St. Louis Rams In the Community

St. Louis Rams In the Community
As a professional sports team, the Rams recognize their unique ability to
help raise both awareness and money for issues and causes relevant to
their fans and fellow citizens. The organization is committed to being a
valuable community partner and benefitting the bi-state region 365 days
a year.
The Rams Community Outreach Team focuses substantial resources on
efforts to engage youth in activities that promote health, fitness and
character development. The team also participates in a variety of special
events to raise awareness and funds for numerous local non-profits.
In addition to financial contributions, game tickets and autographed merchandise, the team works to integrate all of its resources including player,
cheerleader,mascot and staff involvement, media exposure and strategic
alliances between charities and team partners. The Rams believe this
comprehensive approach provides its charitable partners with the most
beneficial relationship possible.
The following overview provides a glimpse of what the team is doing to
make the bi-state area a better place. For a more in-depth look at the
organization’s off the field efforts, please visit www.stlouisrams.com/community.
Back to Football 5K
To help kickoff the season, the Rams host a Back to Football 5K Run to benefit United
Way of Greater St. Louis. After completing a course through downtown St. Louis, participants have the unique opportunity to cross the finish line on the 50-yard line of the
Edward Jones Dome. The event also includes a Rams PLAY 60 Kids’ Fun Run that finishes
on the field as well. All participants receive an official race shirt in addition to a commemorative medal.
Basket of Hope
Each year, the Rams team up with Basket of Hope, a St. Louis-based charity that provides gifts to children diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses. The baskets are
delivered to the patients’ hospital rooms by Rams players, cheerleaders, Rampage and
staff. Basket of Hope customizes each basket with age appropriate toys, games, crafts,
for the child and their siblings.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
In 2012, the Rams began a partnership with the
American Red Cross on the Holiday Mail for Heroes
campaign. The program, which features Rams defensive end Chris Long as the honorary chair, resulted
in 41,000 personalized holiday thank you cards being
sent to active and veteran military serving overseas
in its initial year. The Rams also host an annual
blood drive in cooperation with the American Red
Cross. As part of the event, donors have the opportunity to mingle with Rams players,cheerleaders and
Rampage, win Rams prizes and receive a commemorative T-shirt.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Each year, the Rams team up with the National Football League on a national breast cancer screeningreminder and fundraising campaign. The initiative, called: “A Crucial Catch:
Annual Screening Saves Lives,” reminds women 40 and older about the importance of
having an annual mammogram. As part of the effort, the Rams recognize those who are
currently fighting or have fought breast cancer on the field during player introductions.
At halftime of the team’s designated breast cancer awareness game, the Rams
Cheerleaders join Junior Cheerleaders and Rams Alumni Cheerleaders for a special “Cheer
for a Cure” performance to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The
Rams also partner with ZTA to pass out pink ribbons to fans entering the Edward Jones
Dome prior to the game.
Through in-stadium branding, player/coach/officials gear and the support of our broadcast partners, A Crucial Catch campaign is woven through all facets of the game day
experience in early October. All of the on-field items are auctioned on NFL.com/auction,
with all proceeds benefiting ACS.
CHARACTERplus
CHARACTERplus is a community partner of the Rams helping the team achieve one of
their goals to instill character and healthy lifestyle choices in youth. CHARACTERplus cur-
rently involves more than 74 member school districts in Missouri and southern Illinois,
including 30,000 teachers serving in public, private and charter schools and reaches more
than 350,000 students.
The Rams and CHARACTERplus created the Character Fitness Model Schools program in
2010, recognizing the connection between the principles of character education and fitness. The program offers the opportunity to benefit students and schools alike in a joint
effort to create foundations for a healthy life.
The Rams have also partnered with CHARACTERplus on Project Leadership Task Force,
the St. Louis Rams Huddle-Up micro web site and the Huddle-Up advisory board.
Additionally, the Rams sponsor the Missouri Schools of Character Awards program each
year. For more information on CHARACTERplus, please visit www.characterplus.org.
Clinton Global Initiative University
As part of the 2013 Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U), 600 CGI U students joined
President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton for a community service project at Gateway STEM
High School. Rams players Jake Long, Robert Quinn and Chris Givens also joined the
effort and assisted with a number of restorative projects and facility upgrades around the
school, including: painting, carpeting, grounds maintenance and garden construction. In
an effort to create a greener and healthier learning environment for Gateway students,
each project incorporated sustainable products and practices.
