NFL’s goal of 100 million volunteer minutes already reached

NFL apparently underestimated Americans’ erness to volunteer. As part of its centennial season celebration, league sought 100 million minutes of volunteerism from its fans through Huddle for 100. With folks across nation giving 100 minutes of ir time to community initiatives, that goal already has been reached.

“I am proud, but t surprised, that NFL family rallied around Huddle for 100 and reached 100 million minutes of volunteerism with more than two months left in our 100th season,” Commissioner Roger Goodell says. “Fans, clubs, partners, players, and legends poured ir hearts and souls into giving back to our communities. While this milestone is significant, our work does t stop here, as re is still plenty of opportunity to continue to make an impact this season.”

league itself has run a series of Huddles, including at draft in Nashville and during kickoff weekend in Chicago. Each of 32 teams has gotten involved in such programs on a local level.

For example, Baltimore Ravens partnered with United Way to host biggest Huddle for 100 event to date. y std “a day of action” with roughly 50 events and more than 22,000 participants throughout community. Ravens family collectively gave back more than 3.7 million minutes on that day, which involved such topics as enhancing education; fighting hunger; keeping up environment; encouraging veterans; teaching safety measures; and health tips.

“It was a great experience with players and fans coming toger to help positively impact our community,” Ravens cornerback Brandon Carr says. “That’s what it’s all about. That’s why we play this game of football, to bring this change and awareness to different causes that we all believe in. Huddle for 100 was a great opportunity for us to, once again, use this platform to showcase our passions, to get involved, make an impact in community and help spread awareness.”

Minnesota Vikings engd US Bank, which has naming rights to ir stadium, for a multi-year partnership focusing on season-long volunteer efforts. On every game day, US Bank Stadium hosts a dedicated volunteer station where fans can come toger and give ir time. Volunteer activities have included packing school supplies kits for youngsters, and laundry kits for a homeless shelter.

“ Huddle for 100 campaign is all about volunteerism and making our community a better place,” Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph said. “For me and my family, giving back has always been top of mind. This year it has been extra special to join entire NFL family for Huddle for 100. Our holiday huddles for patients at University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital are just a part of this national movement, but we are hored to rally our state, community, and team in doing our part.”

In Seattle, Seahawks have worked with a number of local organizations to support ir annual Days of Service. y began ir Huddle initiatives by joining Windermere’s Annual Community Service Day in June, when players helped build a playground for homeless youths at Mary’s Place.

“It was great,” says punter Michael Dickson. “I remember we were all pulling weeds out of garden and setting up new playground for kids re. Giving m a good to be able to go home and have fun with or kids re, it was exciting.”

Seahawks also supported United Way Day of Caring Washington, when more than 10,000 volunteers contributed 2.1 million minutes. y took part in BECU’s Day of Service in which 2,200 employees of credit union and former Seahawks defensive back Marcus Trufant hosted financial literacy workshops for 10,000 local students.

“Having platform that we have, we are in a very privileged position to be able to give back,” Dickson adds. “Doing so just makes you feel good. It kind of warms your heart and makes you want to give back more and more.”