By Charles Way
Vice President, NFL Player Engagement
It’s that time of year when we are all feeling a draft.
The NFL Draft that is, and if you are in line to potentially be one of the select few that may soon have this experience of a lifetime, then now is the time to make sure you are taking this opportunity to prepare.
And if you are like the rest of us that have already experienced this special moment, then you know what an amazing feeling it is when you hear a team announce your name.
With April now upon us and the First Round taking place in just 30 days, now is the time to be getting ready and gearing up for Draft Day.
You must certainly be wondering how you should prepare both yourself and your support system.
NFL Player Engagement (NFLPE) can assist you with those answers in areas ranging from the role of family and coaches to agents and training facilities, all part of NFLPE’s mission to ensure your success.
Putting these things in place this month is your top priority since it is important to realize that you are coming into a fraternity of men that have already built an enduring legacy, but yet still allows you the space to have a positive impact by knowing where you want to take your game.
That leads to the next question to ask yourself, which is what impact will I make on the National Football League, positive or negative?
For me, the best advice I ever received when I was drafted by the New York Giants was: “Don’t let football define who you are, but instead let your character and work ethic define the type of football player you wish to become.”
This guidance resonated with me, and perhaps it will with you as well.
Since as you will soon discover, the NFL stresses certain values that were likely instituted in you at a young age that allowed you to arrive at this point. These same values, such as character and leadership, can keep you in the National Football League, but yet if not used, could result in you being unable to capitalize on this opportunity of a lifetime.
NFLPE is here to help you achieve your dream of not just being drafted or signing as an undrafted free agent, but sticking in the League starting with the day you arrive at your first team function soon after Draft Day.