By Karina Knighten
NFL Player Engagement
As a part of our NFL Prep platform, Player Engagement will continue our NFL Prep NCAA Outreach seminars at NCAA institutions during the spring and summer of 2012. The program is designed to encourage the student-athlete to understand the tremendous resources and assets he has within his university, in addition to setting expectations for development and transition into the professional arena – whether that be football or another profession. The goal of the College Outreach program is to develop a better student-athlete, while at the same time introducing him to the expectations of the NFL. Topics covered include the value of earning a degree, life skills for future employment, balancing academics with athletics, relationships, the power of perception, social media, and goal setting.
Continued NCAA outreach will serve to enhance the NFL talent pool with athletes who are better prepared emotionally and professionally for life during and after sport. By the start of the 2012 NFL season, an NFL Player Engagement representative will have met with an estimated 60 schools across the country.
In addition, NFL PREP curriculums will be presented at all five of USA Football’s U.S. National Team Trials this year for U.S. Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 teams. U.S. National Team Trials provide players an opportunity to compete for a roster spot on a national team while strengthening their football skills and character development. Trials include individual position drills, one-on-one, and seven-on-seven situations. Each player receives a written evaluation by USA Football’s National Team scouts, all of whom have playing or scouting experience on the NFL or college level.
NFL PREP programs address high-school athletes and their parents in frank, open discussions. The talks are delivered by NFL Ambassadors – former NFL players who share advice through their life experiences.