FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/2/17
32 CURRENT AND FORMER NFL PLAYERS PARTICIPATED
IN BUSINESS ACADEMY FEB. 26-MAR. 2 AT
THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S ROSS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Five-day program included seminars in Business Management and Entrepreneurship,
Franchising, Real Estate and Philanthropic Management
Thirty-two current and former NFL players – including Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston,
Minnesota Vikings OT JAKE LONG, and Washington Redskins LB Terence Garvin – took part in the
second NFL Business Academy Feb. 26-Mar. 2 at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of
Business, named for Miami Dolphins Owner STEPHEN M. ROSS. Spouses and significant others also
attended as part of NFL Player Engagement’s commitment to involve players’ families in the professional
development and career transition process.
The NFL Business Academy builds upon the fundamentals of Business Management and
Entrepreneurship (BM&E), Real Estate, Franchising, and Philanthropic Management to offer a single,
comprehensive program.
During the week, participants heard from Ross faculty, successful business leaders and NFL veterans
who have transitioned to careers in the corporate world. Participants explored four concentrations –
Franchising, Real Estate and Philanthropic Management – in addition to the high-level BM&E curriculum.
“NFL players have always expressed an interest in expanding their knowledge of business practices and
philanthropy management,” said Arthur McAfee, Senior Vice President of NFL Player Engagement. “The
Business Academy at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business provides invaluable
experience and ultimately enhances the professional development of our current and former players.”
"We're excited to partner again with the NFL Player Engagement group for the Business Academy. The
players were so engaged and eager to explore the many opportunities that the business world offers,"
said Francine Lafontaine, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research and the faculty director for
the NFL Business Academy. "Whether it's franchising, philanthropic management, entrepreneurship or
real estate, this program provides them with business fundamentals that they can build on as they work
toward a successful post-playing career."
NFL Player Engagement worked with Michigan Ross to design the customized program. The curriculum
is based on a proven pedagogy that mixes lecture, group discussion, practitioner presentations and visits
to the field, with an action-based project where participants will apply their learnings with group business
presentations.
The following players participated in this year’s Business Academy:
Vince Agnew
David Baas
Jayson Bromley
Levi J Brown
Reggie Brown
Desmond Bryant
Brandon Flowers
Terence Garvin
Jabari Greer
Tyjuan Hagler
Joe Hawley
John Hughes
Kerry Jenkins
Julian Johnson
Taiwan Jones
Akeem King
Matthew Kranchick
Jake Long
Ron Mabra
Curtis Maggitt
Alexander Marpet
Clinton McDonald
Joshua McNary
Orlando Pace
Michael Patrick Burton
Kenneth Rashaun Draughn
Joseph Reitz
Kendall Reyes
Devin Street
Zack Sudfeld
Nicholas Williams
Jameis Winston
About NFL Player Engagement
NFL Player Engagement assists players in reaching their highest potential on and off-the-field
with guidance, support, and resources provided before, during, and after their NFL experiences.
NFL Player Engagement works with three core audiences: Prep, Life, and Next. NFL Life
(current players) and NFL Next (former players) reach more than 2,000 NFL players and
spouses each year through a variety of programs and services focused on career development,
financial and continuing education, as well as personal, psychological, and physical wellness.
NFL Prep provides high-school and college student-athletes of all sports with tools to help them
succeed in life, focused on awareness, prevention, and education. More information can be
found at www.nflplayerengagement.com.
About Michigan Ross
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a vibrant and
distinctive learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary
vehicle for positive change in today's dynamic global economy. The Ross School of Business’
mission is to develop leaders who make a positive difference in the world. Through thought and
action, members of the Ross community drive change and innovation that improves business
and society.
Ross is consistently ranked among the world's leading business schools. Academic degree
programs include the BBA, MBA, Part-time MBA (Evening and Weekend formats), Executive
MBA, Global MBA, Master of Accounting, Master of Supply Chain Management, Master of
Management, and PhD. In addition, the school delivers open-enrollment and custom executive
education programs targeting general management, leadership development, and strategic
human resource management.
Media Contacts:
Taylor Kielpinski-Rogers, NFL, (212) 450-2683 / [email protected]
Brittany Smith, Ross School of Business, (734) 764-3022 / [email protected]