Of course football is not for everyone, but everyone who participates in football can learn a great deal about themselves, about life, and about getting along with people of other races, religions and nationalities. Besides we need more places for our country and communities to help build the leaders of tomorrow and with the proper structure in place the football gridirons are outstanding training grounds for doing just that.
I love the words over the gymnasium at West Point, written by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, which read, "Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory." These words were right then, and they are right today as they refer to all sports, but particularly to football. I believe that by competing on the friendly fields of the gridiron youngsters can learn important values that will not only help them in competitive athletics, but in life as well.
I believe so fervently in the benefits associated with youth football that when asked by NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, NFL Players Association Executive Director and Hall of Famer Gene Upshaw and USA Football Executive Director Dave Ogrean, I proudly accepted to serve as chairman of the board of Directors of USA Football.
The National Football League and the NFL Players Association established USA Football in December as the first national advocacy organization to represent all levels of amateur football. USA Football's mission is to promote youth and amateur football and the invaluable lessons participation in the sport teaches. Safety is one of the most important aspects to the work of USA Football, but much greater is the development of spirit and courage that results from our children's participation in athletics.
So, I'm ready for some football, especially kids' football. Although I'm not sure who first penned the words "baseball may be America's pastime, but football is America's passion," I couldn't agree more.