KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Every time the Vols score a receiving touchdown for the rest of the football season, a nonprofit said they would donate three automated external defibrillator devices to youth sports programs.
The Peyton Walker Foundation announced the initiative on Thursday. AEDs are life-saving devices used to restore heart rhythms to normal, helping people who experience cardiac arrest. Vols wide receiver Bry McCoy started the initiative before the season started, but he suffered a season-ending injury in late September.
McCoy started working with the nonprofit to deliver AED devices in late October. With help from the foundation, he created the Huddle for Hearts program to facilitate the donations.
"I'm excited to announce the continuation of my 'Touchdowns for AEDs' campaign with Huddle for Hearts. It's imperative that AEDs and CPR training are provided for youth sports, not just in Knoxville but everywhere," he said in a statement.
The foundation said sudden cardiac arrest is the top killer of student-athletes across the U.S.
The Vols will play against the Connecticut Huskies on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. before the Vols travel to play against Missouri on Nov. 11.