This week ProPlayerInsiders will travel to Bradenton, FL to cover the NFL Players Association’s event “The Business of Football: Rookie Edition”. Every year since 1997 the NFL has hosted a Rookie Symposium as a mandatory event for that year’s rookie class. This year, due to the lockout, the NFL scratched the symposium and other educational opportunities for players. The NFLPA responded by taking up the slack and hosting the rookie event themselves.
With nearly 70% of the rookies registering for the all-expense paid trip, the week is expected to have a similar feel to symposiums of the past. Topics usually focus on financial management, becoming part of the NFL and dealing with the celebrity that accompanies it, communicating with the media, and being a professional both on and off the field. The event will also include community service programs and an opportunity for the players to have performance evaluations made by the experts at IMG.
The program was moved to the IMG academies in Bradenton, FL from the original location of Washington, DC in part to provide access to the world class athletic facilities and coaching of the IMG academies. IMG Sports Academies, part of IMG Worldwide, is self-described as the number one sports academy in the world. A training institution with individual schools focusing on Tennis, Golf, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Football, and Lacrosse they also house a performance institute. Spanning over 400 acres, IMG has trained athletes who have won 131 All Stars, 63 MVP Awards, 22 World Championships, 5 National Titles, 2 Heisman Trophies, and 11 Olympic Medals.
During the lockout many NFL players have taken advantage of IMG to keep in shape and advance their skills. Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman organized a three day mini-camp at the IMG performance institute during the same three days as the rookie event, number one draft pick Cam Newton took some one-on-one training with IMG Madden Football Academy director Chris Weinke, Christian Ponder organized workouts for a group of his new Viking teammates to learn the playbook and get acquainted, and Philadelphia Eagles safety Nate Allen is taking advantage of IMG to heal a ruptured patellar tendon working out under doctor supervision.
The Business of Football: Rookie Edition promises to create an unforgettable week in the lives and careers of this rookie class heading into Independence Day weekend. With training both on and off the field the rookies are sure to walk away more prepared for their first season in the NFL (a season we’re hoping starts soon).
