Leadership Spotlight

The National Football League (NFL) and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have entered into agreements with Wharton and Harvard Business School to provide business education to NFL players as part of an ongoing NFL-NFLPA initiative to assist players in preparing for their post-playing careers.

Officials fromWharton's recently launched Sports Business Initiative collaborated with Wharton Executive Education to develop a combination classroom and field-based workshop that focuses on personal investments and entrepreneurial opportunities for players transitioning from their football careers. As part of its custom executive education activities, Harvard Business School (HBS) has developed a customized workshop targeted to the needs of NFL players interested in owning, operating or building their own businesses. Both three-day programs began in April. The HBS program concludes with an additional three-day session in May. The Wharton program offers follow-up with a year-long support program.

"We are proud to be at the forefront of such a unique educational opportunity," said Wharton Dean Patrick Harker. "This is precisely the type of high level project we anticipated for the newly launched Wharton Sports Business Initiative." Each program is open to 35 players, with priority based on years of NFL experience and business background. Tuition for both programs will be covered by the NFL's Tuition Reimbursement Program. "This is one of many important steps that the union is taking to assist NFL players in their lives off the playing field," said Buffalo Bills cornerback Troy Vincent, who is president of the NFL Players Association.

"I know first hand how challenging it is to begin that second career. We are delighted that we are able to provide this additional assistance to players," added NFL Vice President of Player and Employee Development Mike Haynes, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who took executive education classes during his playing career.

The Wharton curriculum will focus on a broad range of business topics, including financial analysis, entrepreneurship, real estate development, stock market investing, negotiation skills, risk management, and community reinvestment. Knowledge@Wharton will provide content for the participants as well. Following the coursework, faculty will visit players to provide advice, counseling, and additional business and personal planning tactics.