The NFL, the Houston Texans, United Way of Greater Houston, United Way Worldwide and Verizon have announced the Houston launch of Character Playbook, a digital education initiative designed to strengthen youth character development and promote healthy relationships. The interactive program will be introduced directly in Houston classrooms, targeting middle school students with evidence-based lessons that build social-emotional skills, conflict resolution, and positive decision-making.
Character Playbook is part of a 40-year partnership between the NFL and United Way, and represents a new, technology-driven approach to teaching character and relationship skills. The course consists of six interactive digital modules tailored for students in grades 7–9. Each module presents realistic scenarios— including bystander intervention strategies, communication techniques, and examples of healthy relationships—so students can practice constructive responses and learn practical skills for everyday situations.
The program’s impact will be measured through a combination of knowledge assessments and evaluations of attitude and behavior change, ensuring that lessons translate into improved student outcomes. Character Playbook is being implemented across all 32 NFL markets through a collaboration between United Way Worldwide and the NFL Foundation, and the platform is powered by EverFi, an education-technology provider that serves more than 20,000 K–12 schools.
“We are proud to use Super Bowl week to introduce Character Playbook in Houston and put valuable resources directly into classrooms,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. “Educating young people about healthy relationships, empathy, and leadership helps them stand up for others and prepares them to be positive leaders in their communities.”
The Houston launch event at Pilgrim Academy guided students through the program modules and included a panel discussion attended by more than 300 students. Houston Texans players Jeff Allen and Kurtis Drummond, along with NFL Legend and Super Bowl champion Donald Driver, spoke about character development, teamwork, and everyday decision-making. The team’s community leaders emphasized the importance of modeling respect and accountability both on and off the field.
“Every day we strive to be champions for youth at the Houston Texans,” said Jennifer Davenport, Vice President of Marketing and Community Development for the Texans. “Character Playbook gives students across Houston practical tools to navigate relationships and challenges as they prepare for the road ahead. We are proud to partner with United Way and Verizon on this important initiative.”
United Way of Greater Houston highlighted how the program fits into broader efforts to support young people. “Helping young people build confidence, character and communication skills is essential for success in and out of the classroom,” said Anna M. Babin, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. “Character Playbook complements our work to give students a stronger foundation for academic and personal achievement.”
United Way Worldwide called attention to the urgent need for prevention and education around bullying, cyberbullying and teen dating violence. “These issues put real pressure on families and schools,” said Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “Programs like Character Playbook help students learn how to manage emotions, resolve conflict and communicate effectively—skills that support safer, more connected communities.”
Verizon is supporting the initiative through its Verizon Innovative Learning efforts, focusing technology and resources on education and character development. “We believe in using our expertise to create solutions that help underserved students succeed,” said Krista Bourne, Verizon Market President–South Central. “Supporting Character Playbook in Houston allows us to address topics that are critical to middle school students’ social and academic growth.”
The Character Playbook initiative was launched nationally during the 2016 NFL Draft and is delivered in partnership with EverFi. By combining interactive digital content with school-based implementation and evaluation, the program aims to equip students with durable social-emotional skills that improve classroom climate, reduce harmful behaviors and promote healthier relationships throughout adolescence.
About the NFL Foundation
The National Football League Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those connected to the game of football—from players at every level to the communities that support them. Representing all 32 NFL clubs, the foundation supports athlete health and safety, youth football and community initiatives that foster wellness and opportunity. For more information on the NFL Foundation, visit www.NFLFoundation.org.