Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Recently drafted players like Chiefs DT Glenn Dorsey, Jets DE Vernon Gholston, Rams DE Chris Long, Miami T Jake Long and Falcons QB Matt Ryan will learn the importance of personal brand management as part of the new NFL Player Brand University.

In its first year, the program will consist of two brand boot camp sessions designed to teach new players the fundamentals of brand development, by combining their on-field achievements with the community and business opportunities they pursue off-the-field. The sessions, which are mandatory for rookies and open to veterans, will be held at 19 NFL team facilities throughout May and June (beginning in Chicago tomorrow).

What a great idea. The program is part of an NFL Player Development initiative to assist players in taking a proactive approach to their career development by fully utilizing club and league resources to positively position themselves in their community. That means they have a small window of tremendous opportunity and they’d better take advantage of it. According to Michael Haynes, the NFL’s Vice President of Player and Employee Development:

“NFL Player Brand University is designed to help players develop and execute a brand strategy that will help them maximize their NFL experience and enjoy a successful career within and beyond the game. Our goal is to give every player who comes through the league the ability to fully leverage this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

While learning about brand management, players will work to develop their own Brand Action Plan to define their identity and image goals based on personal preferences and interests. Then players will work with team Player Development staff throughout the season to select opportunities that help them to achieve those objectives. They will be able to use the NFL Brand Playbook throughout their first season as a reference to making wise decisions as they adjust to their new surroundings. NFL Player Brand University’s curriculum will also be included at the Rookie Symposium next month.

Source: NFL Media, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

NFL Rookies to Take Part in Player Brand U