Internships

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The NFL Players Association, NFL Players, Inc., and The Trust are now accepting applications for summer interns. The link to the application will be active until close of business on Friday, March 24th.

Apply Here

Thank you for your interest in the NFLPA's internship program!

The following Departments will be accepting summer interns:

NFL Players Association

  • Communications
  • Former Player Services
  • Player Affairs
  • Player Wellness
  • Professional Athletes Foundation
  • Salary Cap & Agent Administration

NFL Players, Inc.

  • Marketing and Business Development
  • Consumer Products and Strategy (Licensing)
  • Player Health & Safety – Business & Legal Affairs
  • Programs and Operations

The Trust (Powered by the NFLPA)

  • Marketing & Digital Engagement
  • Events

Please review our FAQ for additional information on the application process. Any questions not addressed by the FAQ should be directed to Mark Cobb (mark.cobb@nflpa.com / no phone calls.)

We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in our program.

Apply Here

Goal of internship program:

  • Assist colleges and universities which allow internships by providing on-the-job training to aid in career preparation.
  • Provide work experience to recent graduates interested in working in the sports industry.

Requirements:

  • Students must be entering their junior or senior year of study in an undergraduate program or must be enrolled in a graduate program or law school.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
  • Recent graduates must have completed an undergraduate, graduate program or law school within one year of application.
  • All applicants must submit the following to be considered:
    • A cover letter which includes all contact information (name, address, phone, and email) and the departments which interest you (up to 3)
    • Resume
    • Transcript (can be unofficial but should be recent)
    • A list of three (3) easily contactable persons who have agreed to provide a reference for you. List should include an address, telephone number, and email
    • A response to one of the two essay questions below to demonstrate your ability to write clearly and concisely. The essay should be no more than 650 words; please do not exceed the word limit. Your name and word count should appear at the top of the page on your response.
      • Question 1: Professional athletes and other celebrities are often idolized by the public, especially young children. Many think this requires that they behave as role models at all times. Do you agree or disagree?
      • Question 2: The United States is currently embroiled in political controversies and the emergence of social justice issues surrounding race, equal rights, and other critical matters that affect all citizens. What, if any, responsibility does the professional athlete have to use his or her social media or other platforms to comment or take action on these issues?

Hours, Compensation and Housing:

Interns for the NFLPA are limited to a 27.5-hour work week. The NFLPA provides an hourly stipend of $17.00 and will pay commuting costs or parking. For any other additional information or questions not answered, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The NFLPA does not provide housing assistance, nor does it assist with, endorse, or recommend any of the following services or organizations. These links are provided for informational purposes only:

Departmental Functions

NFL Players Association

Communications

The Communications Department serves the members of the NFLPA by working to protect players’ integrity and image through fair and accurate coverage in the media. In addition, they educate the player membership on programs and initiatives available through their union while ensuring that internal and external messages are clear and consistent.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting the digital communications team with social media posts, graphics and content creation
  • Helping with the collection of photos and graphics for different NFLPA events
  • Performing general office duties and media research

Intern candidates should have:

  • Strong communication, writing and copywriting skills
  • Basic knowledge of Canva, Photoshop and/or other Adobe Creative Suite applications
  • Understanding of social media landscape and industry trends
  • A detail-oriented, resourceful and problem-solving mentality


Former Player Services

The Former Players Services Department is a fraternity of former NFL players and facilitate personal growth beyond football while providing an active voice for former players of all ages. In addition, providing tools, resources, and opportunities to support a successful transition from the game, the department focuses on cultivating compassion, respect and dignity within its membership. The Former Players Department seeks to inspire players to feel connected to one another, their community and to the NFLPA when their football careers end and their life after football begins.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Supporting Former Players Department staff across all projects within the department
  • Performing research and data analytics to support former player programs
  • Providing integrity checks/updates to our database of more than 20,000 former players
  • Creating content and social media design for former player channels
  • Ensuring deadlines are met within a fast-paced environment
  • Intern must possess exceptional computer and project-oriented skills.


Player Affairs

The Player Affairs Department ensures players are aware, educated and informed, to actively guard their collectively bargained rights and benefit from union programs, resources and services. In addition to empowering players to focus on matters that will enhance their transitions through the NFLPA pipeline, the Player Affairs Department works with Player Representatives, as liaisons, to provide off-the-field direction through mentorship programs, comprehensive financial services and other membership assistance. The Player Affairs Department also works with the NFL Management Council to jointly administer the Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse and Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting team members with logistics as it pertains to programs and resources available for active players.
  • Helping to maintain an accurate database for tracking engagement with active players.
  • Handles introductory calls with active players looking for professional development or continuing education assistance.
  • Reviewing and processing applications for the Registered Financial Advisor program, as needed.
  • Stays abreast of all matters concerning union business as it relates to issues including but not limited to workers’ rights, benefits, support programs, etc.
  • Support inter-scholastic and inter-collegiate affairs with scheduling and program implementation, as needed.


Player Wellness

The Player Wellness team is a subset of the Player Affairs Department. This department serves all active players by equipping them with resources to help them succeed on and off the field. This position works with a small team to provide world-class service through strategic outreach to active players regarding their overall wellbeing. The Wellness department facilitates referrals to mental health providers. The intern's responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Assisting the Department with wellness resource generation, including mental health, nutrition, and injury/healthy recovery resources.
  • Assisting the Department with the Clinician Directory management, including database maintenance, recruitment process, and effectiveness/utilization research.
  • Participating in the planning of the annual Player Associations Injured Reserve (PAIR) program.
  • Administrative duties including:
    • Creating presentation decks and organizing the PAD wellness OneDrive and SharePoint.
    • Maintaining the departments key contact list on AirTable.
    • Maintaining the internal inventory system
    • Ordering merchandise for future wellness programming.
    • Contributing player wellness content to the monthly newsletter.
    • Monitoring social media outlets for player-related mental health and wellness content.
    • Collaborating with the Player Affairs intern on department wide initiatives.
  • Other duties as assigned

Intern candidates should possess:

  • Completed degree (or pursuing) in Mental Health, Health Promotions, or related field.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan/organize work effectively.
  • Self-starter and demonstrated ability to be professional and flexible.
  • Exceptional Microsoft Suite skills; Airtable experience is a plus
  • Understanding of mental health laws related to confidentiality and privacy.


Professional Athletes Foundation

The Professional Athletes Foundation was founded to support, strengthen, and inspire players as they transitioned from their active NFL careers. Established in 1990 as the charitable arm of the NFL Players Association, the PAF offers a range of wellness resources as well as financial assistance through the Gene Upshaw PAT Grant. With more than $10 million in financial, medical and educational assistance granted, the PAF is the leading foundation in assisting former NFL players. Learn more at www.yourpaf.com

Intern responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Assists in maintaining accurate electronic files for the PAF
  • Corresponds accordingly with GU PAT Applicants, Charitable Grant Organizations
  • Assists with PAF Chapter and Family Scholarship Program, communicating info to Former Player chapter, scholarship recipients, and academic institutions
  • Performs data entry related to Gene Upshaw PAT Grant Assistance Program
  • Assist with preparation related to PAF engagements and Former Player Convention
  • Respects the sensitivity and maintains confidentiality of PAF records, player records and other information
  • Assists with PAF event/engagement prep and department mailing: packing, shipping, gifting inventory, etc.


Salary Cap & Agent Administration

The Salary Cap & Agent Administration Department is responsible for assisting agents and players with contract negotiations, monitoring each team’s salary cap, tracking team cash spending, and each player’s transaction in the Raider database. In addition, the department is responsible for maintaining and administering all aspects of the agent certification program.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting department with filing NFL Player Contracts, Standard Representation Agreements and addendums, agent termination letters and any and all correspondence with the NFLPA and certified agents.
  • Assisting with database information management.
  • Assisting department in mailings to NFLPA certified agents.
  • Updating Key Club Personnel document.
  • Assisting with all Salary Cap/Agent Administration related projects.
  • Assisting other departments as needed and upon approval of Department Head.

NFL Players, Inc.

Formed in 1994, NFLPI is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFLPA. NFLPI exists to generate revenue and marketing opportunities for the NFLPA and its members.