President Bill Clinton launched Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) in 2007 to
engage the next generation of leaders from college campuses around the world. CGIU
participants take action to create positive change in CGI U’s five focus areas: Education,
Environment and Climate Change, Peace and Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation, and
Public Health. In 2013, CGI U took place April 5-7 at Washington University in St. Louis
and brought together nearly 1,200 attendees.
Coach Fisher and Friends Celebrity Softball Game
In what is quickly becoming a must-attend event for Rams fans, Head Coach Jeff Fisher
hosts an annual “Coach Fisher and Friends” celebrity softball game in the summer. This
family-friendly event allows fans to get an up-close look at some of their favorite players and see their personalities away from
the football field and in an intimate setting. The event features a celebrity home
run derby, softball game and post-game
fireworks spectacular, while benefiting
five charities: The BackStopppers, The
Jack and J.T. Snow Scientific Research
Foundation, Mercy Ministries, Wounded
Warrior Project and Catch-A-Dream
Foundation. The date for the game will
be announced in February of 2014.
Diversity Awareness Partnership
An organization with a long tradition of embracing diversity, the Rams were the first professional sports team
in the modern era to sign an African-American player.
Even before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in
Major League Baseball, the Rams were committed to
promoting diversity and inclusion. Years later that commitment remains, and after helping launch the Diversity
Awareness Partnership (DAP) in 2001, the Rams have
been a collaborative partner in promoting the value of
diversity among the people of St. Louis.
In 2012, the Rams partnered with Diversity Awareness
Partnership on a new diversity-themed sports poster
and billboard series. Featured on the poster and billboard were quarterback Sam Bradford, linebacker
James Laurinaitis and defensive tackle Michael Brockers
standing side-by-side with the caption, “Differences Are What Make Us Stronger.” The
posters were distributed for free to regional schools, businesses and homes. Both the
poster and billboard promote the value of difference and encourage members of the
Greater St. Louis area to practice inclusivity.
The Rams also partnered with Diversity Awareness Partnership on a screening and
discussion around the documentary, Third and Long: A History of African Americans
in Professional Football. Additionally, the Rams worked with Diversity Awareness
Partnership to launch a new community outreach program designed to promote diversity
and inclusion among youth in the St. Louis area. The program called Rams Blitz: Youth
Working Together to Break Through Boundaries brought together two high school football teams from different backgrounds with the goal of fostering a greater understanding
and respect for each other. For more information, visit www.dapstl.org.
Everyday Heroes
The Rams have recognized the significant daily contributions of our nations’ military, as
well as the St. Louis metropolitan area police and fire departments, by honoring these
“everyday heroes” in a variety of ways over the past several years, including in-game
salutes and visits to Rams Park.
Fuel Up to PLAY 60
Created in partnership with the National Dairy Council and the National Football League,
the Fuel Up to PLAY 60 program empowers youth to take actions to improve nutrition
and physical activity at their school and for their own health. The program helps school
children learn the importance of good nutrition and physical exercise. To get your school
involved and join the movement, visit www.fueluptoplay60.com.
Georgia Frontiere Community Quarterback Award
Each year, the St. Louis Rams accept nominations for the Georgia Frontiere Community
Quarterback Award Program. The award, renamed in 2008 to honor the Rams’ late owner
and chairperson, recognizes ten outstanding individuals who display strong leadership
abilities, and a passion for bettering his or her community. Individuals above the age of
13 may be nominated by a non-profit organization as long as they serve in a volunteer
role and are not compensated for their efforts. Upon receiving the nominations, the Rams
engage a panel of judges comprised of prominent community leaders to help select the
ten finalists. Once chosen, $20,000 is awarded to local non-profits in recognition of their
exceptional volunteer service. In addition, all finalists are invited to Rams Park for a
special luncheon and to a Rams’ home game at the Edward Jones Dome where they are
recognized on the field. Since the program’s inception, the Rams have donated more than
$270,000 to community organizations through this initiative.
