Tim Green & Rashad Jennings Introduce NFL program in Bloomfield .
Giants running back Rashad Jennings and former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Tim Green visited Bloomfield’s Berkeley Elementary School on Tuesday to kick off an NFL program that encourages physical and academic fitness.
Berkeley was the first stop for the two football ambassadors, who appeared on Fox and Friends earlier in the day to talk about PLAY60/READ20.
Giants running back Rashad Jennings and former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Tim Green visited Bloomfield’s Berkeley Elementary School to kick off an NFL program that encourages physical and academic fitness – PLAY60 has been promoting fitness in schools since 2007. Adding READ20 places additional emphasis on scholastic achievement, Berkeley Librarian Tabitha Rice said. “This is the very first time they’re doing it,” she said
“When I tell them to read, it’s one thing, but when Rashad and Tim tell them, it’s another,” Principal Heather Carr said.
Carr called Jennings and Green “outstanding role models,” and the sixth grade class roared as she made their introduction.
“This is a great day to be a Berkeley Bloomfield Bengal,” she proclaimed.
Outside, sixth-grade students lined up at stations – doing sacking drills, running between cones and other activities – with Jennings and Green leading the class.
There to lend a hand were Bloomfield High School football head coach Mike Carter and team captains Alex Reyes, Carlos Najera, Ryan McCreadie and Ulysses Santos.
Green, who is also a lawyer and New York Times bestselling novelist, brought copies of his new book, “First Team,” for each student.
To bring the program to Berkeley, Rice enlisted the help of Marisela Santiago of Montclair’s Watchung Booksellers. Santiago has coordinated free author visits in the school and knew Green from a previous book signing.
“Tim responded really well to this school” and specifically requested to return to Berkeley after visiting before, Santiago said.
Bloomfield Board of Education President Shane Berger thanked Carr and Rice for the opportunity for the two athletic stars to make a positive impression on the children. “They come in, get to interact with our students, and talk about the importance of reading. It’s great,” he said.
“It’s such a wonderful opportunity for my kids. [Rice and Green] have done an amazing job of making time for our students,” Carr added.