The 2nd annual "NFL Characters Unite" documentary premieres on USA Network this Friday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. ET.
The film is a part of USA's award-winning "Characters Unite" public service campaign to combat prejudice and discrimination. It features Arizona Cardinals 2009 Pro Bowl MVP wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain, Pittsburgh Steelers seven-time Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu and New York GiantsPro Bowl defensive end Justin Tuck.
All four players have had enormous success on the field after overcoming obstacles of prejudice and discrimination in their personal lives. The documentary profiles the NFL stars as they share their deeply personal stories -- from McClain feeling ostracized when his family was homeless and Tuck enduring bullying while trying to succeed in school, to Fitzgerald witnessing discrimination during his mother's battle with cancer and Polamalu learning to embrace his heritage and unique look.
The players also go back to their respective communities to meet a child or teenager currently facing the same challenges and adversity. Through meaningful conversation and specially tailored confidence-building activities, the NFL stars help the young people realize how they too can overcome the bullying, prejudice and intolerance they have experienced and move on to achieve their own greatness.
The first installment of "NFL Characters Unite" aired in 2012 and featured Atlanta FalconsPro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, New Orleans Saints star tight end Jimmy Graham, retired Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward, and NBC's "Football Night in America" analyst and Super Bowl-winning Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy.
