Contact: Matt Fox, Communications Assistant
973-210-7191
matt.fox@nflalumni.org
NEWARK, NJ, February 10, 2012 — The twelfth annual Player Networking Event (PNE) has been hailed a success with more than 350 attendees and 30 exhibitors, 17 of which are owned by current or former NFL players.
The NFL Alumni Player Networking Event was held one day prior to Super Bowl XLVI on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis. The PNE provided current and former players a platform to network with business executives and explore potential second-career opportunities.
The PNE was broadcast through VoiceAmerica, a newly formed alliance, in which the host, Spencer Tillman, conducted interviews with several alumni throughout the duration of the PNE. NFL Alumni Executive Director, George Martin, NFL Alumni Director of Career and Business, Guy Troupe, PNE Official Host and San Francisco 49ers Tight End, Vernon Davis, and former New England Patriot and player-owned business exhibitor, Brandon Gorin were all interviewed on the career transition needs of NFL players. To listen to the broadcast, please visit, NFL Alumni PNE Broadcast.
Vernon Davis, exhibited his entrepreneurial ventures including interior design company Modern Class Design and charitable organizations Lifting as We Climb and the Vernon and Vontae Family Foundation. When discussing how he keeps his off-the-field activities fit and successful, Davis explained the relationship between football and business, “Just like football, the desire and motivation is there. You have to treat off the field activities the same way. When you’re passionate about something and you really want it to happen, you have to go get it. You can’t just sit around. You have to get involved and attack it.”
Brandon Gorin, 2-time Super Bowl Champion, has become a successful businessman since his exit from the NFL in 2009 and also exhibited his franchise at PNE. He currently owns two Marco’s Pizza franchises in the local Indianapolis area. Gorin was delighted to share his wisdom with anyone willing to listen. When asked about what it takes to be successful off the field Gorin responded, “In my experience, there are several keys to success. All NFL players, whether active or retired, have an extraordinary work ethic, so each person must find their next true passion in life and use that work ethic to their advantage. While in the NFL you must be realistic and understand no one can play forever; keeping that in mind, use all the resources available to garner as much experience and knowledge as possible. Lastly, do your due diligence. In my case, knowing Marco’s Pizza franchise frontwards and backwards, made it easier to franchisee.”
George Martin also gave his advice by informing all those present to, “surround yourself with great professionals who you trust wholeheartedly.”
After PNE, Guy Troupe voiced his enthusiasm towards the success of the event, “I was thrilled with Voice America's live internet broadcast as a launch of the NFL Alumni's newly created internet channel. This medium will serve as a training ground for alumni interested in journalism while supporting multiple initiatives tied to the Career and Business Program (CBP). Additionally, I am excited by the reaction of the corporate community's willingness to support the CBP by providing shadowing and internships for players looking to hone skills and compete for employment opportunities."
The NFL Alumni CBP has been implemented to help identify the career transition needs of former players and help them gain the education and experience needed to be successful in their post-NFL endeavors. For more information on the NFL Alumni’s Career and Business Program, please visit NFL Alumni's CBP.
The NFL Alumni is continuing to create networking and career opportunities. The NFL Alumni’s Annual Meeting takes place the first weekend in May and will include a Career Development Focus at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, Arizona. All NFL Alumni members are encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact NFLA Communications Assistant, Matt Fox at matt.fox@nflalumni.org or 973-210-7191.
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