Alpharetta YMCA Helps 'NFL Characters Unite'

Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez uses his experiences overcoming bullying to help a teen deal with a similar situation in a one-hour TV show airing on USA Network Friday at 7 p.m.

The served as a location for a one-on-one activity between Gonzalez and Jonathan, a teen who has been dealing with his own bullies.

The show is part of USA’s public service campaign to combat prejudice and discrimination. In addition to Gonzalez, the film features New Orleans Saints star tight end Jimmy Graham, 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. All four, who have experienced enormous success on the field, have also overcome extreme hate and bigotry in their lives.

In NFL Characters Unite, Gonzalez brings Jonathan to the YMCA to help him to regain his confidence, break out of his shell and make new friends. Gonzalez shares his own story with Jonathan to let him know that he is not alone in these experiences and to show him that he can rise above the discrimination.

Since the YMCA is a center where kids of all backgrounds come together to make friends and engage in all kind of activities, it seemed the perfect place for Gonzalez to bring Jonathan. He asked Jonathan to conquer a rock-climbing wall and the activity forced Jonathan to face two of his greatest fears; heights and meeting new people. With the help of an instructor and a group of peers, Jonathan not only climbed to the top of the wall more than once, but he also instructed the others on how to reach the top. By the end of the day, Jonathan felt revitalized, and said he would no longer be afraid of leaving his house.

Kim Nelson, executive director of the YMCA, coordinated this event, which was filmed in November 2011.

"This was a wonderful opportunity for our Y to support one of our initiatives to unify and educate youth about the detriment of bullying.  Jonathan Allen, with the support of his family, was brave to share their story here at our Y and to the nation," Nelson said.

"We have extended the Y's resources through our teen program to continue his journey and connect with his community. Jonathan is an example that we all can learn from," she said.

In the documentary, the NFL stars share their own personal journeys – from the racism Coach Dungy confronted and the bullying Gonzalez faced, to the foster care abuse Graham endured and the bigotry Ward surmounted – and each helps to transform the life of a teen currently dealing with a similar situation. The players impart strength and advice to assist the teens in getting past the hate, violence and devastating cycle of low expectations, and achieving their full potential. Through candid interviews and unique one-on-one activities, these on- and off-the-field heroes help bring diverse people together, change attitudes and instill courage and compassion.

“The documentary will give viewers a unique perspective on the challenges some of their favorite football heroes have faced, and demonstrate to audiences that they, too, can help put an end to the hate and bigotry that remains too prevalent in our country,” said Toby Graff, USA’s senior vice president, public affairs. “We are proud to have teamed up with the NFL to be able to share this powerful documentary as part of Characters Unite Month.”