NFLPA Externship Marks Its Fourth Year with Expanded Program

For Immediate Release
February 13, 2017

NFLPA EXTERNSHIP MARKS ITS FOURTH YEAR WITH EXPANDED PROGRAM
A record 41 players begin three-week program at 15 companies across the country

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The fourth annual NFLPA Externship kicks off in record fashion Monday with 41 players starting positions at 15 distinguished organizations.

The program is unlike any other opportunity offered to professional athletes, as current and transitioning players seek to gain practical experience in areas they may want to pursue after football. This season saw an unprecedented 86 players apply online for a spot. After narrowing the field, each member of the 2017 NFLPA Externship class was matched with companies and industries that best fit their interests and career goals.

For three weeks during the offseason, externs will spend invaluable time with various businesses and organizations that are committed to providing insight on their respective industries, assigning real-world projects, offering feedback and providing networking opportunities.

“The Externship has become a staple program of this organization and has provided an opportunity for our members to obtain gainful experience and critical skills needed to excel during their NFL careers and beyond,” said Dana Hammonds, senior director of the NFLPA’s player affairs department. “These players are to be applauded as they have sacrificed time away from family and friends because they understand the value and concerted efforts, led by their union, to gain meaningful professional experience.”

Four new host companies joined the 2017 program, including Broward Sheriff’s Office, United Way, University of Washington athletic department and Whalerock Industries. The NFLPA is proud to welcome back the following host organizations: Capitol Hill, CSN Mid-Atlantic, ESPN 980, Events DC, Fanatics, Marriott, NFLPA, Panini, The Trust, University of Maryland athletic department and Under Armour.

Nineteen NFL teams are represented in this year’s Externship class, with the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers boasting four externs each.

“I look forward to learning and working with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and her team on Capitol Hill,” said Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Karim Barton, who is returning for his third year with the program. “There are a multitude of issues that are affecting the world today and I believe in working with Ms. Clarke, I will have better insight on how to deal, fix and heal the differences affecting this country.”

The program, run by the NFLPA Player Affairs department, is designed to assist players in realizing their potential and value beyond football. The Externship serves as one of several NFLPA post-career programs built on the theme of helping players--both active and transitioning-- find their niche and unearth more of their gifts.

At the start and conclusion of the three-week program, the NFLPA will host local externs for a day of professional development, including an address by Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and advice for successful job interviewing, building your brand and crafting résumés.

The program runs through March 3. For more information, please visit nflpa.com/active-players/externships and follow the NFLPA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Full list of 2017 NFLPA Externs and Host Companies:

*Dion Bailey will serve in the office of Congresswoman Marcia Fudge.
**Karim Barton will serve in the office of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.
***William Pericak will serve in the office of Senator Cory Gardner.

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About the NFL Players Association:

The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players, and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through 2020. Learn more at www.nflpa.com.