In 1973, a partnership launched that would change lives in communities across our nation for half a century—and counting!

Former NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle and United Way of America established the NFL & United Way partnership to increase public awareness of social service issues, launching the largest public-service advertising campaign in the nation’s history called Great Moments. In year one, the series received a gold medal from the International Film & TV Festival of New York.

In the decades that followed, the NFL has continued to collaborate with local United Ways and the national organization to promote volunteerism, activate our youth and bring awareness to issues facing our communities. From Hometown Huddle and NFL PLAY 60 to disaster relief efforts and the latest Character Playbook, United Way and the NFL have partnered to create opportunities for thousands of NFL players, coaches, owners and staff—not to mention millions of fans—to give back to communities across the country.

The partnership and its joint advertising was even parodied this famous Saturday Night Live sketch featuring Peyton Manning.

Come back throughout the year for more stories on United Way’s history in Greenville County, and click here to share your own United Way story.