In 2001 the New York Jets formed a community partnership with the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) to provide support to New York City public school football programs. The Jets and the PSAL expanded this partnership in 2005 and titled it Heads Up! Defensive end Shaun Ellis is the program’s spokesperson.
Through an annual matching grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund, the New York Jets donate $100,000 to the PSAL’s football programs. This grant has helped to create eight new and developmental football teams and expand the Jets C.H.A.M.P.S. Middle School Flag Football League presented by NYMEX Charitable Foundation to over 75 programs throughout the New York City public school system.
Beyond these grants, the Jets continue to support the PSAL in a variety of other ways. In addition to providing funding, the Jets’ support for the PSAL has included hosting PSAL high school football coaches at team practices, creating “Captain’s Day” for PSAL football team captains to spend a day at training camp each summer, and honoring PSAL football champions at a selected home game during the NFL season.