Green Platform
The St. Louis Rams are greening our operations, from recycling and waste reduction to
energy efficiency and the use of recycled materials. Since our participation in the NFL’s
first carbon neutral game in 2005 against the Philadelphia Eagles, we have been committed to establishing and growing our Green Platform with the intention of identifying
authentic opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint. The Rams are dedicated to providing St. Louis the most entertaining sports experience possible while striving to conduct
itself in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner. The Rams Green
Platform was formed in December 2007 to serve as an umbrella for all new and existing initiatives supporting our environmental sustainability efforts. For more information,
please visit www.stlouisrams.com/community/go-green.
Governor’s Joplin Challenge Do we want to keep this in since it is from the year beforeYes In June of 2012 as part of the Rams’ monthly Staff Days of Service program and
Rams Rookie Week, the organization traveled to Joplin to participate in the Governor’s
Joplin Habitat Challenge. The challenge, in partnership with Joplin Area Habitat for
Humanity and Missouri’s major athletic organizations, aimed to build 35 new homes in the
heart of Joplin during 2012 to provide continued aid to the city’s recovery.
Rams rookies and staff were divided into four teams, three of which focused on raising
the walls for their assigned home. The units were part of a “Rams neighborhood” which
was built from Rams support and through the volunteer efforts of Rams players, staff and
fans. The fourth team assisted with landscaping and various other projects in support of
the challenge.
The June of 2012 effort was the Rams second trip to Joplin. In 2011, six weeks after the
devastating F-5 tornado ripped through the town, the Rams organization traveled to
Joplin to assist with disaster relief efforts.
Heat Up St. Louis
The Rams have joined Heat Up St. Louis over the years to assist in their mission of helping the elderly, disabled, and low-income families in the area with their delinquent heating bills. Rams players, executive, cheerleaders and Rampage have shown their support
through appearances in public service announcements and the staff has also volunteered
their time through the team’s staff days of service program.
Hometown Huddle
Introduced in 1999, Hometown Huddle is a day for NFL players from all 32 teams to
participate in various community service activities in conjunction with their local United
Way partners. In addition to this league-wide initiative, the Rams continue to show their
leadership and commitment to United Way of Greater St. Louis throughout the year
through special events, tickets and financial assistance.
Kickoff for Charity Luncheon
In partnership with team sponsors Edward Jones, Charter and Famous Footwear, a division of Brown Shoe Company, the Rams host an annual Kickoff for Charity Luncheon
benefiting United Way of Greater St. Louis. In addition to receiving a preview of the season directly from Head Coach Jeff Fisher, this unique luncheon allows fans to be seated
at tables alongside their favorite players and bid on unique auction items. The proceeds
from the event benefit United Way of Greater St. Louis.
KidSmart
The Rams have partnered with KidSmart in a variety of ways over the years to help
children in need including participation in the Annual Joe Buck Celebrity Bee, which is
a competition similar to “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” pitting local celebrities
and corporate teams against each other. The event raises more than one-third of the
non-profit’s annual operating expenses and funds the grand re-opening of the back to
school store each August.
This year, Rams tight end Jared Cook is serving as the KidSmart Push for Pencils ambassador to help encourage back to school donations and the Edward Jones Dome is serving
as a collection site during the team’s annual Fan Fest.
KidSmart equips 50,000 children in need in more than 110 public schools in the St. Louis
area. Teachers “shop” monthly for free school supplies to ensure their students are prepared to learn. The Free Store is funded and stocked by local individuals, foundations,
and companies. In the past ten years, more than $23 million worth of free school supplies, including essential classroom tools such as pencils, notebooks, glue, backpacks, art
supplies and books have been distributed to more than 100,000 local students in need.
Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure
The Rams have been involved with the Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure since the event
began in 1999. After the team’s late owner and chairman
Georgia Frontiere lost her battle with breast cancer in 2008,
the Rams formed a team to walk in her honor. In its six
years of existence, the extended Rams family – from staff to
partners to fans – has responded and helped to raise more
than $170,000 for breast cancer research and treatment.
As part of the 15th anniversary of Race for the Cure in
2013, quarterback Sam Bradford returned as honorary
chair of the event for the second consecutive year. The
Rams/7UP Ten team of walkers and runners was captained
by tight end Jared Cook, whose mother is a breast cancer
survivor. Rams players, cheerleaders and Rampage were
also involved and handed out pink roses to breast cancer
survivors as they crossed the finish line.
