By Wil Acosta
NFL Player Engagement
The recent Super Bowl XLIX High School and Collegiate Coaches Forum at Arizona State University was host to more than 100 high school and college athletic administrators and football coaches from across Arizona. The National Football League was thrilled to host this forum and collaborate with Jean Boyd (Arizona State University, Senior Associate Athletic Director), Debbie Weir (Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD), CEO), local Arizona Law Enforcement, and several former players. During the forum, the NFL spoke with attendees about what they felt were the hottest topics. We also shared best practices and resources related to teaching professionalism, leadership, and character.
Here’s some of what was discussed:
“What you are today, is what you will be tomorrow.” This statement resonates strong with Charles Way (Vice President, NFL Player Engagement) for a number of reasons. The next generation of athletes are questioning “why do we have to go through this training that is not related to the game?” This mindset leads the NFL to believe that they need to create a focus on doing a better job of measuring our engagement, programs, and approach with coaches and administrators who are touching the lives of these young athletes.
We heard about the formula of change from Joe Ehrmann (Player/Coach in the NFL) “Change = Discontent x Vision x First Steps > Resistance.” Joe challenged the attendees to think about “What is the preferred future of sports and coaching worth creating?” Joe embarked on why coaches and administrators need to focus on rewiring the self-confidence of our players. While Joe streamlined our mission and vision as coaches and mentors, he left the attendees with a long-term strategy and generated innovative discussions and solutions.
The attendees were truly excited and took away such great and practical lessons to implement immediately. It’s the spirit of these forums and the opportunity to continue to work with coaches and administrators that expand our knowledge on how to further help our student-athletes.
The NFL has so many opportunities to create positive experiences for you to connect in person or online. If you have any questions regarding the forum, please feel free to reach out to our NFL Prep mailbox SBXLIXPREPForum@NFL.com for more information.
To watch a web stream of the Super Bowl XLIX High School and Collegiate Coaches Forum, click here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/58056948.