Kick off a new season.

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Sporting historic ties to the "Monsters of the Midway," the "Doomsday Defense," the "Purple People Eaters" and the "Fearless Foursome," the players of the National Football League will begin the annual journey from training camp to the Super Bowl. Many of them will carry with them DAV NFL Player Autograph Cards to sign for adoring fans.

At least 10 of the 32 NFL teams have already huddled with the DAV to make cards for their players this season, and more are expected to join the third year of the program. Cards have already been produced for players with the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, and work will go on all through the NFL season.

"This is a valuable outreach tool for the DAV," said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. "The NFL teams have outstanding public and community relations programs to put the players and the public together. A link will be the player autograph cards which all contain information about our programs of service to veterans."

"Working with the Disabled American Veterans has been a wonderful partnership for the Chicago Bears," said the team's Community Relations Manager Jessica Kies. "The dedication of the DAV to the men and women who have sacrificed for our country is outstanding."

"The Chicago Bears have always been extremely supportive of the armed forces and have initiated numerous events and activities to show our support for those who defend us," said Kies. "The autograph cards are perfect for our players to hand out to fans during community events and help relay the DAV's message."

During the 2006-2007 season, the DAV worked with nearly every NFL team. Eleven NFL teams produced a total of 586,600 autograph cards. Many of the same teams also used the DAV video, "GIs of the Gridiron," during Veterans Day weekend or at other events.

Teams participating last season were the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans. Miami, Dallas and other teams are expected to join this season.

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In addition, three teams--Chicago, Baltimore and Tampa--last season participated in the DAV Celebrity Entertainment Program conducting VA medical center visits on Veterans Day. More teams are expected to join the program this year.

"The DAV has found many new friends in the National Football League and the arena of professional football," said Adjutant Wilson. "The DAV is among those honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, each Veterans Day, and we have made good friends among the former NFL stars who participated in the filming of 'GIs of the Gridiron.'"

"We are grateful to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the NFL League Office in New York, and the community relations directors and players for all the teams who work with us," said Wilson. "We were welcomed, and our contributions have been greatly appreciated."