The NFLPE Spotlight feature is: Rob Davis, Director of Player Engagement, Green Bay Packers.
This month’s NFLPE Spotlight feature is Green Bay Packers Director of Player Engagement Rob Davis. Davis is in his fifth season with the Green Bay Packers as the team’s Director of Player Engagement. He is also a 12-year NFL Veteran playing 11 seasons as the Packers long snapper and one season with the Bears.
Davis is very familiar with hard work, determination and making the most of his opportunities, as he worked three years to earn a job in the NFL. After going through several training camps with multiple teams and getting cut, Davis finally found a landing spot with the Bears for a full season in 1996. The following season Davis signed with the Packers; where he would go on to start 167 straight games which is the third longest streak in team history.
From his past experiences Davis is well equipped to guide and mentor the players that come through the Packers organization. He oversees a wide range of programs to meet the needs of players and their families. Through his support, current and former players are actively pursuing continuing education opportunities, career development programs, and career transition programs. Davis was kind enough to share with NFLPE the details of his job and provide insight on the increasing role of Player Engagement/Development Directors in sport.
PE: What are some of your core responsibilities in Player Engagement/Development?
Davis: My core responsibilities vary from one day to the next. It all starts with trying to build a solid foundation when new players are brought in either through draft or free agency. The goal is to continuously educate them on various topics; how to be a “Pro”, the coach’s philosophy, the culture of the organization and what their responsibility should be within the culture, skills for preparing for life after football, and ultimately how to maximize their NFL experience and everything in between.
PE: What skills and/or knowledge must you obtain in order to be successful in this role?
Davis: I think the most important skill is that you care. Players don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. I think a good PED should have a vast knowledge of the organization, NFL programs, club city, extensive resources within the community, and the ability to earn the players trust. There also needs to be an understanding with the head coach and the organization….that trust in the locker room is the most important aspect of our job and if that is jeopardized it’s possible we won’t be as effective as possible.
PE: How do you develop trust and credibility in the locker room?
Davis: Knowledge, consistency, and honesty. Just being a good reliable resource for the players. Players can respect that you are trying to do the best job to help them maneuver through their careers. That isn’t always easy for them to recognize this because I am considered part of the organization. Maybe I’m bias, but I think the PED’s should be the most informative relationship a player should establish during their NFL experience. That would include agents too. I am a resource for success and I hope they use me to their advantage. I really want to help make a difference in their lives. And ultimately help them leave better prepared for life after football than before they arrived in the NFL.
PE: What will your legacy be at the club you work for?
Davis: I hope to leave a legacy of a guy that was energetic, professional and always a team player. That I’ve never asked for the credit and never needed the credit.
My mentor told me only two things mattered when he retired from his job after 35 years, “Was I appreciated, and did I do a good job”? If I can accomplish that, I feel that will be a good legacy to leave.
PE: Where do you see the field of Player Development/Engagement 5 years from now?
Davis: I have seen tremendous growth in the field over the last 18 years. In 5 years, I clearly expect for us to be a stronger, smarter department with the knowledge and confidence to engage players, and more importantly the players have a greater buy in because of the engagement of the PED’s.
PE: How do you ensure that you’re continuing to develop professionally?
Davis: I’m not sure what the “shelf life” is in Player Engagement. I do think we should all be continuous learners throughout our professional careers. I’m currently in a master’s program at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and will graduate this summer and start a doctoral program soon after. That coupled with my soon to be 18 plus years of NFL service should continue to provide me with many opportunities down the road. Also seeking opportunities for growth throughout the organization is another way I’ve chosen to develop professionally.
PE: Are there any particular programs, initiatives or ‘Best Practices’ that you care to share?
Davis: Continue to believe in the power of orientating the players. New players really need to know the real deal of the NFL, not just what you can materially do with the money. There is so much power in communication that if done properly you can get man to do things he didn’t know was possible. Keep teaching and preaching is what I say.
PE: What are some of the challenges players face today that may not have existed in the past?
Davis: The number one challenge a player face today is not knowing and believing that the game will end and they have to get ready for life after football. That is where player engagement can really help a player. Studies have shown that transition can be extremely difficult even if you are “prepared”. Some societal challenges and issues have always existed in sports just as they have in life. With the popularity growth of the sport, social media and more exposure, players need to be extremely careful with the decisions they make off the field.
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