On the eve of the 2012 NFL Draft, the NFL Players Association will host an event designed to introduce the rising class of NFL players to the organization that works tirelessly to protect the players’ interests.
NFLPA Rookie Debut, a private reception for draft-eligible players and their families, brings together players past, present and future to celebrate the transition from prospective to professional. It will feature at least 37 players that are likely selections in this weekend’s NFL Draft. The newcomers-in-waiting, ranging from the likes of Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden to Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright, will be in attendance at the New York City event.
At least 16 active players and 18 former NFL greats, including Ray Rice, will join to welcome future stars into the fold in the meet-and-greet, an effort of the NFL Players Association and its marketing arm, NFL PLAYERS.
Now in its third year, NFLPA Rookie Debut welcomes the stars of tomorrow into the NFLPA family and unites them with the stars of today and yesteryear. The closed event also gives the draft-eligible players the ability to hear the union’s message up close and personal before they enter the NFL.
The first hour and a half of NFLPA Rookie Debut will be live-streamed on the NFL Players Association’s Ustream channel. NFL analyst Greg Cosell will host the Ustream show and will conduct interviews with players during the live coverage portion. The event will take place Wednesday from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Initial confirmed attendees (subject to change) include: Weeden, Wright, Joshua Robinson, Courtney Upshaw, David Wilson, Davin Meggett, Isaiah Pead, Joshua Robinson, Kelvin Beachum, Kendall Reyes, Lavonte David, Mohamed Sanu, Nicholas Toon, Russell Wilson, Whitney Mercilus, Mark Barron, Justin Blackmon, Michael Brockers, Morris Claiborne, Quinton Coples, Fletcher Cox, Lavonte David, Coby Fleener, Michael Floyd, Stephon Gilmore, Robert Griffin III, Stephen Hill, Melvin Ingram, Matt Kalil, D’Andre Kirkpatrick, Andrew Luck, Shea McClellin, Nick Perry, Dontari Poe, Reuben Randle, Kendall Reyes and Trent Richardson.
By Khalil Garriott
