MCNabb, NFL Players Trade Helmets for Seuss "Reading" Hats

NEA's Read Across America hits Super Bowl XLII to rev up young readers PHOENIXHundreds of schoolchildren scored some reading touchdowns when they huddled together with stars of the gridiron to kick off NEA's Read Across America, the nation's largest reading celebration. While millions of Americans awaited the outcome of Super Bowl XLII, students showed they got game across the Valley of the Sun when National Football League players provided some reading inspiration at two Phoenix elementary schools. All-Pro Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb joined his brother, Sean McNabb, to read at Phoenix's Excelencia School. Also on hand was L.J. Shelton, a tackle with the Miami Dolphins. Later in the day at Maxine O. Bush Elementary School, NFL players set aside their team rivalries to read with students. Defensive End Bertrand Berry and Long Snapper Nathan Hodel for hometown team Arizona Cardinals tackled Seuss classics "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Horton Hears A Who!" while St. Louis Rams Center Nick Leckey and Antonio Freeman, a former wide receiver with the Green Bay Packers and their Super Bowl XXXI championship team, got kids revved up for reading. "These athletes understand the importance of early preparation and the pathway to success," said AEA President John Wright. "Reading is the most important key to success and when teachers and NFL players team up, our kids will be more successful in the classroom and out." The Super read-inssponsored by the National Education Association, its state affiliate, the Arizona Education Association, and the NFL Players Associationprovided a sneak peek to the upcoming Read Across America Day on March 3, which culminates every year on Dr. Seuss's birthday with more than 45 million expected to participate. "Just as athletes study their playbooks to be prepared for that week's game, students need to prepare themselves for school and life by learning the fundamentals of reading," said NFLPA President Troy Vincent, "Football players are role models on and off the field, and the NFL Players Association is delighted to get kids into the reading game." Celebrating more than a decade of reading fun, Read Across America is year-round program designed to get students excited about reading. To keep reading on the calendar 365 days a year, students received a generous book donation from NEA's Books Across America, a program that provides books and cash grants to public schools in need.