FOOTBALL IN HIGH HEELS: 42 PLAYERS HONORED
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The fourth annual NFLPA Externship kicks off in record fashion Monday with 41 players starting positions at 15 distinguished organizations.
The program is unlike any other opportunity offered to professional athletes, as current and transitioning players seek to gain practical experience in areas they may want to pursue after football. This season saw an unprecedented 86 players apply online for a spot. After narrowing the field, each member of the 2017 NFLPA Externship class was matched with companies and industries that best fit their interests and career goals.
For three weeks during the offseason, externs will spend invaluable time with various businesses and organizations that are committed to providing insight on their respective industries, assigning real-world projects, offering feedback and providing networking opportunities.
“The Externship has become a staple program of this organization and has provided an opportunity for our members to obtain gainful experience and critical skills needed to excel during their NFL careers and beyond,” said Dana Hammonds, senior director of the NFLPA’s player affairs department. “These players are to be applauded as they have sacrificed time away from family and friends because they understand the value and concerted efforts, led by their union, to gain meaningful professional experience.”
Four new host companies joined the 2017 program, including Broward Sheriff’s Office, United Way, University of Washington athletic department and Whalerock Industries. The NFLPA is proud to welcome back the following host organizations: Capitol Hill, CSN Mid-Atlantic, ESPN 980, Events DC, Fanatics, Marriott, NFLPA, Panini, The Trust, University of Maryland athletic department and Under Armour.
Nineteen NFL teams are represented in this year’s Externship class, with the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers boasting four externs each.
“I look forward to learning and working with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and her team on Capitol Hill,” said Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Karim Barton, who is returning for his third year with the program. “There are a multitude of issues that are affecting the world today and I believe in working with Ms. Clarke, I will have better insight on how to deal, fix and heal the differences affecting this country.”
The program, run by the NFLPA Player Affairs department, is designed to assist players in realizing their potential and value beyond football. The Externship serves as one of several NFLPA post-career programs built on the theme of helping players–both active and transitioning– find their niche and unearth more of their gifts.
At the start and conclusion of the three-week program, the NFLPA will host local externs for a day of professional development, including an address by Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and advice for successful job interviewing, building your brand and crafting résumés.
The program runs through March 3. For more information, please visit nflpa.com/active-players/
Full list of 2017 NFLPA Externs and Host Companies:
| Broward Sheriff’s Office | Nordly Capi | Arizona Cardinals |
| Kendall Langford | Indianapolis Colts | |
| Cole Manhart | Pittsburgh Steelers | |
| Channing Ward | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | |
| Capitol Hill | Dion Bailey* | Free Agent |
| Karim Barton** | Tennessee Titans | |
| William Pericak*** | Seattle Seahawks | |
| CSN Mid-Atlantic & ESPN 980 |
A.J. Francis | Washington Redskins |
| Anthony Lanier | Washington Redskins | |
| Al-Hajj Shabazz | Pittsburgh Steelers | |
| Events DC | Brandon Bostick | New York Jets |
| Isaiah Johnson | Los Angeles Rams | |
| Fanatics | Cam Bradfield | Free Agent |
| Art Jones | Indianapolis Colts | |
| Mitchell Loewen | New Orleans Saints | |
| Jake McGee | San Diego Chargers | |
| Corey Nelson | Denver Broncos | |
| Justin Rogers | Free Agent | |
| Marriott International | Donteea Dye Jr. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| NFLPA | Darryl Tapp | New Orleans Saints |
| Panini | Valerian Ume-Ezeoke | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| The Trust | K.J. Wright | Seattle Seahawks |
| University of Maryland Athletic Department | Adam Gettis | New York Giants |
| Bishop Sankey | Minnesota Vikings | |
| Under Armour | Kenny Anunike | New York Jets |
| Andrew Franks | Miami Dolphins | |
| Andrew Hawkins | Cleveland Browns | |
| Edwin Jackson | Indianapolis Colts | |
| Eric Lee | Houston Texans | |
| Chris Manhertz | Carolina Panthers | |
| Antoine McClain | Free Agent | |
| Brian Mihalik | Pittsburgh Steelers | |
| Romar Morris | New York Jets | |
| Shakeel Rashad | Houston Texans | |
| Jumal Rolle | Baltimore Ravens |
| Under Armour | Pearce Slater | Carolina Panthers |
| Aaron Wallace | Tennessee Titans | |
| Bjoern Werner | Free Agent | |
| United Way | Demario Davis | Cleveland Browns |
| University of Washington Athletic Department | D’Anthony Smith | Free Agent |
| Whalerock Industries | Anthony Castonzo | Indianapolis Colts |
*Dion Bailey will serve in the office of Congresswoman Marcia Fudge.
**Karim Barton will serve in the office of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.
***William Pericak will serve in the office of Senator Cory Gardner.
