• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

NFL Athletes Gain Valuable Experience Through NFLPA Career Development Programs

  • The NFLPA prepares players for life after football through work opportunities with a number of organizations.
  • Interested organizations can apply now to be considered for inclusion in the NFLPA’s Career Development Programs.

For some professional athletes, transitioning to life after their playing career can be difficult. 

Since 2014, the NFLPA has offered current NFL players the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with organizations like Fanatics, Fox Sports, The Players’ Tribune, United Way, and more through their career development programs. Partners offer a variety of opportunities from initial informational interviews to job shadows to the NFLPA Externship. Program options also include job fairs, fellowships and internships for transitioning and former players.  

“We want to set these up so that they are mutually beneficial exchanges,” Connor Ford, Player Manager at the NFLPA, told Front Office Sports. “It’s not just about players getting some experience in a certain industry. These men are highly talented, highly disciplined, have great ideas, and their work ethic is unparalleled. All those intangible, foundational skills are what employers will be looking for in new hires. On the other side, partners breathe life into new career options for these athletes.”

Recent notable experiences include Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Josh Dobbs, who earned a degree in aerospace engineering at Tennessee, completing an externship with NASA working at the Kennedy Space Center. New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis completed a few rounds of the program with United Way, contributing to their Character Playbook platform and overall athlete engagement. 

Dobbs, along with several other former externs, also spent time working with Fanatics to gain insight into how the apparel brand operates. Fanatics HR Manager Teige Horrigan commented on his experience supporting the program. 

“This program provides Fanatics with the opportunity to align players’ interests with their areas of expertise,” Horrigan said. “Over the past several years Fanatics has gone on to hire six former externs. “Many of their skills on the field transition extremely well to the corporate world. We’re always on the lookout to find the best match for everyone involved.”

Over the last six years, the NFLPA Externship specifically has helped 243 NFL athletes connect with 56 different organizations to develop off the field. The programs continue to grow each year as more players are focused on life outside of their sport and more organizations realize the value NFL athletes bring to the table. 

“Bringing in candidates who have demonstrated the ability to reach the top level of their sport carry with them numerous transferable skills that would make them successful in a lot of different areas of the professional world,” Ford said. “To have partners buy-in to provide space for them to realize those skills, put them to work, and set themselves up for future opportunities is a really exciting thing that again can lead to a win on both sides.”

Interested organizations can apply now to be considered for inclusion in the NFLPA’s Career Development Programs. To be considered for inclusion in the 2021 NFLPA Externship specifically, applications must be submitted by July 31st.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tush Push

Why Fox’s Dean Blandino Is ‘Done’ With the Tush Push

The NFL rules analyst outlines why the play should be banned.

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.

Netflix Boxing Ratings Spark New Fight Over Streaming Metrics

The streamer used a non-accredited process to measure the boxing match.
Donald Trump
exclusive

Trump’s Unprecedented Super Bowl Visit Cost Secret Service More Than $120K

Trump was the first president to attend the Super Bowl.

Featured Today

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
Kawhi Leonard

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
Joe Burrow
September 15, 2025

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.