NFL Way to Play

The NFL Way to Play shows the league’s commitment to promoting proper playing technique across all levels of football.

Through the lens of the best in the game — current players, NFL Legends and head coaches — the initiative highlights proper technique, shares best practices and showcases the NFL Way to Play.

“NFL Way to Play is about recognizing good play each week: Knees bent. Pads down. Head up,” said Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “NFL players and coaches are the best in the world at demonstrating excellent technique.”

NFL Way to Play 

• Current players and NFL Legends from key positions (running back, wide receiver, offensive and defensive line, linebacker and defensive back) demonstrate proper technique.
• NFL coaches explain fundamental concepts, share best practices and advice on how to coach each position on the field.
• The NFL Way to Play Award fueled by Gatorade, recognizes players at both the pro, high school and flag levels who exhibit excellent playing technique each week of NFL regular season.
• The Playbook, created with the Legends Youth Advisory Committee, is a tool for youth coaches that outlines the curriculum, language to use, and fundamentals of the game.

The NFL Way to Play Awards Fueled by Gatorade 

The NFL Way to Play Awards fueled by Gatorade recognize pro, high school, and flag football players who demonstrate proper technique to make impactful plays. Each week of the NFL season players from all levels of the game will be honored with a USA Football Equipment Grant from NFL Foundation. NFL Legend and Legends Youth Advisory Committee member Michael Robinson will announce all award winners on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.

See the NFL Way to Play Award winners