To add to the day’s festivities, the Rams partnered with 7UP Ten to provide 2013 game
tickets to breast cancer survivors. The Rams also sponsored a block along the race route
and featured a band to entertain the race participants.
Make-A-Wish Celebrity Server Dinner
Since arriving in St. Louis in 1995, the Rams have
teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri
each year to make wishes come true for local children.
Rams players led by event captain, linebacker James
Laurinaitis, work as celebrity waiters signing autographs
and visiting with Wish Kids in attendance. The event has
raised more than $1 million to help grant the wishes of
St. Louis area children who are battling life-threatening
medical conditions. The Rams have also granted many
wishes over the years inviting kids to Rams Park and the
Edward Jones Dome.
March of Dimes
Since 2011, the Rams have teamed up with March of Dimes to fight for healthier babies
at the March of Dimes Golf Challenge. . March of Dimes invests more than $3 million
annually in Missouri for research and programs to help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. It is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby
health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, March of Dimes
works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and
infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit www.marchofdimes.come/
Missouri.
Motion for Kids Holiday Party
During the holidays, the Rams team up with the Bar
Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) to
open the Edward Jones Dome for more than 4,000
underprivileged children. The kids enjoy holiday
gifts, bands and other entertainment, a book corner,
activity booths, arts and crafts and visits with Santa
as well as Rams players, cheerleaders and team
mascot, Rampage.
PHL, Inc.
The Rams have provided local not-for-profit PHL, Inc. with financial assistance totaling
$450,000 to aid in their mission of improving the deplorable condition of some of the
football fields in the St. Louis Public Schools. The Rams have supported the development
and renovation of a number of area football fields. In 2009, the team assisted with the
construction of a new multi-purpose athletic facility for Sumner High School and the surrounding community. The facility includes a state-of-the-art artificial surface field, lights,
bleachers, restrooms and a pavilion.
In 2012, Rams General Manager Les Snead helped unveil the new football field and athletic facility at Gateway STEM made possible by a partnership between the Rams, PHL
Inc. and the St. Louis Public School District. With support of the Rams, the facility was
granted $200,000 through the NFL’s Grassroots Program, an initiative focused on providing non-profit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance
to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields.
PLAY 60
PLAY 60 is an NFL initiative aimed at creating a healthier next generation and tackling childhood obesity by encouraging kids to be active at least 60 minutes every day.
Through the Rams year-long engagement of youth in fitness initiatives in in-school, afterschool and team-based programs, the Rams are committed to furthering this platform
and improving youth health and wellness. Since PLAY 60 was launched in 2007, the NFL
has committed more than $200 million to youth health and fitness through programming,
grants, and media time for PSAs.
Playground Build
In 2013, the Rams selected Washington Elementary in the Normandy School District as
the recipient of the Rams 5th Annual Playground Build after an open application process
that allowed submissions from Missouri and Illinois schools and communities in need of
a playground. The Rams Annual Playground Build has become the cornerstone effort of
the team’s Staff Day of Service volunteer program. Each year, Rams staff and players join
together to build a Rams-themed playground for the winning applicant.
Last year, the team traveled to Fairmont City, Illinois to build a playground for a community that was previously without a school, city park or playground structure. The year
prior, the team built a playground for Giant Steps, a special education school and therapy
center for children with autism, located in Maplewood. In 2010, Monroe eMints Academy,
a St. Louis Public School, received a new playground. The first playground recipient was
East St. Louis in 2009.
Rams Blitz
In 2012, the St. Louis Rams launched a new community outreach program designed to
promote diversity and inclusion among youth in the St. Louis area. The program called
“Rams Blitz: Youth Working Together to Break Through Boundaries” brought together
two high school football teams from different backgrounds with the goal of fostering a
greater understanding and respect for each other.
Rams Blitz encourages players, coaches and parents to look beyond their day-to-day
comfort zone by building a common bond through the sport of football to promote understanding and acceptance of differences.
