NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
28 June 2002

MINNESOTA VIKINGS STAR ROBERT TATE ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF NAT. ALLIANCE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ATHLETES

Harrisburg, PA — Harrisburg native and Minnesota Vikings star cornerback Robert Tate has been selected chairman of the Athletes Advisory Committee for the National Alliance of African American Athletes (Alliance), Mayor Stephen R. Reed announced today during formal installation ceremonies held in the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center. The Alliance is the oldest organization of African American athletes in the country, and is dedicated to improving success rates and social responsibility for all African American athletes.

Reed said Tate, a 1993 graduate of John Harris High School who earned All America honors at running back, will now replace Rev. Reggie White as head of the Alliance’s Advisory Committee, which also includes such notable professional athletes as Warren Moon, Greg Lloyd, Charlie Ward and Royce Clayton.

Tate, who became the highest drafted player from the University of Cincinnati to be selected by the NFL since Jim O’Brien in 1970, was a 1997 draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings, making the difficult switch from offensive running back to defensive cornerback. Tate has displayed wide ranging skills and adaptability throughout his football career, distinguishing himself as a running back, wide receiver, kick-off and punt returner, special teams stand-out and defensive cornerback, where he regularly plays now. He started in 22 games over the past two seasons under former Viking’s Coach and fellow Harrisburg-native Denny Green.

The Mayor said Tate was well-remembered from his days in Harrisburg, where the multidimensional athlete played a variety of high school sports and quickly distinguished himself with his athletic prowess, mature conduct, and civic contributions. Nicknamed ‘Mr. Harrisburg’ during his high school days, Tate became the first player in Harrisburg High School history to letter in four separate sports, while often helping mentor younger athletes in the district.

“Robert Tate represents the highest ideals of a professional athlete and of citizenship,” said Mayor Reed. “His dedication, effort, sacrifice and strong commitment to the concept of team, make him an inspirational role model for all citizens, and not just athletes. With his installation as Chairman of the National Alliance of African American Athletes Advisory Committee, Robert Tate assumes a primary national role in helping create opportunities for African American athletes, and ensuring their success in any of life’s pursuits.”

“Robert Tate’s life has been one of excellence both on and off the fields and courts of play, and he has earned our sincere respect and appreciation,” Reed noted in congratulating the legendary athlete.

The 28 year-old Tate will now lead the Alliance and its many-faceted efforts to improve the professional and private lives of African American athletes. The Alliance is the largest group of black athletes working together in the nation and annually conducts an array of programs and activities around the country, including S.A.T. training sessions, a national conference for and about African American athletes, and a national grass-roots empowerment day. One of the annual highlights of the organization is its presentation of the prestigious Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Trophy, which is presented to the nation’s premier African American high school athlete and has become the high school equivalent of the collegiate-level Heisman Trophy.

In accepting the award, Tate noted that he is “humbled by the responsibility that lies before him: “I was fortunate to have some very important and strong role models during my most formative years here in Harrisburg, and I have no doubt that without the careful guidance and support of such people as my parents, teachers, coaches and so many other adults, I may not have had the success in life that I have so far been blessed by God to enjoy.

“It is important that every African American athlete who has achieved some level of success in this nation give back to those who follow them. The young athletes who are coming up behind us need someone with experience to help guide them through the many challenges they will face, not only in sport, but more importantly in life. We need to give back some of what has been given to us, and today I am proud to commit myself to doing just that.”

Tate has been very active in community affairs since joining the Vikings in 1997, often volunteering for children’s hospital visits and fundraising events in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota. Earlier today he also hosted the inaugural Robert Tate Celebrity Golf Tournament in Harrisburg, which raises funds for a variety of civic and charitable endeavors.

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