COYOTES APPOINT NEW YORK JETS, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA LUMINARY MO LEWIS TO EXPANDING ADVISORY BOARD

(INDIO) –Renowned New York Jets linebacker Morris “Mo” Lewis – voted recently as one of the ‘Top 25 Greatest Players in Franchise History,’ with the third-longest tenure – was appointed today to the Advisory Board of the four-time champion SoCal Coyotes sports leadership organization, headquartered in the Coachella Valley.

“Every man, especially every young man, has a peak and a valley,” said Lewis, a three-time Pro Bowler who played for the Jets from 1991-03. “I’m here to lead young men through that valley, with instruction, with knowledge, with leadership.”

The long-time Jets defensive captain will be actively involved in Coyotes camps, clinics, coaching and outreach programs. His appointment directs a national spotlight toward the significance and rapidly expanding footprint of the Coyotes, a California non-profit organization recently named America’s #1 Developmental Pro Football Program.

Now in its fourth year of operation, the ‘Coyote Model’ of “Building Champions, Building Men” has become the nation’s leading prototype for developmental professional football.

Lewis, who starred collegiately at the University of Georgia, lives in Atlanta with wife Christalyn. His oldest son, Mo IV, plays basketball at the United States Naval Academy, while their younger son, Chris, plays at Harvard.

Lewis will be reunited with former Jets teammate Marvin Jones, another Coyote Advisory Board member who yesterday was promoted to Director of Pro Personnel. The pair officially retired together on the same day before a deafening and appreciative Jets Stadium crowd in 2005. With the Coyotes, they will be back on the field in various camps, and work together on the recruitment, evaluation and development of incoming talent.

Both New York Jets legends attribute a divine calling to the faith-based SoCal Coyotes, whose fall football program is currently ranked second in the nation, and whose outreach leadership initiatives now annually touch 30,000 Coachella Valley youth.

Lewis takes his seat on a formidable Coyotes Advisory Board that includes All-Century USC lineman Brad Budde of Kansas City Chiefs fame, and Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams, of the Miami Dolphins.

Lewis retired after 200 games with 1,231 tackles (883 solo); 52.5 sacks; 14 interceptions for 241 yards; 79 pass deflections; 29 forced fumbles; 13 fumble recoveries for 74 yards; and five defensive touchdowns. His 2001 sideline hit on New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe – who had just signed a $100 million contract – provided opportunity to a little-known rookie named Tom Brady, and reshaped modern NFL history.

THE SOCAL COYOTES are a national, faith, family and football organization dedicated to restoring hope in personal lives, families and communities. With priority on faith, fatherhood and family values, the Coyotes have been recognized for “Building Champions by Building Men.” Visit www.thesocalcoyotes.com and learn why the Coyotes were named ‘America’s #1 Developmental Football Program’ by The Football Educator, operated by former Denver Broncos GM and two-time Super Bowl winner Ted Sundquist, by clicking on ‘What We Do.’

 ON THE FIELD, 70 PLAYERS EACH YEAR earn the distinction of ‘Defending the Shield’ in the uniform of the SoCal Coyotes. Many will earn a shot with NFL, CFL or AFL opportunities, or graduate into business careers. Off the field, more than 30,000 Coachella Valley youth annually participate in Coyote Leadership Training and receive published Coyote Leadership Curriculum.

ALL COYOTE MENTORS SHARE these key qualities – Ability and willingness to communicate what they know; Preparedness; Approachability; Availability; Ability to listen; Honesty with diplomacy; Inquisitiveness; Objectivity and fairness; and Compassion and genuineness.

THE SOCAL COYOTES affect every community they touch. Coyote programs reach thousands of youth through coordinated efforts with numerous local charitable and civic organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, the Desert Strength Academy, the Boys & Girl Scouts of America, and Rotary International.

To learn more, contact Ron DiGrandi, SVP Business Development, at [email protected].