Skip to main content.

The Values of Football

The values of football set up kids for success on and off the field. The game inspires character, leadership, resilience and teamwork — key life skills that transfer from the huddle to the classroom and beyond.

(Credit: Todd Sellitto, Pop Warner)

Character

“I believe football teaches the values of teamwork, resiliency, hard work, commitment and integrity in a way that leaves a lasting impression on the young men who play the game that lasts a lifetime.”

- Randy Allen, 2017 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year

Leadership

“What I learned from football enters my life every day. So, when you ask what a CEO does — drives performance, knows how to develop other people, and knows how to set standards. All three of those things I think in some way come back to what I learned when I was playing football.”

- Jeff Immelt, former CEO of General Electric; offensive tackle for Dartmouth College

Resilience

“Simply put, the character development and life lessons I learned through football informed every facet of my life in a positive way. The game taught me the successful qualities of teamwork, physical and mental toughness, resilience and competitiveness.”

- Jason Jenkins, Senior Vice President, Miami Dolphins

Teamwork

“These [football] environments teach young men about taking coaching, overcoming adversity and communicating with teammates. There is a unique bond that I have with my high school teammates. It’s a bond that never goes away.”

- Peyton Manning, former NFL quarterback

Related Articles

View More

NFL FLAG, Pop Warner, and RCX Announce Nationwide Partnership to Expand Access and Pathways in Youth Football

August 05, 2025

Read More

NFL Foundation Awards Grants to 400+ NFL Players, Legends and Coaches to Host Free Youth Football Camps

June 05, 2025

Read More

Girls Flag Football is Fastest-Growing High School Sport in NOLA Area

April 11, 2025

Read More