the documentary “NFL Characters Unite,” which will premiere at 7 p.m. ET, Friday, February 8 on the USA Network.
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.
The film, part of USA’s award-winning Characters Unite public service campaign to combat prejudice and discrimination, also features Arizona Cardinals 2009 Pro Bowl MVP wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain.
All four players have had enormous success on the field after overcoming obstacles of prejudice and discrimination in their personal lives. In addition to Tuck and Polamalu, McClain’s family was homeless for a time when he was growing up and he was ostracized because of it. And Fitzgerald saw discrimination first-hand during his mother’s battle with cancer.
But the documentary is so much more than just telling about successful athletes overcoming adversity. A unique aspect of this film is that each player goes back to his respective community to meet a child or teenager currently facing the same challenges and adversity.
Through meaningful conversation and specially tailored confidence-building activities, the NFL stars help the young people realize how they too can overcome the bullying, prejudice and intolerance they have experienced and move on to achieve their own greatness.
The players impart strength and advice to assist the teens in getting past the hate, violence and devastating cycle of low expectations, and achieving their full potential. Through candid interviews and unique one-on-one activities, these on- and off-the-field heroes help bring diverse people together, change attitudes and instill courage and compassion.
“In our second NFL CHARACTERS UNITE documentary, we are honored to be able to share the courageous and inspiring stories of some of today’s greatest NFL heroes and to showcase their commitments to help kids in their communities overcome bullying and discrimination,” said Toby Graff, USA’s senior vice president, public affairs. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the NFL to create this powerful film that will serve as a programming centerpiece of the 2013 Characters Unite Month.”
The film, created by The Hochberg Ebersol Company, was directed by Ezra Edelman, who also was at the helm for the highly acclaimed HBO documentary “Magic and Bird: A Courtship of Rivals.”
“Larry, Jameel, Troy and Justin are incredible role models off the field as they are inspirational players on the field,” said Tracy Perlman, NFL vice president of entertainment marketing and promotions. “We are pleased to once again work with USA and The Hochberg Ebersol Company to share their important stories.”
