St. Raphael School will kick off “Bears Football for Heart” during an all-school assembly on Mon., Oct. 29.
The assembly will include participation from retired former NFL Players Chicago Bear Mike Richardson (Superbowl Shuffle, 85 Championship Superbowl Team); Brian Glasgow (Chicago Bears); Reggie Smith (Broncos, Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Bandits-USFL).
Through a partnership between the Chicago Bears and the American Heart Association (AHA), Bears Football for Heart is available to Illinois schools. This program combines a football skills event with an in-school campaign to educate students about heart health and the importance of taking care of their bodies through good nutrition and getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
The program also promotes community service by raising funds for the AHA.
Richardson attended Arizona State University where he became one of the best cornerbacks in ASU history, was a four-year starter, Shrine All-Star and recognized as All American 1981 and 1982.
As a second round draft pick for the Chicago Bears in 1983 he was a 6-year starter on the number one defense in the NFL five years straight and All Pro. The formation, the Chicago Bears secondary which was a component of what many consider as being the greatest defense of all–time as the 1985 Bears’ squad captured Super Bowl XX.
Known as “L.A. Mike”, he was a featured soloist of the “Shuffling Crew” in the Super Bowl Shuffle video in 1985. Richardson finished his professional pro football career in 1989 with San Francisco 49’s.
Richardson continues to support the community by mentoring and coaching the local youth as part of Khali Bell’s Football Camp and supports several other non-profit organizations within the Chicagoland area and across the nation.
Reggie Smith and Brian Glasgow will be featured, too!
Smith played college football at the University of Kansas (where he was a Football News Sophomore All- American) before two 3rd round draft selections from the Denver Broncos (NFL) and Tampa Bay Bandits (USFL). Smith played six years professionally with stops with the Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) and Tampa Bay Bandits (USFL).
He is the current President of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), Former Players-Chicago Chapter and a professional speaker. Smith’s career has included starting and building a litigation support business in Chicago prior to accepting his new position with Retrofit Weight Loss.
As a Retrofit client himself, Reggie has fought his own battle with weight, recently losing 70 pounds. He is passionate about helping turn the tide on America’s obesity epidemic and looks forward to sharing the secrets of his success that he learned on the Retrofit Weight Loss program. More than 90 percent of the company’s clients are losing weight.
Glasgow has served on the NFLPA executive board for the last 16 years. A 1982 graduate of Northern Illinois University, he was named an AP All-American and Unanimous 1st-Team All Mid American Conference player during his tenure. He spent his professional career with the Chicago Bears.
As Richardson was heading to Soldier Field for Sunday’s Bears game with the Carolina Panthers, he added, ”Looking forward to sharing with the kids that it is not only important to compete with each other but also important to encourage each other.”
For info about St. Raphael, visit www.st-raphaelcatholicschool.com.
Story and photos submitted by Michelle Cianferri.
