Former collegiate and professional football players have a unique understanding of the characteristics shared by athletes who succeed in the sport. They often have an ideal skill set for evaluating future players for college and NFL programs.
Bill Nunn
The Nunn- Wooten Scouting Fellowship created by the NFL in January 2015, is designed to educate former players interested in a career in professional scouting. The program will give participants hands-on experience as full-time members of an NFL scouting staff, shadowing NFL scouts during a season-long internship that develops their ability to spot talent.
The fellowship, named in honor of Bill Nunn, longtime personnel director for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and John Wooten, a former NFL player and front office executive, is part of the NFL’s Football Development program under NFL Football Operations.
"The Nunn-Wooten Scouting Program offers a unique opportunity for our former player to learn more about this important profession. Scouting is a critical function for all NFL teams. Identifying talent and building rosters strategically are keys to every team's success." - Troy Vincent Sr. - NFL's Executive Vice President of Football Operations
To support and guide the program, the NFL has formed an advisory council of front office and player personnel staff from across the league. On the council are:
John Wooten
Jeff Foster, president, National Football Scouting
Rod Graves, Senior Vice President of Football Administration & Club Services, NFL League Office
Terry McDonough, Vice President of Player Personnel, Arizona Cardinals
Kyle O’Brien, Director of College Scouting, Jacksonville Jaguars
Shelton Quarles, Director of Football Operations, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Nunn-Wooten NFL Scouting Fellowship is a season-long career internship program for former NFL players who are interested in a pro football scouting career. Selected fellows serve as full-time members of an NFL team’s scouting staff, learning what is required of an NFL scout and how players are identified and evaluated.
Time of Position: August – February (Applications for this program are rolling, but must be received by May 1, 2017 to be considered for that year’s program)
NFL Contact: Austin Moss (Austin.Moss@NFL.com)
Paid: Varies by team
Click here to apply to Nunn-Wooten Scouting Fellowship