The initial meeting took place at the practice facility of the Rams, where the studentathletes took part in a variety of activities focused around character development,
teamwork, collaboration and communication. The program then continued with events
throughout the school year including a Parkway North High School vs. Seckman High
football game, a Rams home game, a diversity training day at Rams Park and a cultural
and social outing.
The Rams worked with long-time team partners, Diversity Awareness Partnership and
CHARACTERplus, to develop the program.
Rams Cheerleaders
Although they are mostly recognized for their entertaining performances on the sidelines,
the majority of the Rams Cheerleaders’ time is actually spent giving back to the community. In addition to averaging more than 850 hours in the bi-state area each year, the
Cheerleaders entertain both nationally and internationally including recent goodwill trips
to visit the troops in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.
Rams ReciPEs
In 2012, the Rams launched a new youth initiative, Rams ReciPEs, designed to increase
awareness and interest among area youth in eating right and leading an active and
healthy lifestyle. In collaboration with the NFL’s PLAY 60 initiative, the Rams ReciPEs program works to expose youth to healthy eating habits in a fun and engaging environment.
As part of the program, Rams players, as well as Rampage, visit local youth-serving organizations to work side by side with the youth to prepare healthy, fun and quick snacks.
The program includes a fitness segment where the children are reminded to be physically
active at least 60 minutes every day. At the end of the program each participating child
is sent home with a bag full of healthy snacks and ingredients to kick start healthy eating
habits at home. Youth also receive a Rams ReciPEs book that includes healthy recipes
and PLAY 60 activities.
Newspapers in Education
The “Rams Effect” program was launched in partnership with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
as part of the Newspapers in Education (NIE) platform. NIE is designed to familiarize
students with reading and using daily newspapers both in school and at home through
In 2012, the Rams and the Post-Dispatch introduced “Rams Effect” to encourage local
students to make a difference in their community. Participating classrooms were provided
with weekly newspaper articles that highlighted their favorite Rams players and cheerleaders involvement in the St. Louis community as well as accompanying lesson plans. At
the end of the program, the classrooms were challenged to create their own community
service project and enter it into the “Rams Effect” competition.
The projects were designed to impact their school, community or beyond in a variety of
ways. Ten classrooms were selected as winners, with one being named the grand prize
winner. Each winning class received one hundred tickets to a Rams home game, with
the grand prize winner also receiving a visit from a Rams player. Judging was based on
four categories: details of entry, potential impact of the project, feasibility of the project
and creativity of the idea.
Rookie Week
The Rams began “Rookie Week” in 2009 as a way to introduce the team’s new players
to the St. Louis community. Throughout the week, the rookies participate in a variety of
activities including community outreach and fan development events, networking opportunities and educational initiatives.
Sack Homelessness
During the 2012 season, the Rams partnered with St. Patrick Center on the Sack
Homelessness program. Every time the Rams sacked an opposing team’s quarterback,
the Rams’ defensive linemen, Assistant Head Coach Dave McGinnis and Defensive Line
Coach Mike Waufle made a contribution of $1,000. In 2012, the Rams led the NFL in
sacks, which resulted in a $52,000 donation to St. Patrick Center.
A portion of the proceeds from this initiative will help renovate St. Patrick Center’s Child
Center that provides care and activities for children during the day while their parents
are enrolled in St. Patrick Center’s housing, employment and health programs. Fans can
join in this community effort by calling, 314-802-0700.
St. Louis Public Schools Scholar Athlete Luncheon
For the past two years, the Rams have joined with St. Louis Public Schools to host an
annual Scholar Athlete Luncheon to recognize more than 400 student athletes from SLPS
high schools for earning a minimum grade point average of 3.25 while competing in at
least one team sport during the school year. In 2013, St. Louis Rams General Manager
Les Snead and Olympic superstar Jackie Joyner-Kersee served as special guest speakers.
A group of 50 distinguished table role models including Kara Henderson Snead and several Rams front office members helped honor the students and present them with their
scholar athlete pins.
