Decorah High School and Middle School have received $5000 of football equipment courtesy of the National Football League, the NFL Players Association and USA Football.  The equipment comes from Decorah High School alumnus and current Denver Bronco linebacker Josey Jewell earning the NFL Way to Play Award as result of goal line tackle by Jewell in the Bronco’s week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. 

The NFL Way to Play initiative seeks to recognize the excellence demonstrated by NFL players who exemplify proper technique to make impactful plays.  Jewell’s tackle of Chargers’ running back Austin Ekeler was chosen as an outstanding play demonstrating proper technique. A panel of former NFL Hall of Fame players, including Merril Hoge, Ronnie Lott, Willie McGinest, Orlando Pace, Michael Robinson and Bobby Taylor made the selection.

With the grant, Decorah Schools received new shoulder pads for the middle school program, helmets for the high school program and Tacklebar safety harnesses for grades 7-12.  The purchases will help improve safety for all athletes involved in the football program. 

Jewell made a visit to a recent morning weight room session to visit with some of the student-athletes who will use the equipment in the coming year.  He commented, “I am honored to have been able to make a tackle that allows me to give back not only to the Decorah Football program, but also offers some financial support for all of the programs the students of Decorah Schools participate in.  The foundation of being fundamentally sound in all of my activities was developed during my time in middle school and high school at Decorah.  Those lessons have contributed greatly to the success I have been fortunate enough to have collegiately and professionally.” 

Decorah High School and Middle School have received $5000 of football equipment courtesy of the National Football League, the NFL Players Association and USA Football.  The equipment comes from Decorah High School alumnus and current Denver Bronco linebacker Josey Jewell earning the NFL Way to Play Award as result of goal line tackle by Jewell in the Bronco’s week 18 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. 

The NFL Way to Play initiative seeks to recognize the excellence demonstrated by NFL players who exemplify proper technique to make impactful plays.  Jewell’s tackle of Chargers’ running back Austin Ekeler was chosen as an outstanding play demonstrating proper technique. A panel of former NFL Hall of Fame players, including Merril Hoge, Ronnie Lott, Willie McGinest, Orlando Pace, Michael Robinson and Bobby Taylor made the selection.

With the grant, Decorah Schools received new shoulder pads for the middle school program, helmets for the high school program and Tacklebar safety harnesses for grades 7-12.  The purchases will help improve safety for all athletes involved in the football program. 

Jewell made a visit to a recent morning weight room session to visit with some of the student-athletes who will use the equipment in the coming year.  He commented, “I am honored to have been able to make a tackle that allows me to give back not only to the Decorah Football program, but also offers some financial support for all of the programs the students of Decorah Schools participate in.  The foundation of being fundamentally sound in all of my activities was developed during my time in middle school and high school at Decorah.  Those lessons have contributed greatly to the success I have been fortunate enough to have collegiately and professionally.” 

Footage of the award winning tackle can be found at https://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-way-to-play-recipient-for-week-18-lb-josey-jewell-s-tackle-on-rb-austin-ekel.  More information about the Way to Play Initiative can be found at https://playfootball.nfl.com/discover/news-and-features/nfl-expands-way-to-play-initiative-fueled-by-gatorade/.