NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Titans tight end Daniel Graham surprised students and faculty at Antioch Middle School on Tuesday as part of the Titans Tuesdays school program.
Graham was the guest of honor at a special school-wide assembly to encourage youth to get healthy, while sharing his personal life story. The school was chosen to participate in the Titans PLAY 60 Challenge and Graham was on hand to speak about the program.
Antioch Middle students will participate in the Titans PLAY 60 Challenge to become more physically active and will receive various prizes at the end of the challenge. Graham also stressed the importance of leading an active lifestyle and healthy diet that includes low-fat, high fiber foods, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains. He encouraged the students to get at least 60 minutes of active play per day.
Graham told the students that he wouldn't be the player he is today if he hadn't made good choices. During the assembly Graham also talked about his family life and the unique relationship he has with his twin brother as well as the fact that he is a second generation NFL player as his father played in the league as well. Graham talked about the importance of staying focused during the week, making homework a priority before outside activities and staying positive. While most fans do not realize what the average day of NFL player looks like, Graham talked about his schedule habits and work ethic in order to succeed as a professional athlete.
Graham also spoke to the crowd about his journey to the NFL and told the students that he was always highly competitive.
"I have a twin brother and we always challenged each other. Everything was a competition," said Graham. "We didn't allow each other to sit around because we knew if we did, one would beat the other. So we always stayed active and played sports."
After the assembly, select students were chosen by the school for their leadership, grades and behavior to be PLAY 60 Ambassadors to spend additional time with Graham for a meet and greet opportunity. The students were able to ask questions and were given an autographed poster and PLAY 60 materials. The school's administrators said the students greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet Graham and be recognized as school leaders and appreciated the encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle.