Staff Days of Service
Each month, the Rams front office staff takes time out of the office to volunteer with
local non-profits. Since the program’s inception in 2009, the Rams’ staff has provided
more than 6,700 hours of community service to local non-profits in the region through
the Staff Days of Service program.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
The Rams have a longstanding relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
and have partnered with the charity on several fundraising events over the past several
years. Money raised has enabled St. Jude to continue its internationally recognized
pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic
diseases. Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and
around the world, including the St. Louis region. The fundraising arm of St. Jude covers
all costs for medical care not covered by insurance and families without insurance are
never asked to pay. In 2012, quarterback Sam Bradford and Rampage made a trip to
Memphis to visit the hospital and lift the spirits of the St. Jude patients and their families.
In 2013, Bradford hosted a golf tournament to benefit St. Jude.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital Love Light Festival
The Love Light Festival is the official kickoff of the
holiday season at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Each year, Rams players, cheerleaders and
Rampage come together to visit patient rooms.
St. Louis Rams Training Academy
The St. Louis Rams and Elite Football have partnered up to open the NFL’s first youth
training academy that will give kids all the tools they need to learn how to play football
the Rams way, both on and off the field.
The St. Louis Rams Training Academy, a 20,000 square-foot indoor training and development facility in Chesterfield, Mo., is outfitted with state-of-the-art training equipment and
video analysis labs. It also includes a turf field, Olympic-style weight room with Rams
branded power mats, and a speed track with a laser timing system.
In conjunction with the new facility, the Rams have created a Rams Training Academy
Leadership Board, led by Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher. Other members of the Rams
Training Academy Leadership Board include: Aeneas Williams, Isaac Bruce, Jack
Youngblood, Marshall Faulk, Orlando Pace, Torry Holt, broadcaster Kara Henderson
Snead, NFL executive Joe Browne, professional wrestler John Cena, motivational speaker
Paul Vitale, ESPN.com contributor Anna McDonald, Elite Football president Matt Biermann
and Rams Fan Development Manager Kyle Eversgerd.
The Leadership board members will contribute to the off-the-field curriculum known
as the Rams Leadership Program and lead discussions around various leadership characteristics including teamwork, communication, dedication, perseverance, passion and
community service.
The Rams are partnering with Elite Football Academy (EFA) to run the day-to-day operations of the facility. EFA is a year-round skills development program, providing both onfield skills training and off-field classroom preparation. The Rams Training Academy
will serve as the headquarters for Heads Up Football seminars throughout the year to
improve player safety and football fundamentals.
Other NFL supported programs such as PLAY 60, NFL Flag, NFL Punt Pass & Kick, and
High School Player Development will also be emphasized and used in the facility.
The Rams Training Academy will also include a space for fans to purchase Rams merchandise, apparel and tickets. Furthermore, Rams players, coaches and alumni will make
guest appearance throughout the year including autograph signings, coaching clinics and
character development seminars.
For more information, please visit stlouisrams.com/trainingacademy.
Taste of the NFL-St. Louis
This annual signature event features offerings from St. Louis’ top restaurants and beverage providers. Attendees are able to sample specialty foods, bid on an array of items and
meet the participating chefs, as well as various Rams players and cheerleaders. The event
is hosted by Rams General Manager Les Snead and his wife Kara Henderson Snead, formerly of NFL Network. Over the
past nine years, Taste of the
NFL-St. Louis has raised more
than $850,000 for the St. Louis
Area Foodbank and for the St.
Louis Sports Commission.
Third and Long
For the past two years, the Rams in partnership with the Diversity Awareness Partnership
(DAP) have hosted area middle and high school student athletes for a screening of the
first installment of the documentary Third and Long: A History of African Americans in
Professional Football.
Following the screening of the documentary, a panel of Rams players, staff and
community leaders discuss the unique history of African Americans in professional
football and its impact on the modern game. Issues of diversity that still affect the NFL,
amateur sports and the St. Louis community are also examined.
Third and Long is a dynamic documentary on the contributions, struggles and triumphs of
African Americans in professional football and the unique history that played out on and
off the gridiron. The movie tells the story through interviews with players, player wives
and family members as well as team owners.
The Rams, who have long been at the forefront of diversity and innovation in professional
football, play a significant role in the history documented in Third and Long. The Rams
were the first team to re-integrate the league with the signing of Kenny Washington in
1946, one year before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
The movie also examines the relationship of the Rams famed Fearsome Foursome consisting of three African American players (Rosie Grier, Deacon Jones, and Lamar Lundy)
and one white player (Merlin Olsen) and their integrated friendship that carried over off
the field.
