(NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell with Arizona State Prep Academy football players Arturo Sosa (No. 76) and Joshua Gilbert. Photo by Jose Garcia/azpreps365.com)

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell tackled some difficult issues this season, but Thursday he took some pointers on how to really tackle with the help of Arizona high school representatives.

Goodell attended a press conference at Arizona State Prep Academy’s football field to announce a $2 million grant that the NFL Foundation and Super Bowl Host Committee provided to local community projects. During the press conference, Goodell also lauded the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s work with USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, which was launched with the NFL’s help.

The Heads Up program aims to help football become more safe with certification courses and educating folks on equipment fitting, concussion recognition and awareness, heat and hydration and heads up tackling.

Goodell thanked the AIA for its support for Heads Up Football and helping “play the game safer.” Goodell then joined an education session taught by USA Football on how to properly tackle.

Members of Arizona State Prep Academy’s football team along with USA Football coaches, including Salpointe’s Dennis Bene, and Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Patrick Peterson, Justin Bethel, and Calais Campbell of the Arizona Cardinals participated in the drill. Goodell had his hands full trying to wrap up the 6-feet-8 Campbell during a lighthearted moment.

                              (Roger Goodell particpates during a drill with Calais Campbell of the Cardinals. Photo by Jose Garcia/azpreps365.com)

Arizona State Prep’s football players also got a kick out of it, but what they learned Thursday also wasn’t a laughing matter.

“We needed it,” said Arizona State Prep player Arturo Sosa about the heads up tacking drill. “Every football team needs it. It’s beneficial.”