WebProNews

NFL Players, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association, has launched an official YouTube channel. The organization represents over 1,800 active (and retired) NFL players.

"The opportunity to circulate our unique player content through a highly trafficked channel like YouTube helps raise awareness and visibility for our players. It also provides an opportunity for partners and fans to engage our athletes on a much more personal (off-the-field) level," said Keith Gordon, Acting President, NFL Players.

The channel shows behind-the-scenes footage of NFL stars, player-generated content, and other original content. Users will be able to receive customized updates and alerts when new content is uploaded.

The NFL and social media often find themselves in the same headlines. The league of course banned any Twittering from players or coaches from during games, but is still allowing players to use Twitter on their own time. Nothing will stop Ocho Cinco.

Despite the game-time non-Twittering rule, the National Football League has been pretty cozy with social media. The NFL's on Facebook and Twitter. Social media was really pumped up by the NFL's PR department during draft time.

The NFL has also been directly involved with online video. Last month the league announced that it would show blacked out games online.