NFLPA Welcomes New Rookies

The four-day event is hosted by the NFL Players Association via its marketing and licensing arm NFL Players Inc. The event will also feature one of the most exciting moments for new rookies–wearing their official Nike team uniforms for the first time together during photo shoots with trading card companies Topps and Panini America.

Launched in 1994, NFLPA Rookie Premiere is the first-of-its kind event across professional sports that provides business partners with early access to many of the NFL’s most promising and marketable young stars. Each year, the NFLPA facilitates approximately 100 individual player service deals for Rookie Premiere

The event also generates numerous opportunities for current and former players.

Throughout the first major business event following the NFL Draft, players will gain information to assist in the development of their professional careers and personal brands. The union’s annual orientation also includes seminars focused on financial planning, brand building and group player rights. Among the guest speakers are former and active NFL players as well as NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith and NFL Players Inc. president Ahmad Nassar. NFLPA sponsors and licensees will also be on site to capture player content for use during the season, host retail events and engage with rookies on a personal level during networking activities.

The 2015 NFLPA Rookie Premiere partners that will be on site this year include Topps, Panini America, Nike, Fanatics, EA Sports, Fanatics Authentic, FedEx, Uber, New Era, TheraPearl, Samsung, Intel, élevée, Gatorade, Proctor & Gamble brands and Tostitos.

“NFLPA Rookie Premiere is the best opportunity for our partners to engage early on with the next wave of the NFL’s marketing stars,” says Nassar. “Beyond providing a platform to learn about the business of football and benefits of their union as they game plan for their new careers, Rookie Premiere gives players a chance to showcase their personalities so that the NFLPA team can use that insight to connect the right players with the right brands to tell their story.”

Among the rookies participating this year are quarterback Jameis Winston (Florida State, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), quarterback Marcus Mariota (Oregon, Tennessee Titans), defensive end Leonard Williams (Southern Cal, New York Jets), wide receiver Amari Cooper (Alabama, Oakland Raiders), running back Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin, San Diego Chargers), running back Todd Gurley (Georgia, St. Louis Rams), wide receiver DeVante Parker (Louisville, Miami Dolphins) and wide receiver Kevin White (West Virginia, Chicago Bears).