NFL Players Kick Off Super Bowl Weekend by Celebrating USA Network's "NFL Characters Unite" Documentary on Overcoming Bullying and Discrimination

Jan 31, 2014 EST

Hosted by USA, the NFL and GMC, Players Participate in Panel Discussion, 

Moderated by Sports Illustrated's Peter King, on Thursday, January 30th 

"NFL Characters Unite," Presented by GMC, Premieres on USA Network Friday, January 31 at 7 PM (ET)

USA Network, the National Football League and GMC celebrated the 3rd annual NFL CHARACTERS UNITE with an exclusive sneak peek of the documentary and a panel discussion with participating NFL players moderated by Sports Illustrated's Peter King. Part of USA's award-winning Characters Unite public service campaign, the documentary -- presented by GMC -- profiles NFL stars as they share deeply personal stories of overcoming prejudice, bullying and discrimination, and mentor young people who are currently facing similar challenges. 

NFL players featured in this year's initiative include New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb, New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich, New York Jets center Nick Mangold, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman and Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt. The documentary is narrated by former NFL star and NBC Sunday Night Football Emmy®-winning sportscaster Cris Collinsworth.

NFL CHARACTERS UNITE was created by The Company and is executive produced by Charlie Ebersol and produced and directed by Paul Pawlowski. The film premieres on USA Network during Super Bowl XLVIII weekend on Friday, January 31st, at 7 PM (ET).

Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver 
Mark Herzlich, New York Giants Linebacker
Nick Mangold, New York Jets Center
Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens Running Back
Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears Cornerback
Peter King, Sports Illustrated 
Charlie Ebersol, Executive Producer, The Company 
Meghan Markle, USA Network Star, SUITS
Joey Kemmerling, Student Featured in Documentary 

About Characters Unite: Characters Unite, USA Network's award-winning public service program, was created to address the social injustices and cultural divides still prevalent in our society. Inspired by USA Network's iconic "Characters Welcome" brand and with the support of leading national nonprofit organizations, the ongoing campaign is dedicated to supporting activities and messaging that combat prejudice and intolerance while promoting understanding and acceptance -- on-air, online, and in communities across the country.