Whether you were ecstatic or disheartened by the results of the Super Bowl last night, one thing is for certain. NFL players are true athletes and champions. No matter how many times they go out on the field, the players always strive to do their best. We’re proud to say that for many players, their actions off the field matter to them as much as their actions on the field. Our guest blogger, Cathy Lasiewicz, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications, is here to spotlight one particular champion.

Tens of millions of football fans watched the New York Giants win Super Bowl XLVI this weekend. As the players head home to victory celebrations, we’d like to give a shout out to one of the football champions who is also a champion off the field. Justin Tuck, the Giants’ stellar defensive force, is a Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life. Literacy Champion. Tuck and his wife Lauran also run a nonprofit, Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy, encouraging kids to read and succeed in school.

I saw Tuck in action two football seasons ago on an usually warm fall day when, on his one day off from practice, he stopped by an elementary school in Spanish Harlem to recognize kids who had committed to reading and learning. Understanding the importance of role models in all our lives, he agreed to take a few minutes during the visit to videotape a reading message to kids. The school principal gave us his office which we turned into a mini studio, setting up a camera and blazing hot lights. There was little ventilation but lots of sounds…car horns honking, school bells ringing, kids changing classes…all of which required Tuck to do many, many takes. And he couldn’t have been more gracious and willing and did it with a wonderful sense of humor. Watch the video here and share it with the kids in your life who could benefit from more reading role models like Tuck.

 

For me, what Tuck did on that warm fall day is worth the cheers and accolades showered on him today. While you’re online, visit YouAreWhatYouRead.com and check out Tuck’s Bookprint, the five books that shaped his life. Do you share any of those titles in your Bookprint?