By Krysten Call, Titans Online
BELLEVUE, Tenn. – Tennessee Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner surprised students and faculty at Bellevue Middle School on Tuesday for a special Titans Tuesdays school program.
Bellevue Middle School students welcomed the Titans crew as they put on a show filled with interactive information about the Titans PLAY 60 and Fuel Up to Play 60 programs as well as some additional fun ways to get outdoors and exercise with Titans partners Tennessee State Parks, the American Heart Association and the Southeast Dairy Association.
Verner was greeted as the honorary guest at the special school-wide assembly to assert the importance of healthy eating habits, being physically active and to share some stories from his life as a student athlete.
The Titans PLAY 60 program encourages kids to be physically active for at least 60 minutes each day. The skillful defensive back connected with the students on the subject, articulating that he loved to be active as much as possible when he was a kid.
"I tried to get out with my friends a lot," said Verner. "Sometimes we would go outside and just run wild. First I would make sure to get my homework done and then my mom would let me go out and stay active."
The Fuel Up to Play 60 program aims to educate kids about healthy eating options such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy and whole grains. The third-year pro discussed some of his favorite healthy snacks as he continues to fuel his body so he can perform at his best each week.
After the assembly, a special group of students were chosen by the school for their leadership, grades and behavior to spend additional time with Verner for a meet and greet opportunity. Verner signed and handed out Titans PLAY 60 folders to each student while answering questions about those players he is close to on the Titans team, what his favorite subject was in middle school and what he likes to do during his free time.
The Titan stressed the importance of school as he gave an impressive example of how important education was and is for him. Verner told the group about his decision to leave college to enter the NFL draft and then his decision to go back and complete his degree after becoming a professional football player.
Verner also indicated that making education a priority "helped me prioritize with everything in my life, and it is definitely paying off right now."
School board leaders, counselors and the school's administrators were very encouraged to hear him speak seriously about keeping education a top priority.
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:
