By Jim Gehman, Player Engagement Insider
During his first two seasons, Green Bay Packers’ reserve linebacker and special teams standout Jayrone Elliott, an undrafted free agent in 2014 out of the University of Toledo, has shown signs of having a brilliant future on the gridiron. This offseason he has taken steps to try to ensure that his future after he leaves the game will be equally as brilliant.
Participating in the NFLPA’s (NFL Players Association) Externship program, Elliott spent three weeks in February gaining experience and learning about the business side of college athletics at Arizona State University.
“It was an opportunity to further my education and do it at a great place like Arizona State,” Elliott said. “It’s a whole different environment being from Cleveland and going to Toledo. It was an opportunity to learn.”
One thing Elliott discovered was that at first, second and maybe even third glance, Arizona State and his alma mater, the University of Toledo, are far more apart than the 1,821 actual miles. However, he also learned the two universities have similarities, as well.
“I would say it’s the family atmosphere that college athletics bring,” Elliott said. “It seemed like they all work hand-in-hand and communicate with one another very well.”
Elliott’s externship allowed him to work with several members of the athletic department including senior associate athletic director and former NFL running back Scottie Graham (New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals) and special projects coordinator Luke Powell.
“They’re the two guys I shadowed,” Elliott said. “They’re very involved with the different sports. Scottie’s kind of a father figure to all of the young athletes there. He guides them and talks life with them and makes sure they’re being the student-athlete that they came to Arizona State to be.
“I sat in on a ticket meeting, and just to see the complications they go through such as trying to figure out the best way to help the students enjoy the game day experience and to help the student alumni feel involved with the sports such as football (was eye opening).
“And another thing was how well the athletic director, Ray Anderson, handled everything. He doesn’t get frustrated; he doesn’t get overwhelmed with everything that’s thrown at him. He just takes it day by day and tries to get better every day.
“It was a great opportunity to meet new people and see the journey that they had to get to that point. Ray Anderson was involved with the NFL and the NFLPA, and Scottie played in the NFL and then went to the NFLPA and transitioned to college. You see that no matter how successful you are in the NFL you can still come back and contribute to some major (NCAA) DI programs.”
Elliott continued. “Whenever I do decide to hang up the cleats they can help me transition from playing ball to the real world. I’ll continue to pick their brains and try to learn more every time I get an opportunity to do so. It’s very important because you never know when your career is going to be over. It’s never too early to start planning for your next move.”