The lessons learned in playing football go beyond the fundamentals of the game. They go far beyond tackling, throwing, blocking and catching. Football teaches important life lessons, including dealing with adversity, developing a strong work ethic, learning the value of teamwork and building character. The core values learned in football help young players grow into successful leaders throughout our society.
Not every young player will be able to throw as many touchdown passes as Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning or the Atlanta Falcons' Michael Vick, but the skills learned on the football field can lead that young person to achieve his or her personal goals, such as becoming a physician, an astronaut, a teacher, a mezzo soprano or even a president of the United States.
There are many paths to success when students combine athletics with academics.
The bravery of Pat Tillman in forgoing a career in the NFL to serve his country on the front lines is a powerful example of the types of lessons our youth learn through football. As our nation remembers the exemplary life of Tillman, we know that he represents a larger group of soldiers serving our country who practice what we are preaching. Tillman illustrates that the words of Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Vince Lombardi ring as true today as decades ago: "Football is a great deal like life in that it teaches that work, sacrifice, perseverance, competitive drive, selflessness and respect for authority is the price each and every one of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile."
Education and the sport of football will make a difference in the lives of many children. We must have the will, the vision and the courage to work together to instill the important values that will give all children an opportunity to succeed and ensure that no child is left behind.
As Lombardi said, "Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."
Rod Paige is the U.S. Secretary of Education and former head coach at Jackson State University, where he coached Pro Football Hall of Famer Lem Barney. Jack Kemp is an ex-NFL quarterback and is chairman of USA Football, as well as a former vice-presidential candidate, U.S. congressman and U.S. HUD Secretary.