Urban League Thanksgiving Program
Since moving to St. Louis in 1995, each year the Rams have teamed up with the Urban
League of Metropolitan St. Louis to provide Thanksgiving meals for nearly 2,000 needy
families.
In 2012, Rams players contributed $34,500 to
buy the Thanksgiving items for the program.
On the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving, select
players distributed the ingredients to families in
need at the three area Urban League locations.
As part of last year’s efforts, members of the
Rams defensive line also made home deliveries
to select families in the Jennings area.
The goal of the Urban League is to improve the social and economic conditions and
opportunities for African-Americans and other minority groups in St. Louis City, St. Louis
County and St. Clair County, Ill.
Wounded Warrior Recognition
Head Coach Jeff Fisher is a strong supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and climbed
Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money and awareness for the organization. As an extension of
his support, the Rams invite a Warrior to each home game to be recognized on the field
during the first half of the game. Coach Fisher also invites the Warrior and their guests
to attend the team walkthrough at Rams Park the day prior to the game where they have
the opportunity to meet members of the team and receive a tour of the facility.
Youth Football
The Rams, with support from the local chapter of the National Football Foundation and
USA Football, have continued to promote amateur football and youth development,
sportsmanship and academic excellence, through the St. Louis Rams/USA Football Youth
Coaching School. Additional efforts include the High School Coach of the Week program,
free tackle football camps to area middle school athletes through the Rams Junior Player
Development Program and pre-collegiate football and life skills instruction through the
NFL High School Player Development Program/7-on-7 Tournament.
High School Game of the Week, Coach of the Week and Player of the Week. Each week
during the high school football season, the Rams select one local game as the Rams High
School Game of the Week. In addition to the Game of the Week, the Rams partner with
the National Football Foundation St. Louis/Tom Lombardo Chapter to select a weekly
Coach of the Week and Player of the Week.
High School Player Development Camps
As part of the Rams commitment to youth football, the club partners with the National
Football League to host annual High School Player Development (HSPD) Camps. HSPD
serves as a free resource for both high school players and coaches. The program emphasizes safety and concussion awareness, character development and life skills, and football
fundamentals. Each participant receives a HSPD student planner, NCAA initial eligibility
requirements and SAT/ACT information. Every session features a different guest speaker
ranging from Rams coaches to players.
Lineman Leadership Program
The Linemen Leadership Program emphasizes three key areas: the classroom, the
community and leadership competitions. For the classroom portion, the NFL’s Player
Engagement Department offers intensive character development and life skills training
to the players.
The linemen also have an opportunity to serve the community by working with special
needs individuals through the “Dream Season” program. The competitive portion of the
program includes participation in a series of obstacle courses and activities.
The linemen are chosen from the HSPD program on the basis of their work ethic, character and leadership skills as well as recommendations from their respective coaches.
NFL National 7-on-7 Tournament
The NFL’s National 7-on-7 Tournament provides high school football players who have
completed the HSPD program a platform to compete in non-contact 7-on-7 play against
other top players from around the country. As an extension of the HSPD program, the
all-expense paid event includes character development sessions as well. Each team consists of 12 players and two coaches, with seven players on the field at one time. Teams
compete in a round-robin format prior to being seeded to play in an elimination tournament. Each player participates in character development training through speaker series,
breakout sessions, and group activities.
Punt, Pass & Kick Competition
As part of the team’s youth football and PLAY 60 efforts, the Rams host an annual Punt,
Pass & Kick competition prior to a home game. The top four scorers from all the firstplace finalists in each age division from the St. Louis community compete. The Punt,
Pass & Kick program is a national skills competition for boys and girls ages 6-15. With
more than three million boys and girls from around the country taking part in the PPK
competition every year from July through January, it is one of the world’s largest youth
sports participation programs. The winners of the St. Louis competition advance to the
national finals, which are held at an NFL Playoff game in January.
Charitable Donations
The St. Louis Rams provide charitable organizations more than 3,500 items annually,
helping recipient organizations raise thousands of dollars through raffles, auctions and
other fundraising endeavors. For information on how to request a charitable donation,
please visit www.stlouisrams.com/community.