Brad Childress has been selected as head coach of the West Team for the 2012 East-West Shrine Game®

Childress graduated from Eastern Illinois University after playing quarterback and wide receiver at the University of Illinois. He is one of three Eastern Illinois University alums who are head coaches in the NFL, along with Sean Payton and Mike Shanahan.

With an extensive background in college and professional football, Childress served 21 years at a variety of coaching positions at the University of Illinois, Northern Arizona University, University of Utah and University of Wisconsin along with 13 years in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings. Under Childress’ leadership his teams won one Big Ten championship, two Big Ten co-championships, NFC North title, four NFC championship appearances and a Super Bowl appearance.

The East-West Shrine Game is the longest-running college all-star football game in the country and features some of the highest-rated players in the projected NFL draft ranking. While the teams are divided by East and West, the players come together for the beneficiary of the event, Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“This is a great opportunity to give back and provide joy to the children at Shriners Hospital for Children,” said Childress. “Helping our next generation both on and off the field is a cause that is very dear to me.”

Bobby Ross has been selected as head coach of the East Team for the 2012 East-West Shrine Game®

Ross received a degree in English and history from Virginia Military Institute where he started at quarterback and defensive back for two seasons and served as captain of the football team as a senior. Following a tour of duty in the United States Army, Ross found work coaching high school football at Colonial Heights High School and at his own alma mater, Benedictine, both located near Richmond, VA.

With an extensive background in college and professional football, he served 26 years as coach and assistant coach at the Virginia Military Institute, William & Mary, Rice, Maryland, The Citadel, Georgia Tech and Army along with 11 years in the NFL as coach and assistant for the Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions. Under Ross’ leadership he has taken his teams to win four ACC Championships, one National Championship title, two NFL division titles and made the playoffs three times.

The East-West Shrine Game is the longest-running college all-star football game in the country and features some of the highest-rated players in the projected NFL draft ranking. While the teams are divided by East and West, the players come together for the beneficiary of the event, Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“Words cannot describe the feeling you get from bringing so much joy into these children’s lives,” said Ross, who also coached the game in 2008 and is proud to support Shriners Hospitals for Children for a second time. “I’m so proud to be back coaching the East-West Shrine Game and helping raise money for a special cause.“