Riddell and brand ambassador Peyton Manning announced the 2017 Smarter Football grant recipients, delivering personalized videos directly to this year’s ten winning programs. The winners are comprised of a range of teams from across the country and add to the growing list of programs that personify the core values of the game.

The 2017 Smarter Football program marked the first year that Riddell and the renowned quarterback teamed up to reward teams for their commitment to advancing the sport. More than 700 football programs ranging from youth to college levels applied and shared their stories expressing dedication to improving the sport they love.

“It was a great honor to have an opportunity to help select this year’s winners,” said Manning. “The entries shared so many incredible stories of determination, teamwork and unwavering commitment to the sport. And while it was a challenge to select the final winners, it’s rewarding to know that the future of football is in good hands with the next generation of players and coaches.”

This year’s winners span the United States – from Alaska to Florida – and include teams from all backgrounds and levels of play, including three high schools, one club organization, two middle schools and three youth programs. The teams will receive a collective $100,000 in equipment grants from Riddell to provide a new level of protection to its players.

Each of the winning entries reflected a strong collective effort from team personnel and players to remain steadfast in their commitment to player safety, personal and team development and overall advancement of the sport, on and off the field.

The recipients of the 2017 Riddell Smarter Football equipment grants are:

  • Stanton College Prep Blue Devils: Jacksonville, Florida
  • Cheektowaga High School Warriors: Cheektowaga, New York
  • East Anchorage High School Thunderbirds: Anchorage, Alaska
  • Prairie High School Mustangs: New Raymer, Colorado
  • Van Cortlandt Titans: New York, New York
  • Springfield Middle School Bulldogs: Springfield, Louisiana
  • Seneca-Wauzeka Steuben Cooperative Middle School Bluegolds: Wauzeka, Wisconsin
  • Downtown Ministries Falcons: Athens, Georgia
  • Lyman Cowboys: Gulfport, Mississippi
  • Monument Blizzard: Monument, Colorado

“Each year, unique stories featuring football’s ability to unite communities come to life with the Smarter Football program,” said Riddell President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Arment. “We applaud this year’s grant recipients, and thank all who entered for their participation and ongoing commitment to a smarter game. Together, through Smarter Football, we can lead football to a stronger future.”

This year, building upon the success of the Riddell SpeedFlex helmet, the company launched Riddell Precision-Fit, a process that utilizes 3D scanning technology to craft a helmet personalized for the individual player. Riddell also introduced enhanced player management software for its InSite Impact Response System, which summarizes players’ on-field alerts and identifies training opportunities for athletes based on their impact profile.

For more information about the Smarter Football program, please visit Riddell.com/SmarterFootball.

Photo courtesy Riddell