Johnny Unitas set a touchdown passing record some thought would never be broken until Drew Brees came along.
The son of the legendary Hall-of-Fame quarterback, Johnny Unitas has two things in common with the city of New Orleans these days.
First, he is following Saints quarterback Drew Brees' chase of his father's record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass. Second, he's set up Unitas Films, LLC in New Orleans, LA to produce the film "Unitas We Stand", a story about his father based on the best-seller written by Tom Callahan.
Since 1960, no quarterback has seriously challenged Unitas' record until now as Drew Brees is just two games away from breaking a record which many thought would never be broken. "A lot of people told my dad he would never be a professional football player", said Joe Unitas. "A lot of people said this record would never be broken. They were wrong on the first one. In two weeks we'll find out if they were wrong on the second."
Joe Unitas is a big fan of Brees and wishes him the best. "I am cheering for Drew and wish him luck in breaking the record. My father always said that records were meant to be broken. I know that if my Dad was still with us he would wish Drew luck in his pursuit. "
When Joe Unitas looks back on his father's life, he remembers the man who was much bigger than just the game of football.
"The thing that my dad would appreciate most about Drew doesn't have to do with football; it's about who Drew is as a person. He's a role model for today's youth, a family man, and humanitarian who cares for his community. My father would tell you these are the important things in life, not records in a book."
Joe Unitas will tell you that that his movie about his father is much more than just another film about football.
On the film's website www.unitaswestand.com Joe states:
"UNITAS WE STAND is the story of my father's pursuit of his childhood dream to be a professional football player; it's a very special project of love and admiration. My father's journey was fraught with obstacles and family struggles and through hard work and determination; he became the most unlikely, but arguably best quarterback to play in the National Football League."
Johnny Unitas was a man who deeply cared about the integrity of the game and the people who dedicated their lives to the sport.
"I'm sure my dad would have a lot to say about what is happening right now with the replacement officials", says Unitas. "After that fiasco in Seattle, I know he would stand up and express his views about what he thought was best for the game and the fans, just like Drew did. In many ways Drew and my dad have a lot in common. They both overcame tremendous odds to make it to the top of their craft and they both were good guys that our kids can look up to. I wish Drew the best of luck. He is a tremendous quarterback but an even better man."
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Brees Dream Foundation, Companies With A Mission launch NOLA Super Service Challenge
$1,000,000 to be awarded to area charities
NEW ORLEANS – Leading up to the big game in New Orleans this coming February, the Brees Dream Foundation, in partnership with Companies With A Mission, will be giving away $1,000,000 to local charities as part of the 2012 Super Service Challenge.
Starting today through January 7, the Super Service Challenge encourages local companies and organizations to spread the heart of service New Orleans has become famous for. Those interested in participating simply need to build a team of volunteers, identify a deserving charity, and conduct a half or full day of community service benefiting that charity. Upon completion of each Service Challenge project, teams will be asked to upload a two-minute video or 20-slide Power Point of them serving at the charity and answer a few questions. These will then be used in the judging process.
Drew Brees, founder of the Brees Dream Foundation and quarterback for the New Orleans Saints is thrilled to launch the challenge. “Encouraging and activating volunteers from the workplace to come together and serve charities is a powerful mission,” said Brees, “This is what we’ve become known for in our city, and we’re taking it to the next level before the big game.”
A panel of independent judges, along with input from the public, will select the winning entries. Judging criteria will be based on:
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how the charity was served,
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how the workplace team would serve the charity going forward, and
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how the charity would utilize the award money if that team was selected as a winner of the service challenge.
Once the judging is complete, winners will be awarded cash donations from $2,000 to $25,000 to be given directly to the charities served by those winning teams. The winners will be announced during the week of the big game.
“In addition to benefiting the community, the Super Service Challenge is a fun and rewarding way to build a stronger purpose mindset in the workplace, and to foster leadership and strength of character,” said Mitch Davis, executive director of Companies with a Mission. “While the dollars awarded will have a huge impact on their charities, the relationships with these nonprofits and the community spirit at work can be the greater and longer-lasting reward.”
For additional information on the 2012 Super Service Challenge and how to get involved, visit www.superservicechallenge.com.
The Brees Dream Foundation, founded in 2003, improves the quality of life for cancer patients and provides care, education and opportunities for children and families in need. Brittany and Drew Brees and the Brees Dream Foundation have collectively committed and/or contributed more than $11,000,000 to charitable causes and academic institutions in the New Orleans, San Diego and West Lafayette/Purdue communities.
About Companies with a Mission
Companies With A Mission was founded to inspire a greater purpose in business that changes the way we view work and encourages a heart of service to the world around us. We want to inspire this movement by providing opportunities that add significance to the work we do each day.
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