Medical Research Institute — MRI — Proudly Honors Pat Tillman; Sports Nutraceutical Leader to Donate Portion of All Sales to the Pat Tillman Foundation for the Next Year

Business Wire, Sept 17, 2004

SAN FRANCISCO -- Medical Research Institute (MRI), the leader in sports-related nutraceuticals, today announced its proud support for the Pat Tillman Foundation. MRI will donate a portion of all sales to the Foundation for the next year.

Pat Tillman was deeply affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks and felt the social responsibility to "pay something back." The former Arizona Cardinal gave up a lucrative NFL career in 2002 to join the Army Rangers and serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pat received the Silver Star, one of the nation's highest honors for gallantry, valor, and heroism. On April 22, 2004, Pat made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life while in combat. His family and friends have created the Pat Tillman Foundation to carry forward Tillman's legacy of inspiring and supporting others to strive for positive change in themselves and the world around them.

MRI will officially announce its sponsorship at the second weekend of the NFL's regular season games (September 19-20). According to Ed Byrd, CEO of MRI: "Many of our customers have served in the military or participate in competitive athletics. Because they relate to Pat's patriotism and heroics, and understand his sacrifices, I think they will be responsive to the Foundation's programs. At MRI, we closely identify with the Foundation's goals and aspirations of fostering better communities and wish to do our part in honoring Pat's enduring legacy."

Alex Garwood, Executive Director of the Foundation (and Tillman's brother-in-law), made the following comments: "We are extremely pleased with MRI's sponsorship of the Pat Tillman Foundation, and are confident MRI's support will help us create a positive impact in our communities. Like Pat himself, we seek to inspire people to challenge themselves and create a positive environment for themselves and those around them."

Pat Tillman will be honored throughout the football weekend of September 19th and 20th. The Arizona Cardinals will retire Pat Tillman's No. 40 jersey in the halftime ceremony of Sunday's game in Phoenix, and each player from all 32 NFL teams will wear a No. 40 decal on their helmets. The Cardinals will also wear Pat's number 40 for the entire season. For more information about these and other honors to occur during the weekend and beyond, see press release entitled, NFL & Arizona Cardinals Team with Pat Tillman Foundation to Honor Late Silver Star Recipient (http://www.azcardinals.com/news/news_details.html?iid=2161).

Viewers and readers wishing to take advantage of this opportunity to support the Foundation can learn about and purchase MRI products by visiting www.mrihq.com, or by visiting any of the 4,800 General Nutrition Centers (GNC) nationwide. Donations will automatically be made for all sales from August 1, 2004, and ending July 31, 2005.

About MRI and MRI Products

MRI is the leading provider of sports nutraceuticals for individuals in the athletic community and organizations where strength and fitness are essential. The Company extensively researches and develops innovative natural supplements with cutting-edge, controlled-released technology. The resulting products, sold nationwide through General Nutrition Center (GNC) stores and online at www.mrihq.com, include the best-selling NO2(R), widely regarded as the most significant breakthrough in sports nutrition since its creator, Ed Byrd, introduced the popular sports supplement creatine back in 1993.

About the Pat Tillman Foundation

For more information about the Pat Tillman Foundation, visit the Foundation's website at www.pattillmanfoundation.net. All inquiries should be directed to Alex Garwood, Pat Tillman Foundation, PO Box 20053, San Jose, CA 95160 or info@pattillmanfoundation.net.

Editor's note: For interviews with Alex Garwood of Pat Tillman Foundation, or Ed Byrd with MRI, please contact Joe Prewett at 415-255-0561.