Titans LB David Thornton 'Lives United'

**

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -** Staff members from United Way of America and United Way of Metropolitan Nashville were recently on hand at Baptist Sports Park for a unique photo opportunity with Titans Linebacker David Thornton.   United Way has turned its attention toward a new movement this year, with a national campaign highlighting its partnership with the National Football League and its thirty-two member organizations.  Thornton was chosen to represent the Titans partnership with United Way of Metropolitan Nashville for the 2009 season.  As part of the campaign, Thornton took part in a photo shoot that was designed for each NFL player representative to highlight the United Way partnership that is sure to grab attention nationwide.

The NFL has a long-standing partnership with United Way and the theme of the campaign continues to be a "LIVE UNITED" message again this season.  LIVE UNITED, which launched last year, invites and inspires the public to join a movement to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. This new LIVE UNITED opportunity engages all 32 clubs and helps demonstrate that NFL players are civic-minded citizens committed to giving back to their communities.

Thornton has received several accolades throughout his career recognizing his outstanding commitment to the community including most recently being named 2008 NFL Man of the Year. Since his arrival in Nashville, he has been a perennial "Titans Community All-Star," actively participating in several Titans Tuesday visits to local schools and hospitals and is well known for his community service in the Nashville, North Carolina and Indianapolis communities.

"I really feel honored to be a part of the United Way campaign," said Thornton. "I think the message that they're pushing, to LIVE UNITED, is a positive and impactful message for everyone in the community.  Everyone can get involved in some way and for me to be a part of the campaign is a wonderful feeling."

In addition to the photo shoot, Thornton also did a video that will be featured on the websites for both United Way of America and United Way of Metropolitan Nashville about why he is passionate about giving back and how he LIVES UNITED.  The photos will be used in conjunction with the Ad Council through billboards, bus depots and print ads featuring elite players from several markets. For David Thornton, it was particularly special to be selected to be part of the national campaign and to represent the Tennessee market.

"We are very fortunate and appreciative for the partnership between United Way and the Tennessee Titans," said Eric Dewey, President and CEO of United Way Metropolitan Nashville. "We consider ourselves equally fortunate to have had David Thornton serve in this role as our local NFL representative.  David's extraordinary work in the community is to be commended; he truly demonstrates the United Way slogan of LIVE UNITED in all that he does to make a difference in our community."

United Way of Metropolitan Nashville has been helping the local area for several years and continually makes unprecedented strides to help create and maintain a community where individuals, families and neighborhoods thrive.  For more information about United Way, or to share how you LIVE UNITED, please visit **www.unitedwaynashville.org*.*