NFL Players Visit Interscope Geffen A&M For Unique Professional Development Opportunity

Earlier this week, NFL players visited Interscope Geffen A&M for a unique professional development opportunity through the NFL’s newly launched NFL Career Tours. NFL Career Tours provides current and former NFL athletes behind-the-scenes at leading entertainment, sport and music companies to learn about career opportunities existing therein.

“The NFL Career Tours give our players an opportunity to see beyond the football field and prepare for their future by networking and learning the key elements to advance in various industries,” said Cleveland Browns Director of Player Engagement, Ron Brewer.

At Interscope Geffen A&M, nearly 20 NFL athletes took part in panel discussions featuring the likes of chairman and CEO, John Janick; Vice Chairman, Steve Berman; and SVP of Sports and Gaming, David Nieman. Topics covered included streaming strategies, branding and dealmaking.

Attendees also enjoyed listening sessions featuring live performances by Lil Mosey, Zack Bia, midwxt, Westside Boogie, EST Gee and Bas in the label’s recording studios. Through interactive sessions, participants learned about A&R, marketing, joint venture deals and more.

“Hosting a group of elite athletes from the NFL who are interested in the business of music in our offices was thrilling for all the IGA executives involved,” said Interscope Geffen A&M’s David Nieman. “There were a number of great exchanges between players and our artists who learned much from each other throughout the day.”

NFL athletes have lauded the program.

“As athletes—and by extension entertainers—it’s important for us to understand the business of entertainment and the layered work that goes into building revenue, compelling storytelling and consumer connection, said Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle, Kelvin Beachum. “I’m grateful to the NFL for providing the experience to learn and understand the industry at every level to inspire more well-rounded career-development.”

Earlier in the month, participants learned about the entertainment industry with visits to film production and development companies Fifth Season and Hidden Empire in Los Angeles, and the sport business industry with a trip to Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Ore.

NFL Career Tours highlights the power in cross-collaborative approaches to athlete professional development.

Like the Big 12 Conference’s Business Advisory Board, the NFL’s leveraging access to relationships developed across other parts of its business creates impactful educational, networking and professional development opportunities for the league’s athletes. Other leagues, conferences and athletic departments must consider what relationships they can optimize to create similar opportunities for engagement.