USA Network and the NFL are reteaming for a good cause.
The cable network will broadcast the second one-hour NFL Characters Unite documentary to air the week following Super Bowl XLVII on Friday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m., The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.
Part of USA's Characters Unite public service campaign to fight prejudice and discrimination, the documentary will feature NFL players Larry Fitzgeraldn, Jameel McClain, Troy Polamalu and Justin Tuck. NFL Characters Unite will profile the four players through personal stories, from bullying and embracing one's heritage to discrimination and being homeless. The first NFL doc that aired last year featured Tony Dungy, Hines Ward, Tony Gonzalez and Jimmy Graham.
“In our second NFL Characters Unite documentary, we are honored to be able to share the courageous and inspiring stories of some of today’s greatest NFL heroes and to showcase their commitments to help kids in their communities overcome bullying and discrimination,” said Toby Graff, USA’s senior vice president, public affairs. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the NFL to create this powerful film that will serve as a programming centerpiece of the 2013 Characters Unite Month.”
Created by The Hochberg Ebersol Company, the documentary was produced by executive produced by co-founders Charlie Ebersol and Justin Hochberg, produced by Paul Pawlowski and P3 Entertainment and directed by Ezra Edelman (Magic and Bird: A Courtship of Rivals). The doc's February broadcast falls in line with USA's Characters Unite month.
“This collaboration with USA and the NFL has become a fantastic annual celebration for our company as we are inspired each year by the tireless efforts of our football heroes’ efforts to improve the lives of America’s youth,” said Ebersol.
“Working with USA Network on NFL Characters Unite as well as our upcoming series The Moment makes us realize that dreams do come true and we feel privileged to play a part in helping these four teens get a second chance,” said Hochberg.
USA will roll out new unscripted effort The Moment, also produced by The Hochberg Ebersol Company and hosted by Kurt Warner, some time this year.
E-mail: Philiana.Ng@thr.com
Twitter: @insidethetube
