NFLPA Trains for Brand Development Program

The NFL Players Association has partnered with Brandgenuity and Outerstuff to create a new program that aims to help NFL players gain international work experience in corporate environments across multiple categories, including licensing and brand development.

Called the NFLPA Global Job Shadow: The UK Experience, the program is open to both current and former players. Along with Brandgenuity and Outerstuff, LinkedIn, Bravado and NFL U.K. will serve as host companies for athletes looking to gain insight into sports licensing and business development in Europe.

“We are delighted to sponsor the NFLPA’s first-ever international externship program,” says Teri Niadna, managing director, Brandgenuity Europe. “There will increasingly be a need for industry experts and ambassadors as American football grows around the world, and NFL athletes will have a significant role to play as we gain momentum in Europe.”

The experience is designed to immerse players in business culture, providing an understanding of general relationship management as well as the metrics of success when overseeing product listings. Taking place in London, participants will shadow employees, attend retailer meetings and learn from employees of the various host companies as part of their introduction to European sports licensing.

NFLPA held a similar informational event for rookies in 2016.