AFC rookies to attend June 21-24, NFC rookies June 24-27
The NFL kicks off its 18th Rookie Symposium on Sunday, June 21, emphasizing the sport’s legacy and tradition of character and leadership, as well as social and professional responsibility. The four-day orientation held at the Bertram Inn and Conference Center in Aurora, Ohio, will introduce the 2015 NFL Draft class to life in the NFL prior to the rookies reporting to training camps next month.
The NFL Rookie Symposium is an orientation for all drafted rookies based on the four core values of the league – Responsibility to Team, Respect, Integrity and Resilience. The symposium includes presentations, videos and workshops on player health and safety, decision making, mental health, substance abuse, finance, building a winning culture and bystander intervention.
Rookies are provided with resources and best practices to assist them with their shared responsibility in successfully identifying off-the-field challenges and transitioning from college to the professional level.
Guest speakers at the Rookie Symposium (June 21-24 for AFC rookies, June 24-27 for NFC rookies) include current and former players who have experienced a wide-range of successes and challenges in their football careers and personal lives.
Presenters include former NFL players PHILLIP BUCHANON, CRIS CARTER, WARRICK DUNN, EDDIE GEORGE, DONTE STALLWORTH, SAMMIE STROUGHTER and ROSS TUCKER. They will be joined by current players including Cardinals wide receiver LARRY FITZGERALD,Ravens running back JUSTIN FORSETT, Jets wide receiver BRANDON MARSHALL, Eagles wide receiver JORDAN MATTHEWS and Colts safety MIKE ADAMS.
Oakland Raiders general manager REGGIE MC KENZIE and New York Giants general manager JERRY REESE will speak to the rookies in their respective conferences about the expectations of football players at the professional level.
Pro Football Hall of Famers CURTIS MARTIN and ANTHONY MUÑOZ will conduct history sessions for the rookies at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
Additional speakers include representatives from the NFL office and club personnel and professionals in specialized fields.
Panel discussion topics include “Expectations of an NFL Player,” “Transitioning to the NFL,” “Reaching Out,” “Defining Success,” and “Staying in the Game.”
All rookies also will participate in a PLAY 60 youth football clinic with children from the Cleveland area at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative complex (AFC rookies June 23 at 9:30 AM; NFC rookies June 26 at 9:30 AM).
About NFL Player Engagement
NFL Player Engagement assists players in reaching their highest potential on and off-the-field with guidance, support, and resources provided before, during, and after their NFL experiences. NFL Player Engagement works with three core audiences: Prep, Life, and Next. NFL Life (current players) and NFL Next (Formers) reach more than 2,000 NFL players and spouses each year through a variety of programs and services focused on career development, financial and continuing education, as well as personal, psychological, and physical wellness. NFL Prep provides high-school and college student-athletes of all sports with tools to help them succeed in life, focused on awareness, prevention, and education. More information can be found at www.nflplayerengagement.com.
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