An Inside Look to the NFL Experience
This past week, I had the honor of attending a conference hosted by the Sports Management Worldwide Company at the NFL Combine! The NFL Combine is where the elite college talent showcases their skills before the NFL draft. During this time, athletes compete in various competitions, as well as interview with coaches and managers. This is the most important step for any college athlete if they want to be a part of the National Football League, and I had the privilege of seeing it firsthand.
Looking back, the NFL Combine has always been a major discussion between my friends and I as we watched our favorite college athletes chase their dreams of being pros. I remember watching Quarterback Dak Prescott in 2016 and could never have imagined the career he has made for himself on my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. As someone who wants to enter the sports media industry, this conference offered me a perfect opportunity to connect with various organizations, as well as experience something unforgettable.
On Thursday, Feb. 26, I arrived in Indianapolis early in the morning. Immediately I was brought to the hotel in which the conference was being held, the JW Marriott. I entered the lobby and in front of me stood the future of the NFL. I went to the second floor where I spotted players, agents, scouts, managers and coaches from a variety of pro teams. At that moment, I was speechless seeing all my idols standing in front of me. I knew that my goal there was to learn what it meant to be a part of this organization and the industry. I quickly networked with various assistant coaches and agents. When I looked out the window, to my surprise I saw Ian Rapoport walking into the JW Marriott.
Rapoport is a pillar in the sports media industry as a sports reporter and commentator for ESPN. I have idolized him for years, and now he stood less than 10 feet away. I had the opportunity to quickly speak with him, and he offered kind words and wisdom that I hope can aid me in my future endeavors. Before leaving for the Combine, I ran into Sean Stellato, a famous NFL agent for players such as quarterback Tommy Devito. Stellato has become famous for his iconic Italian look and media presence. He asked to network with me and I hope he will help guide me in the next steps of my career.
After speaking with several others, I headed to Lucas Oil Stadium. Lucas Oil Stadium has been home of the Indianapolis Colts since 2005. The Colts have hosted the NFL Combine since 1987, and have hopes of renewing their contract in 2028. I entered the stadium and participated in the various activities and events that the Combine had to offer. Part of that included seeing the Vince Lombardi Trophy — the end goal for every NFL player — the Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl rings from each championship. The history surrounding the stadium was rich and I was overwhelmed at times. After roaming, I entered the field where the Combine was taking place.
The first group to go through the various exercises was the defensive line unit. The first challenge is the 40 yard dash, where players try to compete for their fastest time. Although these lineman appear to be larger than life, they were surprisingly quick on their feet. They continued to compete in various drills, physical exercises such as the vertical and broad jumps, before concluding their day. Those who finish their physical tests will continue to meet with interested teams, as well as conduct media interviews. After the weekend concludes, most will return to their respective universities to put on one last display of their physical dominance.
After the defensive linemen completed their drills, the linebackers were introduced. Although they are not as big as the linemen, make no mistake that their strength is almost unmatched and their speed makes each player stand out. One player that stood out in the linebacker unit is Ohio State Buckeye Sonny Styles. Styles was already classified as a high draft pick, but after an impressive display, Styles has boosted his draft stock immensely and will without doubt be a first round selection. After the completion of day one at the NFL Combine, I attended a social event hosted by SMWW before returning to my hotel for the afternoon.
Friday, Feb. 27 was the day of the conference hosted by Sports Management World Wide. At this conference, attendees have the opportunity to learn from leaders in the industry. The event started early; all participants and attendees had to arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. We heard from various speakers who shared their years of experience and spent time answering questions from the crowd. The first speaker was assistant general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, Nolan Teasley. Teasley was able to give us insight to the day-to-day operations of an NFL front office, and broke down the necessary steps that the Seahawks took that led to their second Super Bowl Championship.
As we continued through the conference, anticipation for the keynote speaker, Adam Schefter. Schefter is arguably the top sports writer and reporter in the world. He is famous for his insider information and being first to report the biggest news in sports. Schefter entered the room, and standing before me was my idol. The crowd erupted with applause as we welcomed him. Schefter talked about background and how he has been blessed with the opportunities that he has been given. Finally, Schefter was ready to answer questions from the crowd. I jumped out of my seat and bolted to the microphone. As I inched closer to the front of the line, my heart began to race. I was going to have a conversation with my hero in the industry, even if it was just for a moment.
I walked up to the mic, and after introducing myself I asked him a very simple question: “As someone who works in a similar industry as myself, what is some additional advice you could give me, and what should be my next steps in my career?” Schefter was impressed with the work I have accomplished in my young career; he told me that I had a good start, but needed to continue putting in the hours, seizing opportunity after opportunity and be ready for my moment. It was amazing to hear my hero compliment me and encourage me as I pursue my dreams. The shock finally wore off as I went back to my seat, Schefter departed moments later and we continued with the conference.
After lunch, the second half of the conference began. We continued to hear from various speakers such as Brian Baldinger, former NFL player and current analyst, as well as Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, the founder of SMWW. The conference ended, and all of the people who attended the conference went to the happy hour where we continued to network. After meeting and networking with people, I went back to my hotel room and prepared for the next day.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, I spent my entire day inside the NFL Combine, watching the quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs. This was the biggest day of the Combine; the stadium was packed, the energy was through the roof and I was able to attend the entire event. I arrived around 11:00 a.m. and was able to walk around, revisit the trophy room and find a seat directly behind the Dallas Cowboys scouting booth. As the night concluded around 8:00 p.m., most of the spectators had left the event, and I was able to get a front row seat to end the day.
I sat directly behind two NFL analysts, Charles Davis and Ian Rapoport. Although I had met Rapoport previously, I wanted to leave a memorable impression. I ripped out a piece of paper and wrote “I want to work for you” and held it up for them to see. Charles Davis spotted the sign and laughed. Davis and Rapoport walked over and started talking to me. I told them my story and what I have accomplished in my young career. They were both very impressed with where I was at such a young age. Davis ended up asking for the piece of paper, and both himself and Rapoport signed it. After thanking them for their time, advice and signatures, Davis left me with words that will stick with me: “maybe one day you and I will be working together.” The idea that Davis believed that I could achieve such success in my career has become a huge motivator.
I returned to my hotel and prepared to leave the next day. Looking back, the opportunity to attend this conference and the Combine was a true blessing. The history of the NFL is rich and continues to grow every day. Being able to see it firsthand, and one day potentially be a part of it, is truly amazing!