HGTVPro.com Announces NFL MVP Shaun Alexander as Virtual Host of Builders Football League's Fourth Season

Business Wire, August 26, 2008

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is playing a new position this football season: rookie virtual host of HGTVPro.com's annual Builders Football League (BFL). The league is an online, weekly pro football pick-and-win contest for contractors, remodelers, and home improvement enthusiasts. Throughout the season, players predict the winning teams from the Sunday and Monday night pro football match-ups. Weekly winners will receive a $100 Circuit City gift card, and the player with the most points at the end of the season wins the grand prize - a Samsung 50" HDTV (approximate retail value = $1,199.99).

"I'm excited to join the home pros at HGTVPro in their popular Builders Football League," Alexander said. "This Web site is a great resource for professional and armchair builders alike, and the BFL is a fun way for both to build team spirit and heat up competitive juices."

Online at the "BFL big screen," fans can watch exclusive interviews with Alexander, who is the Seahawks all-time leading rusher and was the NFL's MVP in 2005. Videos include candid commentary on his favorite football moments, his memories playing college ball at the University of Alabama, and even his passion for environmentally friendly building. "I've always been interested in home improvement and green construction, so hopefully I'll learn a few things through this connection to the guys at HGTVPro!" he added.

There are a few new elements to league play this year:

* players can earn bonus points by viewing best practice videos on HGTVPro.com and then correctly answering questions related to the video topics

* one player will be chosen in a weekly random drawing to receive a $100 Circuit City gift card (regardless of points standings, everyone who makes picks has an equal chance to win these prizes)

* after the regular season, players can continue in a bracket-structured playoff, allowing them to extend their season right up to the big game in February

Starting Aug. 18, anyone can sign up to play at http://propicks.hgtvpro.com. Players can join building trade divisions including electricians, plumbers, and landscapers, among other professional trades. These leagues create a competitive and fun environment, and add an additional element of pride and teamwork. Players can even create their own leagues and compete against friends, family and co-workers.

During the 2007 BFL season, HGTVPro.com experienced more than 4 million total page views and the league boasted more than 55,000 registered players. In addition to Shaun Alexander, HGTVPro partnered with Pro Ventures and CAA on this project.

About HGTVPro.com

HGTVPro.com was launched in January 2005 as an extension of the HGTV network. It was targeted to an audience of professional builders and contractors. The content of the informational, online network was developed with professional builders, remodelers and contractors in mind. The Web site includes professional-grade best practices, the latest building industry news and indexes, new product information and an insider's perspective on trends in the industry. The majority of the information is delivered in both video and downloadable print formats, making it easy to understand and to use.