NQBC, Lutzie 43 Activate High School Tight Ends in a Campaign Against Distracted Driving
National Sports Foundation and Lutzie 43 Foundation are pleased to announce the 2nd annual National Tight End Day Project on October 29, 2021 in cooperation with the Georgia High School Association. This multiyear project is designed to target high school age students, drivers and passengers with the message that accidents and fatalities caused by distracted and impaired driving can be prevented with preparation, good habits, and better decision making.
Born from San Francisco 49ers’ Tight End George Kittle’s outrageous sense of humor, National Tight End Day was conceived on September 18, 2018, as Kittle first energized a national ‘holiday’ for tight ends across the league that would bring attention for one of the game’s most under-appreciated positions. “It was first recognized as a novelty holiday in 2019 to be celebrated on the 4th Sunday of every October,” said NQBC Present, Don Kile. “NQBC is taking it to the next level by joining forces with Lutzie 43 Foundation to bring attention to the high risk of driver distraction and impairment.”
The National Tight End Day Project will be activated between October 28-31, 2021. On October 29th, high school tight ends in Arizona, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Texas will engage as ambassadors for safe driving via their personal social media accounts by sharing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) related to Lutzie 43 Foundation’s 43 Key Seconds Campaign.
“Distracted driving is the leading cause of death for young people ages 16 to 18,” said Mike Lutzenkirchen, founder of Lutzie 43 Foundation. “To activate the National Tight End Day Project, we ask that high school tight ends across the nation take the 43 Key Seconds pledge to stop distracted driving. Pledge to take 43 key seconds to have a clear head, clear hands, clear eyes, and click into the seatbelt before driving.”
Lutzie 43 Foundation was established by Mike Lutzenkirchen shortly after the death of his son Phillip in 2014. Phillip was a former Auburn University student-athlete and a widely popular tight end for the Tigers. Several poor decisions led to an avoidable car crash that took Phillip’s life, ended the life of a close friend, and caused serious injuries to two others.
“High school tight ends all across the country are encouraged to share the message against distracted driving, learn from Phillip’s mistakes, inspire others to take the 43 Key Seconds pledge, and prevent young drivers from making decisions that lead to accidents and fatalities caused by distracted and impaired driving,” said Kile. “Today alone, an estimated 38 people will be killed in distracted driving car crashes, and more than 1,000 will be injured.”
About National Sports Foundation
The National Sports Foundation encourages young athletes who showcase outstanding performances on the field to begin elevating the game off the field. Football is #MoreThanAGame – players can be utilized as a vessel to share important messages surrounding vital subjects that directly impact their peers. Programs currently supported by National Sports Foundation bring national attention to the extraordinary qualities of our young people who are in pursuit of athletic achievement, academic advancement and greater social affinity. Program focuses include suicide prevention awareness, distracted driver awareness, advanced academic performance, affirmative coaching, heat exertional illness training and emergency protocols, equipment fitting certifications for high school support staff, and many highly specialized programs designed to create and maintain the physical and mental well-being of high school student athletes.
About National Quarterback Club
The National Quarterback Club is guided by a comprehensive mission, a clear vision, and consistent values. Through its various award programs, the club recognizes outstanding athletes for their qualities and achievements on and off the playing field, and serve as a model for comprehensive excellence in athletic achievement, academic success, and greater social affinity. In 1985, the National Quarterback Club began a tradition of hosting annual fundraising events to honor the National Quarterback of the Year in professional, collegiate and high school ranks. Annual awards dinners have been hosted in great sports cities such as Washington D.C., Miami, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Green Bay, Denver, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Houston and Scottsdale, Arizona.
MEDIA CONTACT
Taylor Cole, Be Sound PR
(on behalf of National Quarterback Club)
(480) 738-6811
taylor.cole@besoundpr.com
