By Krysten Call, Titans Online
NASHVILLE, Tenn. —Titans cornerback Jason McCourty surprised students and faculty at Goodlettsville Middle School on Tuesday as part of the "Titans Tuesdays" school program.
Our Titans crew, led by Jerry Blessing and Joshua Love, partnered with Tennessee State Parks, the American Heart Association and the Southeast Dairy Association in an applause for McCourty as he was greeted as the honorary guest at a special school-wide assembly to share some stories from his life as a student athlete and to assert the importance of healthy eating habits and being physically active.
The fit defender connected with the students by expressing, "if you eat healthy, it will help you a long way."
"For (Titans players) specifically, when we go out there and play on Sundays, we want to be at the best of our ability, and part of that is to eat healthy," McCourty said.
The Fuel Up to Play 60 program aims to educate kids about this very point through healthy eating options such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy and whole grains. McCourty also cautioned the students, "the more junk food you put in your body and bad eating habits, the worst your performance is going to be."
Goodlettsville students were keenly engaged as Jason went on to express, in addition to eating healthy, it is important to get outside and be active. He highlighted the purpose of the Titans PLAY 60 program through various examples of ways to be physically active for at least 60 minutes each day. The defender expressed that even if he did not feel up to it, he always felt better after being active outside, playing all sorts of sports.
The Titan told the kids about his older brother who encouraged him and his identical twin brother to play football. When asked how the dynamic growing up with a twin in the same sport was for him, Jason chuckled, "it was awesome. We definitely had our moments when it was not so much fun … [but] having someone to talk to about the things going on in your life made it a very cool aspect."
Now that Jason and his brother Devin play for separate teams in the NFL, McCourty said, "We can call on each other with words of encouragement" after a rough game.
After the assembly, an exclusive group of students were chosen by the school for their leadership, grades and behavior to spend additional time with the Titan for a meet and greet opportunity. The students were encouraged to pull their seats up close so the kids could ask questions. McCourty autographed a Titans PLAY 60 folder for each student to take home and squeezed in for a few silly photos with the group. School board leaders, counselors and the school's administrators were very encouraged to hear the defender speak about the importance of doing one's best in any endeavor.
As the "Titans Tuesdays" school program continues to visit schools in the community, the Titans aim to expose the youth to great programs that could impact each student in a positive way. For more information about the various Titans and NFL affiliate programs and challenges available to schools and students in the area, check the links below:
