NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 23, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- FieldTurf is proud to announce that Neil O'Donnell has become the new Tennessee and Kentucky representative for the industry's leading synthetic turf manufacturer.
Neil O'Donnell was born in Morristown, New Jersey, and is a former NFL quarterback who played for 14 seasons from 1990 to 2003, including an appearance in Super Bowl XXX. He started in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Tennessee Titans from 1999 to 2003. He played his college football at the University of Maryland, College Park, which has two FieldTurf surfaces on campus.
"We're thrilled to have Neil on board," said FieldTurf Tarkett CEO, John Gilman. "His lengthy experience in the NFL will serve him well as he is accustomed to many different types of playing surfaces. Neil will be a great resource for all of our potential clients because of his love for the game and willingness to better the sport of football. Neil's vision is consistent with our goal of providing the most durable and safest surfaces for athletes of all ages."
"After 14 years of playing professional football on every type of surface in every kind of weather condition, it is exciting for me to be associated with the greatest playing surface available", stated Neil O'Donnell. "FieldTurf surfaces allow the game to be decided on skill and strategy and not poor playing conditions. I have been associated with a few championship teams and FieldTurf has given me the opportunity to be with one more."
Neil O'Donnell will assist FieldTurf as a liaison to NFL teams. His affiliation will add another high profile retired NFL quarterback to the FieldTurf family. In August 2001, the NFL Quarterback Greats organization entered into a unique, multi-level relationship with FieldTurf that involved the organization making a financial investment in the world's leading manufacturer of synthetic turf. The NFL Quarterback Greats are involved in promotional and charitable activities with FieldTurf.
More than 40 major NCAA universities have FieldTurf in their stadiums, with many more utilizing it at their practice sites. Some of the universities who have FieldTurf in their football stadiums include Nebraska, Ohio State, Boston College, Rutgers, Oregon, Washington, Kansas State, Louisville, Syracuse, Texas Tech and Missouri. In addition, 21 of the National Football League's 32 teams have FieldTurf at their stadiums and/or practice complexes. Also, Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays have FieldTurf at their respective stadiums.
FieldTurf is the result of years of research, evident in the patented FieldTurf infill mix of silica sand and cryogenic rubber and patented layering process that delivers a system which emulates natural grass. Additional benefits are found in improved player safety, reduced maintenance costs and flexibility for conversion, allowing stadium managers to quickly change the field from one sport to another or to easily host a variety of sporting events, concerts and other special events on top of the FieldTurf surface.
Over the past few years, the quality and performance of FieldTurf's patented system has resulted in over 2000 installations in more than 40 countries, and has made it the first choice for top stadiums around the world. FieldTurf is a privately held company that has revolutionized the artificial turf industry with its patented products and installation technologies. FieldTurf also offers a full range of artificial grass solutions. For more information on FieldTurf, please visit www.fieldturf.com