Monday, February 21, 2011

American Presidents Love American Football

It's President's Day. As we honor the legacy of past presidents, we realize many of them share with us a passion for football.  Many have been caught in action playing the game and a few were celebrated football stars before they were known as Commander-in-Chief. 

Most recently, President Barack Obama was seen running routes on the White House lawn and has even appeared in ads for the NFL's "Play 60" campaign.

President George W. Bush has always been a big sports fan, and in 2009 he appointed New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Among his extracurricular participation at Eureka College, President Ronald Reagan was a member of the school's football team and was sometimes seen tossing the pigskin around during his presidency.

President Gerald Ford was well-known for his athletic ability, playing center and linebacker for the University of Michigan, leading his team win national titles in 1932 and 1933.  The 1934 season was not so victorious, and Ford, in his presidential years looked back to those games and said, "Remembering [those games] has helped me many times to face a tough situation, take action, and make every effort possible despite adverse odds."

Growing up in a household devoted to physical activity, President John F. Kennedy was involved with many sports, and went onto play on the football team at Harvard.  He, like many presidents preceding and following, continued to play the game at the White House.

Take the time today to honor our presidents and celebrate America by throwing the football around out back.




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