Engagement Insider
AURORA, OH July 1, 2013 – Defining success was front and center at the annual Rookie Symposium last week as its 254 newest employees learned about life in the NFL.
Success can come in many forms, both good and bad, the rookies were told as they became empowered through riveting speakers to choose the right road.
The ramifications of choosing the wrong road was visible to them throughout the Symposium as Aaron Hernandez in handcuffs was on TV non-stop.
So to avoid that ignominious ending, NFL Player Engagement (NFLPE) never lost focus of the new employee orientation’s objective – to introduce, educate and celebrate the NFL’s next generation.
“We stayed on course in emptying our tank to teach the NFL’s newest players how to achieve the right success in our league, despite what was unfolding before our eyes with Hernandez, which ultimately turned out to be a teachable moment,” said NFLPE Senior Vice President Troy Vincent, who ushered in the Symposium with opening remarks to the Class of 2013.
Held in northern Ohio, the Symposium also included a Play 60 event at the nearby Cleveland Browns facility and concluded with a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
Additionally, the separate AFC and NFC format featured former players telling their stories, most about success and some on redemption.
Articulating their positive achievements were Patrick Kerney, Aeneas Williams, Brian Dawkins, Desmond Howard, Irving Fryar, Greg Scruggs, and Travis Daniels. Talking about their past troubles were Adam “Pacman” Jones, Maurice Clarett, and Terry “Tank” Johnson.
“Our new employees heard both sides of what to do and what not to do, and now it is up to them to take personal responsibility for their actions, both good and bad,” stated Vincent.
“We implemented our peer-to-peer model by pairing each former player with a licensed professional to teach our rookies through a series of panels and workshops.”
These presentations were built upon four core areas of focus – History, Total Wellness, the NFL Experience, and Professionalism.
Within these areas, player health & safety was paramount, with specific breakout sessions held on mental health, domestic violence, family safety, and non-discrimination, as well as performance enhancing substances, and alcohol awareness and DWI prevention.
Additionally, the curriculum, which included video as well, included meetings titled: Staying in the Game; Choices for a Successful Career; Are you Bigger than the Game?; and Your Professional Game Plan.
“As the head of Player Engagement, my responsibility is to preserve our great game and protect our brand by teaching the rookies – who are our future -- how to be professionals both on and off the field,” closed Vincent.