NQBC, Lutzie 43 activate H.S. Tight Ends in Campaign Against Distracted Driving

National Quarterback Club (NQBC) is pleased to announce the launch of an important pilot program called National Tight End Day Project. The project is the first phase of a multi-year, national roll-out designed to target high school age students, drivers and passengers with the message that accidents and fatalities caused by distracted and impaired driving can be prevented with preparation, good habits, and better decision making.

“Born from San Francisco 49ers’ Tight End George Kittle’s outrageous sense of humor, National Tight End Day was conceived on September 18, 2018, as Kittle first energized a national ‘holiday’ for tight ends across the league that would bring attention for one of the game’s most under-appreciated positions,” said Don Kile, National Quarterback Club president. “It was first recognized as a novelty holiday in 2019 to be celebrated on the 4th Sunday of every October. NQBC is taking it to the next level by joining forces with Lutzie 43 Foundation to bring attention to the high risk of driver distraction and impairment.”

The National Tight End Day Project will be activated between October 19-23, 2020. High school tight ends in Arizona, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Texas will engage as ambassadors for safe driving via their personal social media accounts by sharing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) related to Lutzie 43 Foundation’s 43 Key Seconds Campaign. 

“Distracted driving is the leading cause of death for young people ages 16 to 18,” said Mike Lutzenkirchen, founder of Lutzie 43 Foundation. “To activate the National Tight End Day Project, we ask that high school tight ends across the nation take the 43 Key Seconds pledge to stop distracted driving. Pledge to take 43 key seconds to have a clear head, clear hands, clear eyes, and click it into the seatbelt before driving.”

Lutzie 43 Foundation was established by Mike Lutzenkirchen shortly after the death of his son Phillip in 2014. Phillip was a former Auburn University student-athlete and a widely popular tight end for the Tigers. Several poor decisions led to an avoidable car crash that took Phillip’s life, ended the life of a close friend, and caused serious injuries to two others.

“High school tight ends all across the country are encouraged to share the message against distracted driving, learn from Phillip’s mistakes, inspire others to take the 43 Key Seconds pledge, and prevent young drivers from making decisions that lead to accidents and fatalities caused by distracted and impaired driving,” said Kile. “Today alone, an estimated 38 people will be killed in distracted driving car crashes, and more than 1,000 will be injured.”