By Danez Marrable Lockhart
NFL Continuing Education Consultant
“Wherever we are and whatever we are doing, it is possible to learn something that can enrich our lives and the lives of others…No one’s education is ever complete.” – Sir John Templeton
During my days of recruiting on a college campus, I would end every presentation with this quote. I am a true believer in lifelong learning. It is this belief that gives me great joy serving as the Continuing Education Consultant for the NFL. My hope is that every player will utilize the resources available through the League Office to continue to learn. To give you more incentive to continue your education, here are the top reasons to get involved with the NFL’s Continuing Education Program (CEP).
1. The Sky is the Limit: Ability to Further your Education (all the way up to Doctorate)
The CEP assists current and former NFL players with completing their undergraduate degrees, pursuing graduate and/or professional studies, and utilizing other educational opportunities to prepare for life after football. Administered by NFL Player Engagement Manager Samantha Kleinman and Continuing Education Consultant Danez Marrable Lockhart, the CEP partners with colleges and universities across the country to design personalized, detailed plans to assist players with reaching their educational goals. By working closely with academic advisors, these individualized educational plans may include opportunities to pursue coursework in a player’s franchise city, at his original institution or through distance learning via Internet-based coursework. Due to the hectic academic and NFL calendars, we recommend you express your interest as early as possible to ensure all information is obtained and steps are taken to enroll during your desired timeframe (for example, if you plan to take classes during the offseason, you should express an interest NOW! J)
2. Increase your Earning Potential
Earning a degree (bachelor’s or above) increases earning potential and provides additional employment opportunities after completing your professional playing career. There are also statistics showing that individuals who have earned at least a bachelor’s degree have longer NFL experiences. There are both tangible and intangible skills and qualities that earning a degree provides, and these are of great value to you both on and off-the-field.
3. Outstanding Resources Available Through the League Office
In addition to the support received from the talented Player Engagement staff and Continuing Education Consultant, the NFL is committed to assisting individuals with a variety of educational needs. Through a partnership with the Princeton Review, individuals and their family members have access to the following resources FREE OF CHARGE:
- Test Preparation Tutoring for Graduate School Admissions Exams (MC MCAT, LSAT, GMAT and GRE to name a few).*
- Targeted Learning assistance: improving critical reading, grammar, vocabulary and writing skills through confidential tutoring sessions (online or in-person).*
The Princeton Review partnership also offers a discount on test preparation programs and books through Random House. For more information, contact your Director of Player Engagement or the NFL Player Engagement Department at 855-4PE-2472.
* Available to all current and former players who qualify for the Tuition Assistance Benefit. Contact NFLPE to discuss availability.
Click here to read more about the resources available through The Princeton Review.
4. Ability to make your Family Proud
Remember during your college recruiting visits when they told you and your family/high school coaches that they would make sure you received a great education… some of you promised a family member you would finish your degree. Now is the time to do it! We can cater plans to your busy life and make sure you reach your goals. We encourage you to start as soon as possible. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will finish and have the opportunity to make yourself and your loved ones proud!
5. Potential Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses
In addition to potential reimbursement through the NFL’s Tuition Assistance Program for tuition and books, we can assist individuals with finding additional funding sources as needed. Individuals may be eligible for funding through the NFLPA, their home institution, or governmental sources.
To begin the process, we ask that you fill out two forms (a Prospect Interest and an Information Release Form) and leave the rest to us. Remember, the best time to start is NOW!
For additional information on the CEP or to get involved, please contact Samantha Kleinman (Samantha.Kleinman@nfl.com / 212-450-2776) or Danez Lockhart (Danez.Lockhart@nfl.com / 917-734-4757).
Click here to read why players chose to return to school during the 2013-2014 season.