For the second consecutive year, the NFL will recognize the contributions of Hispanic leaders in each of the 32 NFL markets at the second annual NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards. Each award recipient will be recognized in-stadium at a Hispanic Heritage game in their local market. 

One award recipient will be selected from the 32 by the NFL and HHF to be recognized during the HHF's 26th Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. 

"Together with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, we are proud to continue the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership awards after a successful inaugural year in 2011," said Peter O'Reilly, NFL vice president of fan strategy and marketing."We are excited to recognize individuals across all 32 team markets that make a difference in their local Hispanic community." 

The Hispanic Heritage Awards were created by the White House to honor notable Latinos who have distinguished themselves in various fields and made an impact on America and globally. The awards are considered the highest honor by Hispanics for Hispanics in America and serve to kick off HHF's year-round leadership programs, which are focused on youth leadership to meet America's priorities. 

Each of the 32 award recipients will select an organization of their choice that serves the local Hispanic community to receive a $3,000 donation. 

 "We are thrilled to partner with the NFL to honor Hispanic leaders who are making an impact on communities all over America," said Jose Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of HHF.  "It is important to highlight their leadership not only in the traditional Latino regions but in recently-growing areas as well.  The NFL made sure that beyond the recognition there was an investment in the community their donations to nonprofits. There is no better way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month than to make a difference in the Latino community."

On Sept. 25, the Atlanta Falcons will host an Atlanta Falcons First Down for Fitness presented by Kimberly-Clark visit at Berkmar Middle School in Lilburn with 6th and 7th grade students participating in a Gatorade Junior Training Camp alongside Atlanta Falcons players and cheerleaders. On September 30, the Atlanta Falcons Fitness Flag Crew will be comprised of students from Lake Forest Elementary School. In addition, the Atlanta Falcons will recognize Luis Aguilar, Commissioner at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. Finally, on October 2, members from 15 different Metro Atlanta Boys & Girls Clubs will compete in an annual salsa-tasting event. Made by members of each club, many of the salsa dishes include vegetables grown in their very own community gardens. Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders will serve as guest judges. Participants will get the chance to learn salsa dancing from professional dancers at the event.

The Buffalo Bills will honor Dr. Francisco M. Vasquez, President and CEO of Child and Family Services, with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award at their game on September 30. 

The Detroit Lions will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on September 30. The Lions will honor Angela Reyes, Executive Director of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award at the game.

The Green Bay Packers will honor Dr. Enrique E. Figueroa, Associate Professor & Director of the Roberto Hernández Center, with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award at their game on September 30.

The 2012 Houston Texans Hispanic Heritage Day presented by XFINITY on September 30 will be headlined by The Voice 2011 finalist Vicci Martinez, who will perform the national anthem

The Kansas City Chiefs will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at their game on September 30. In stadium, the Chiefs will feature game highlights with play-by-play calls from its Spanish-language radio partner, La GranD. Additionally, they will create a customized video on the Hispanic radio partnership on kcchiefs.com. The Chiefs will honor Ramón Murguía, owner of Murguía Law, with the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award at the game.

The New York Jets are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at their game on September 30 presented by JetBlue Airways. El Diario, ESPN Deportes along with JetBlue support Jets Hispanic initiatives with a variety of cultural entertainment and activities that reflect the vibrant diversity of New York's Latino population. 

Former Buccaneers kicker Martin Gramatica will be featured during the pregame and the Buccaneers"team anthem" will be played in Spanish.