Fifty current and retired NFL players attended a career and franchising event in Atlanta on Wednesday.
ATLANTA -
Some Atlanta Falcons players are making plans for life after football. Fifty current and retired NFL players attended a career and franchising event in Atlanta on Wednesday.
While some former NFL greats manage to land lucrative endorsement deals after the game, that is not the norm.
Falcons defensive back Jonathan Babineaux knows that, so he attended the NFL Players Career and Franchising event.
"We can't play football forever. You know, you gotta have some type of exit plan after football. You know, the cost of living is going up every day. So, I can't say that I will rely forever on the money that I made playing football," said Babineaux.
Players came out to hear business leaders and learn how to go from handling a football to maybe one day navigating a board room.
Even younger players like wide receiver Kevin Cone recognize the value of this unique career event.
"Definitely the mock interview is gonna help. The resume critique is gonna help. Networking is always invaluable. And just learning from just so many successful people what it took for them to get where they're at," Cone said.
The Falcons organized the event with Ascending Athletes – a transition assistance company for professional athletes. Company president Andy Schroeder says these professional athletes have qualities that are sought after in the business world.
"Whether it be their commitment to excellence, their work ethic, their dedication to teamwork – there are so many attributes that each individual learns through playing football," Schroeder said.
On Thursday, the players will go through formal interviews for companies actually looking to fill positions.
Adidas, Reebok, Home Depot and UPS are among the 25 companies participating in the NFL Players Career and Franchise event.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:45 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:45:14 GMT
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Monday, May 13 2013 7:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:19:20 GMT
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Monday, May 13 2013 10:01 AM EDT2013-05-13 14:01:16 GMT
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan.
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan and Coach Mike Smith!
Fifty current and retired NFL players attended a career and franchising event in Atlanta on Wednesday.
