Johnsonville Sausage 'Rush for 2,000 Yards Challenge' Gives Football Fans Chance to Win 'The Ultimate Fan Cave'

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnsonville Sausage today announced the launch of its "Rush for 2,000 Yards Challenge" Fantasy Football game.  Through the online game, which kicks off today and runs through Jan. 2, 2011, football fans will compete to win the "ultimate fan cave," featuring their choice of televisions, speaker systems and other items.

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"Johnsonville Sausage and football season go hand-in-hand, whether you're tailgating in the stadium parking lot or enjoying the week's rivalries from the comfort of your family room," said Chris O'Toole, brand manager for Johnsonville Sausage.  "We're excited to provide football fans and consumers another exciting way to enjoy the season and get in on the action through the 'Rush for 2,000 Yards Challenge.'"

How the "Rush for 2,000 Yards Challenge" Works:

Fans can sign up to play at www.johnsonville.com. Each week, participants will select one running back (whom they have not selected in a prior week), and that running back's yards for the week become their yards. The goal is to have the most rushing yards each week and to have the most cumulative yards at the end of the season.  Weekly prizes will be awarded to those participants with the most rushing yards that week, and the player with the most cumulative rushing yards at the end of the season will win the grand prize "ultimate fan cave."

In addition to allowing consumers to showcase their football knowledge and skills through some friendly competition, Johnsonville and Athlon Sports will be providing Rush for 2,000 participants the latest in fantasy football news, as well as tips and recipes to help make the football viewing experience better than ever this year.  Content on the game's Web site will be updated regularly, and football fans can check back each week to get the latest inside scoop from the league, giving them an advantage to make the best selections for the this season's game.

Making the Most of your Football Tailgates

In addition to making smart picks when it comes to running backs this season, Johnsonville Sausage tailgate and grilling experts offer these suggestions to help ensure a successful gathering during the upcoming football season:

• Stay Out of Frozenville – Prepare your sausage.  Always thaw your bratwurst or Italian links prior to cooking – it'll help ensure a smooth grilling process.
• It's OK to Pre-cook Brats —Simmering brats in a pan of broth, or a beer-and-onion blend, makes for plump and delicious links.  Give your brats 8 to 10 minutes in the hot tub before you place them on the grill. (It's okay to dump the beer when you're done … really, it is)
• Rotateville – Turn the brats every five minutes or so to get thorough, even heat.  Always use tongs.  Never Use a Fork…Ever!  Forks puncture links, releasing great taste and savory flavors. Tongs keep the links intact and make 'em easier to turn.
• Golden Brownville – Your brats are done when they're golden-brown and appetizing, not charred to a crisp.  Burning is not grilling!  Brats typically take about 20 to 25 minutes using the above guidelines. When in doubt, your meat thermometer should read 180 degrees.

For full details and official rules of the "Rush for 2,000 Yards Challenge" online fantasy football game, visit www.johnsonville.com and click on the "Rush for 2,000 Yards Challenge" icon.  While at the Johnsonville Web site, check out the tailgate tips and recipes sure to fill all the hungry fans at your football party this season.

About Johnsonville Sausage, LLC

Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of brats, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links.  Johnsonville products are also available in about 30 countries outside the United States.  Johnsonville employs approximately 1,300 members, and each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and "Big Flavor" of Johnsonville Sausage.  Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today.

SOURCE Johnsonville Sausage, LLC