A campaign from NFL Alumni Health, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to build COVID-19 vaccination confidence in metro areas around the country – including in Nashville, Tennessee. NFL Alumni Tennessee Chapter President, former Houston Oilers All-Pro linebacker and former Tennessee Titans executive Al Smith and former Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl quarterback Neil O'Donnell are among the more than 50 players lending their voices to the education and awareness campaign. The effort encourages people to get informed, discuss their vaccine questions with their health care providers, and make the decision to get vaccinated. The initiative includes public service announcements, a campaign website, social media posts, and local events held in collaboration with health care providers and public health organizations.
To encourage vaccination, the NFL Alumni Tennessee Chapter will team up with the Tennessee Titans, Tennessee Department of Health, Metro Nashville Department of Health and NashvilleHealth, to host a mobile vaccination clinic at Nissan Stadium (1 Titans Way) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14. The event, which will be held inside the Wesley Mortgage Club Entrance of the Stadium, closest to Parking Lot H, will provide an opportunity for eligible participants to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available for anyone ages five and up. The flu vaccine will also be available. The event will offer free parking and the opportunity for individuals to meet and take holiday photos with former NFL players, Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders, and T-Rac, the team mascot.
"NFL Alumni Health's mission is to promote the health of former players, the health of children, and the overall health of the community," said Smith. "That's why we're excited to team up with the CDC and our local health partners to promote vaccine education and awareness. If you have any questions about COVID-19 vaccines, I encourage you to talk to your doctor about your concerns so you can make an informed choice about getting vaccinated."
Smith, O'Donnell, and other NFL alumni will be on-hand to meet and greet participants, take photos, and sign autographs. These alumni include former Tennessee Titans safety and four-time Pro Bowler Blaine Bishop, former Tennessee Titans offensive tackle and Pro Bowler Brad Hopkins, former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chris Sanders, and former Minnesota Vikings running back and NFL Alumni Tennessee Chapter Vice President, Tony Truelove. Attendees will also be able to enter raffles to win a player-signed NFL Alumni football and Tennessee Titans game tickets.
"I'm excited to meet fans at the stadium, and proud to be involved in this important effort to educate people about the COVID-19 vaccines," said O'Donnell. "Getting vaccinated is a personal choice, but with so much misinformation out there, we want everyone to get the facts from trusted health care providers so they can make an informed decision to get vaccinated."
Millions of people in the U.S. have received COVID-19 vaccines, which has undoubtedly saved many lives across the country. Despite widespread availability of vaccines and the emergence of new variants, millions of Americans have not yet opted to get vaccinated. The NFL Alumni effort encourages individuals who are "on the fence" to talk with trusted health care providers and make an informed decision about getting vaccinated.
"The Tennessee Department of Health is excited to partner with these organizations as we continue the mission of fighting the spread of the COVID-19 virus," said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. "We encourage anyone who has not received their first dose, is eligible for a COVID-19 booster, or needs to get the flu vaccine to take advantage of this vaccine event."
"The Tennessee Titans are proud and honored to join our NFL alumni, the Tennessee Department of Health, Metro Public Health and Nashville Health in hosting this event," said Adolpho Birch, Senior Vice President, Business Affairs and Chief Legal Officer for the Tennessee Titans. "The Titans and Nissan Stadium are committed to serving this community well beyond entertaining fans on game days, and this event will support Nashvillians in a direct and meaningful way. 'Nashville's Biggest Stage' hopefully will once again be 'Nashville's Biggest Doctor's Office,' and we look forward to educating and getting as many people vaccinated as possible."
Nationally, more than 50 current and former NFL players are participating in the vaccination awareness effort, including 20 world champions, 27 Pro Bowlers and 16 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
NFL Alumni Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary launched by NFL Alumni, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, to improve the health and wellness of NFL Alumni members and the broader public.
Other NFL Alumni Chapter cities and regions participating in the program include Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, the Carolinas, Chicago, Cincinnati, the Dakotas, Dallas, Detroit, the Gulf Coast, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, New York/New Jersey, Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, Richmond, Southern California, and Tampa Bay.
For more information about the campaign and resources, go to www.nflalumnihealth.org/covid-19.
About NFL Alumni and NFL Alumni Health
Founded in 1967 by a small group of successful retired NFL players, NFL Alumni is one of the oldest and most well-respected retired player organizations in professional sports. NFL Alumni's mission is to inform, assist, and serve players in their post-NFL lives. NFL Alumni Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NFL Alumni, which is devoted to improving the health and wellness of NFL Alumni members as well as the general public, by providing informational resources, programs, and services. Visit www.nflalumnihealth.org.
