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IRON RIVER -- Most Lions fans remember retired defensive lineman Luther Elliss for his punishing style.  But Thursday, students at Stambaugh Elementary School in Iron River saw a different side of the former Lions player.

Elliss was at the school to reward students for their work with the NFL and the National Dairy Council's Fuel Up to Play 60 program.  Play 60 is an initiative to get kids exercising 60 minutes per day, everyday.

Students created a video showing them exercising and eating nutritiously that was selected as the best in the state.

"We exercised in the gym, we brought the camera outside and we played football," said fourth grader Caleb Johnson, who helped put together the video.

Elliss said the student involvement is what makes this program unique.

"One of the main reasons I got involved is because it's a student-led initiative which means the kids take charge and have ownership of it,” said Elliss.  “Yeah, they have a sponsorship, a teacher or coach, but it's truly driven by the students."

However, everyone in attendance aren’t Lions fans.

"I'm really more of a Packers' fan, but it's just so amazing."

They were all impressed and school officials said this is just the icing on the cake.

"It's all bonus, but it boils down to:  did they learn something about healthy eating and healthy choices?” said West Iron County School Superintendent Chris Thomson.  “We're only engraining that by giving them the opportunity to have a day like this."

Stambaugh Elementary School has been implementing the Play 60 program for the last two years, but after Thursday’s event, school officials expect it to sky rocket.