NEW YORK (March 31, 2005) -- NFL All-Stars Drew Brees of the San Diego Chargers, Brian Dawkins of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Ahman Green of the Green Bay Packers are among the 66 NFL players who have enrolled in executive education programs at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The National Football League and NFL Players Association worked with the business schools to create the curriculums.
The programs that run from April 6-8 are part of an ongoing NFL-NFLPA initiative to assist players in preparing for their post-playing careers. Tuition will be covered by the NFL's Tuition Reimbursement Program. Veteran players may be reimbursed up to $15,000 per league year for education expenses at an accredited institution of higher learning.
In addition to Brees, Green and Dawkins, all of whom will be participating in the workshop at the Wharton School, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Dhani Jones and wide receiver Freddie Mitchell, and Kansas City Chiefs fullback Tony Richardson are among the players enrolled in the Harvard Business School workshop.
Three members of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots also will take part. Defensive back Je'Rod Cherry and linebacker Ted Johnson will participate in the workshop at Harvard Business School. Tight end Christian Fauria is enrolled in the Wharton School program.
As part of its custom executive education activities, Harvard Business School has developed a customized workshop targeted to the needs of NFL players interested in owning, operating or building their own businesses. The Wharton Sports Business Initiative and Wharton Executive Education have collaborated to develop a combination classroom and field-based workshop. It focuses on personal investments as well as entrepreneurial opportunities for players transitioning from their football careers. Both three-day programs run from April 6-8. The Harvard program concludes with an additional three-day session in May. The Wharton program offers follow-up with a year-long support 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 and will be participating in the program at the Wharton School.
"I know firsthand 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.
