By Angela Charlton, PhD
Manager of Player Engagement
As the 2012 – 2013 season kicks off, we are excited to begin our Professional Development Presentations. The professional development presentations are interactive presentations designed to raise players' awareness of transitional opportunities and how to achieve success in their post playing experience.
This year, I had the pleasure of visiting the United States Naval Base in San Diego with the Dallas Cowboys for their professional development presentation. The naval base provides training for the United States Navy SEALS, which are the Navy’s Sea, Air, and Land teams. This presentation was a follow-up from last year’s presentation by former Navy SEAL Clint Bruce which focused on character and being men on and off-the-field.
At the Naval Base, we had the pleasure of being addressed by the Commander who shared with us a video of the strenuous training the SEALS endure, their commitment, as well as a discussion of some of the principles he deemed important to the success of the SEALS teams. The topics included teamwork and knowing your role, having humility and what that means, overcoming adversity, leadership, being transparent, and giving and receiving critical feedback. The commander discussed how these values were relevant in football and in life. In attendance were the Dallas Cowboy’s players, coaches, trainers, and equipment personnel.
After the presentation, we were able to see first-hand some of the physically demanding training that the SEALS undergo! It was unbelievable. I am so thankful for the service that they provide to keep us safe.