The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Once Again Hosted the Super Bowl Championship Team

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2008, when the New York Giants played in Super Bowl XLII against the New England Patriots, many players, along with team officials, attended the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration  (SBGC) and won the Big Game two days later. Five years later in 2012, during their fifth appearance in the Super Bowl, the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration hosted many members of the New York Giants organization; including Jerry Reese (General Manager), Charles Way (Director of Player Development), Isaiah Stanback (Wide Receiver), Selvish Capers (Offensive Tackle), William Beatty (Offensive Tackle), and David Tyree (Wide Receiver, Retired), known for his so called "helmet catch" in the 2008 game. And, the Giants won, again. The evening of faith-inspired music and moving performances is perhaps an added source of inspiration to the team once they take the field to compete for the championship.  

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The Giants joined thousands of fans at the 13th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration on Friday, February 3, at a sold-out Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University. The NFL sanctioned event was hosted by Rev. Run, patriarch of the hit MTV series "Runs House," with gospel icon CeCe Winans who returned as co-host. Team Chaplains Ken Johnson (Colts), Don Davis (Patriots) and George McGovern (Giants) opened the event with a prayer that set the energy for the evening. Guests enjoyed glorious performances by gospel legends Donnie McClurkin and Hezekiah Walker; this year's "Players Choice" artist, Wess Morgan; four-time GMA Female Artist of the Year Natalie Grant; and Verizon's How Sweet the Sound 2011 Overall Winning Choir, Salvation and Deliverance Church Choir.  The audience was treated to a special performance by Fantasia and her mother, Diane Barrino, who delivered an emotional rendition of "He's Done Enough" that brought the crowd to its feet and tears to their eyes. Fantasia also sang "Total Praise."

In addition to the all-star line-up, the NFL Players Choir, which celebrated its five-year anniversary, closed out the show with a powerful performance of "It's Time" directed by Grammy Award-winner Myron Butler.  The Choir has become one of the most anticipated performances during Super Bowl weekend, as they also performed at the Taste of the NFL. Acclaimed players also shared moving testimonies and introduced artists. This year's gridiron talent included Brian Dawkins (Broncos), Matt Forte (Bears), Leonard Weaver (Eagles), Bryan Scott (Bills), Tommie Harris (Chargers), Tim Brown (Raiders Retired), Dextor Clinkscale (Dallas Retired) and many more.  The audience also enjoyed faith inspired video vignettes by several current and former NFL players including Ray Lewis and Ray Rice (Ravens); Hines Ward and LaMarr Woodley (Steelers);  Derrick Brooks (retired Buccaneers); and former NFL Coach Tony Dungy to name a few. 

Since its inception, SBGC has drawn crowds in the thousands and has demonstrated growth each year, selling out venues in major Super Bowl markets. The event also serves as a fundraiser, donating a portion of its proceeds and tickets to local charities.  This year's charitable partner was Gary Brackett's IMPACT Foundation.

The 13th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration was sponsored by American Family Insurance, the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company; Verizon Wireless, the official wireless service of the NFL; FelCor Lodging Trust; Herff Jones; Comcast; and IPL.

Produced by Central City Productions, Inc., the event was taped before a live audience and is airing as a one-hour program on more than 180 network affiliates nationwide between February 4 and March 4, 2012.

For additional information on the 13th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, TV listings and event footage, visit www.superbowlgospel.com.  

CONTACT:

Sandra Tarver
+1-404-654-3112
[email protected]

SOURCE Super Bowl Gospel Celebration