NFL Way to Play
Knees Bent. Pads Down. Head Up and Out.
The NFL Way to Play shows the league’s commitment to promoting proper playing technique across all levels of football.
Through the lens of the best in the game — current players, NFL Legends and head coaches — the initiative highlights proper technique, shares best practices and showcases the NFL Way to Play.
“NFL Way to Play is about recognizing good play each week: Knees bent. Pads down. Head up,” said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “NFL players and coaches are the best in the world at demonstrating excellent technique.”
NFL Way to Play
- Current players and NFL Legends from key positions (running back, wide receiver, offensive and defensive line, linebacker and defensive back) demonstrate proper technique.
- NFL coaches explain fundamental concepts, share best practices and advice on how to coach each position on the field.
- The NFL Way to Play Award, selected by a distinguished panel of Legends, recognizes current players at both the pro and high school level who exhibit excellent playing technique each week of NFL regular season
- The Playbook, created with the Legends Youth Advisory Committee, is a tool for youth coaches that outlines the curriculum, language to use, and fundamentals of the game.
- Prepare to Play Virtual Videos, created to keep you active while social distancing as an important part of staying home and staying strong. With these virtual videos, trainings for ages 14 and up can be done anywhere at home and without much equipment.
The NFL Way to Play Award
The NFL Way to Play Award recognizes the best examples of playing technique each week of the NFL regular season and playoffs.
A distinguished panel of NFL Legends selects the player who positively impacted the game through proper technique (i.e., tackling, blocking, footwork, discipline, vision). The recipient is announced every Thursday during the season on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.
Each winner receives a $2,500 equipment grant through USA Football for the youth or high school football program of the player’s choice.
The panel includes:
- Merril Hoge – 8-year NFL running back
- Ronnie Lott – 14-year NFL safety/cornerback, Hall of Fame Class of 2000
- Willie McGinest – 15-year NFL linebacker
- Orlando Pace – 13-year NFL offensive tackle, Hall of Fame Class of 2016
- Michael Robinson – 8-year NFL fullback
NFL Way to Play High School Award
For the second consecutive season, the NFL will recognize high school football players for using proper playing technique in partnership with Hudl. The Way to Play High School award will be featured nationally on Saturdays in a Good Morning Football segment.
See the Way to Play High School award winners.
The school of the chosen player will receive a $1,500 equipment grant through USA Football.
The panel includes representatives from the NFL Football Operations Department:
- Phil Bogle – 2-year NFL guard, Director of Game Operations
- Kevin Boothe – 9-year NFL offensive lineman, Manager of Football Operations Strategy and Business Development
- Jay Manahan – Director of Football Communications and Marketing
- Roman Oben – 12-year NFL offensive tackle, Vice President of Youth Football
- Jon Runyan – 14-year NFL offensive tackle, Vice President of Policy and Rules Administration
- Troy Vincent – 15-year NFL cornerback, Executive Vice President of Football Operations
Divisional Playoffs - Sean Murphy-Bunting
Buccaneers CB Sean Murphy-Bunting receives the divisional award.
2020 NFL Way to Play Award Recipients
Divisional Playoffs - Sean Murphy-Bunting
Buccaneers CB Sean Murphy-Bunting receives the divisional award.
Wild Card Playoffs - JC Tretter
Browns Center JC Tretter picks up the award this week.
Week 17 - Darius Leonard
Colts LB Darius Leonard earns the Week 17 award.
Week 16 - Chidobe Awuzie
Dallas Cowboys DB Chidobe Awuzie is the NFL Way to Play Week 16 recipient.
Week 15 - Marcus Williams
Saints DB Marcus Williams picks up the Week 15 award.
Week 14 - Adam Trautman
Saints TE Adam Trautman brings homes the Week 14 award.
Week 13 - Marcus Williams
Saints DB Marcus Williams takes home the NFL Way to Play Award for Week 13.
Week 12 - Jaylon Johnson
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson earned the Week 12 award.
Week 11 - Donovan Wilson
Dallas S Donovan Wilson picks up the Week 11 award.
Week 10 - Demario Davis
Saints LB Demario Davis earned the Week 10 award.
Week 9 - Chris Lindstrom
Falcons Guard Chris Lindstrom is the Week 9 award recipient.
Week 8 - Dean Marlowe
Buffalo Bills Safety Dean Marlowe is the NFL Way to Play Week 8 recipient.
Week 7 - Tanner Vallejo
Cardinals LB Tanner Vallejo receives the Week 7 honor.
Week 6 - Lavonte David
Tampa Bay LB Lavonte David picks up the Week 6 NFL Way to Play Award.
Week 5 - Hunter Henry
Los Angeles Chargers TE Hunter Henry is the NFL Way to Play Week 5 recipient.
Week 4 - Mike Boone
Vikings RB Mike Boone brings homes the Week 4 award.
Week 3 - Ben Garland
49ers Center Ben Garland earned the Week 3 award.
Week 2 - Jerry Tillery
Los Angeles Chargers DT Jerry Tillery takes home the NFL Way to Play Award for Week 2.
Week 1 - Jalen Ramsey
Los Angeles Ram CB Jalen Ramsey is the NFL Way to Play Week 1 recipient.
NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.
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