"The ability to expose our entire rookie class, regardless of whether you were drafted or not, to this program will increase the chances of a smooth and successful entry into the NFL," said Green Bay Packers Director of Player Engagement Rob Davis. "To introduce the rookies in such a profound way to some of our former players that can serve as mentors and role models is an exciting concept."
NFL to replace its rookie symposium with team-based programs in June
Each NFL team will host its own rookie orientation in late June.
By
Jared Dubin
•
3 min read
The NFL announced on Tuesday that it is replacing the rookie symposium with rookie transition programs. Rather than the league holding one program at a central location for all drafted rookies, each of the league's 32 teams will host its own program for all drafted and undrafted rookies.
To give you a better idea of what exactly will go down in this new program, we're going to use an old tactic from elementary school and walk you through the "five W's" while providing answers from the league's press release on the matter.
1. Who:
The NFL announced Tuesday the rookie transition program, a new rookie onboarding platform hosted by each of the league's 32 clubs, expanded to all NFL rookies -- both drafted and undrafted -- and designed to provide the resources for a successful transition to the NFL.
The program replaces the centrally located rookie symposium that was open only to drafted rookies.
2. What:
Mandatory topics will include social responsibility, respect at work, mental health, character and values, and player engagement resources. Teams will cover other key topics either as part of the three-day program or prior to it, including player health and safety, a review of player policies and resources, working with the news media in the age of social media, financial education, and playing rule changes from college to the pros.
3. Where:
The new format gives clubs the opportunity to customize the orientation program to align with the history and culture of their team, including the use of former players to foster and promote mentoring relationships between incoming rookies and club legends.
4. When:
In collaboration with each club, the NFL player engagement staff will ensure uniformity in the orientation by approving the schedule for each program, which will take place from June 20-22 for NFC rookies and June 22-24 for AFC rookies.
5. Why:
"Our goal is to onboard every NFL rookie with the best resources and practices for a successful playing experience both on and off the field," said NFL Vice President of Player Engagement Charles Way. "By shifting the model to the clubs from a centrally located program exclusive to drafted rookies, we can reach all of our rookies, introduce them to resources in their community, and afford them the experience from active and former players at their club who successfully transitioned into the NFL."
"This new orientation program is a win-win because it allows us to give every rookie the benefit of resources from the league that will contribute to success both on and off the field," said Miami Dolphins Director of Player Engagement Kaleb Thornhill. "It also brings onboarding home to our club's heritage and culture, and the resources and relationships available in our community."
Given the recent fire the NFL rooke symposium came under after a video surfaced of former Vikings wide receiver and current ESPN NFL analyst Cris Carter telling rookies at the symposium to make sure they have a "fall guy" when they get in trouble, it is not all that surprising to see the league pursue a change in the way it introduces rookies to the league.
It's certainly a positive that undrafted rookies will be included in this program, though it will be interesting to watch how uniformity is ensured across 32 programs around the league so that nothing is missed.
