Photo via Click2Houston

A week after signing with the Houston Texans, 2010 U.S. National Team alum Tyrann Mathieu will be in his hometown of New Orleans on Saturday for a special event to benefit the Tyrann Mathieu Foundation.

Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reports the Tyrann Mathieu and Friends Kickball Classic will take place at Shrine on Airline, home to the New Orleans Baby Cakes, the Triple-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Miami Marlins.

During his time as a safety with the Arizona Cardinals, Mathieu noticed many charity events revolved around golf.

"I just wanted to do something different," Mathieu told ESPN. "I haven't really gotten into golf that much yet. A lot of guys put on golf events. A lot of guys put on charity basketball events, but I grew up playing kickball, so I thought it'd be fun to bring that back."

RELATED CONTENT: Tuesday PM Blitz: Tyrann Mathieu, Arizona Cardinals teammates raise nearly $200k for youth programs

The game will include numerous past and present NFL players, including Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry and Saints wideout Ted Ginn Jr.

Sunday, Mathieu will host the third annual Heart of a Badger Youth Skills Camp at the Saints' complex, where expects around 450 kids from the area.

"I think it's extremely important to have an event like this where you just raise awareness about what you're trying to do through your foundation," Mathieu said. "People begin to become more involved, so hopefully I can continue to put on events like this where I can just try to bring New Orleans together and try to create a positive atmosphere where not only kids can enjoy it but adults as well."

NFL writer hails USA Football programs

Photo via Colts.com

Indianapolis Colts writer Heather Lloyd - also known as the Blue Mare on Twitter - had an article this week discussing the various ways USA Football works to grow and improve the game nationwide. 

Lloyd detailed USA Football's Tip of the Spear Contact System, mixed martial arts-inspired techniques designed by former NFL lineman Scott Peters to reduce head-to-head collisions.

"Safety through superior technique is what he trains, with an emphasis on protecting the brain. And as he learned, it also makes better football players – a win-win for everyone," Lloyd said.

Colts Youth Football Commissioner Mike Prior - who spent 13 years in the NFL - highlighted his relationship with USA Football and their joint mission of football expansion and enjoyment.

"Kids play sports to have fun when they’re young. Just teaching them proper technique and drills and having fun at the early ages, kids will be more excited about playing later on," Prior said.

Raiders partner with USA Football in Vegas

The Oakland Raiders had a significant presence at last weekend's U.S. National Team Regional in Las Vegas.

Last weekend the journey to International Bowl 2019 continued in Las Vegas with a @USNFT Regional! Take a look back at all the action courtesy of the @RAIDERS! #EarnYourStars

Full Video: https://t.co/0M67xjorJG pic.twitter.com/xUEdIZM8ED

— USA Football (@usafootball) March 23, 2018

RELATED CONTENT: U.S. National Team Regionals: The Journey to International Bowl 2019

Among the speakers at the event was former Raiders and Navy running back Napoleon McCallum.

"His words were really good, exactly what the kids needed to hear," regional director Matt Hennesy said. "They look up to those guys. Those guys have been where they want to be. For him to come share his time was special for us."

Girls league keeps on growing

 Photo via Crystal Sacco

Fox13 in Salt Lake City reports the Utah Girls Tackle Football League now involves around 300 players, up from 50 when it started three years ago.

"This year we're hoping to have 500,” said league president Crystal Sacco.

Sacco started the league along with the help of Sam Gordon, 14, who had her football highlight reel go viral when she was just 9 years old. In January, Gordon earned the inaugural Game Changer Award at the NFL Honors program at the Super Bowl.