Consumer Products and Strategy (Licensing)

The Consumer Products and Strategy Department is comprised of two verticals: Apparel and Hardlines and Trading Cards, Games & Digital NFL PLAYERS, Inc. is passionate about working with innovative partners in each of these categories to create and market unique products that utilize group licensing rights. Consumer Product and Strategy knows NFL players better than anyone and works closely with all NFLPA licensees to help them maximize usage of group player rights. Learn about group licensing rights and the product development cycle through artwork approvals, account management, marketing activation and more.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Participating in interdepartmental and licensee meetings, as well as conference calls to gain an understanding of partner business models and activations.
  • Working across all departments to meet the licensee’s objectives, including industry research projects
  • Coordinating Player engagements with the Player Services Department.
  • Assisting with the planning and coordination of licensees activation at various industry and NFLPA events such as Rookie Premier, Collegiate Bowl, etc.
  • Engaging in trade media review to identify licensing trends and possible opportunities.
  • Assisting with departmental projects such as product approvals, merchandise requests, and social media monitoring


Marketing and Business Development

The Marketing Department oversees the marketing strategies and plans across multiple platforms including advertising, events and digital marketing to support NFLPA properties and assets. Marketing promotes the NFL Players mission, brand values and assets (the players), while enhancing relationships among players, partners and staff and bringing awareness to the services of NFLPA.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Writing a weekly newsletter circulated internally to all the staff providing updates about the licensing & marketing departments.
  • Processing invoices and managing NFLPA website content, including publishing stories, creating graphic images, and updating the licensee’s page periodically.
  • Tracking sponsorship partner’s social media platforms and helping amplify them across NFLPA social platforms.
  • Delivering presentations to Development team outlining ways to improve existing advertising.


Health & Safety

The NFL Players Association continually works to enhance the safety of the NFL workplace while pursuing innovative methods to improve the health of our members. These matters are widespread, varied and, in many cases, exceedingly complex. They involve medical, legal, moral, personal, and indeed, political dimensions, and are by their very nature ever evolving.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Providing support to the General Counsel & Head of Business Affairs, the NFLPA Medical Director and Deputy Medical Director and assist with the completion of a variety of responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:
  • Engaging in regular communications with senior staff regarding player health and safety matters
  • Preparing presentations concerning player injury data and other health and research related matters
  • Conducting research concerning work place injury matters (e.g., field safety)
  • Reviewing and summarizing medical research literature
  • Attending and assisting with safety and wellness committee meetings
  • Attending and assisting with development of safety and wellness educational offerings
  • Assisting with incident investigations, developing mitigations, and evaluating/following up
  • Assisting with special projects
  • Assisting in maintaining documentation
  • Other duties as assigned

Intern candidates should have:

  • An interest in occupational Safety and Health, engineering, medical research or a similar discipline. [may pivot to law student but don’t think it’s necessary]
  • Experience with Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Developed interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing
  • The ability to identify potential injury exposures during NFL games and notifying NFLPA Health & Safety Team
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks while working under deadlines


Programs and Operations

The Programs and Operations Department services the entire team at NFL Players Inc. and NFLPA team, when applicable, and supports a broad range of projects and programs impacting business operations. Intern Candidates should have a teamwork mentality, strong attention to detail, a penchant for project management, and diligent organization.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Working across all departments to support numerous ongoing projects in a highly polished and effective manner.
  • Participating on interdepartmental calls to record meeting notes and highlight next steps for each working group.
  • Organizing and maintaining the NFL Players Inc. Operations folder, archiving important materials and information.
  • Maintaining the NFL Players Inc. back-of-house tracker, supporting the implementation of new initiatives and organizational efficiencies.
  • Supporting the Programs and Operations Department in identifying ways to improve NFL Players Inc. operations.


The Trust

The Trust is an endorsed brand of the NFLPA formed in 2013 to provide programs and resources to former NFL players. Through nationwide partnerships, we provide access to career, medical, financial education, nutrition, entrepreneurial, and continuing education services. We are committed to a player’s well-being and create customized game plans to meet each former player where he is in his transition from football.

Engagement & Digital Marketing Intern

The Engagement Department runs all of The Trust’s marketing and outreach efforts, making sure former players are aware of all the services available to them in their transition from professional football. The Engagement Department also oversees marketing strategies and digital services including promotions, events, and marketing to support The Trust, an endorsed brand of the NFLPA.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Proficient graphic design skills within Photoshop and other Adobe Creative Suites
  • Assist with keeping website up to date
  • Conduct interviews with former players and draft compelling content that shares their stories in fresh and engaging ways
  • Provide support to various outreach efforts for events
  • Be an integral part of Wraparound visit setup and execution
  • Strong communication and writing skills
  • Detail-oriented and well-organized work style
  • Creativity, resourcefulness, and strong problem-solving skills
  • Understanding of how to post and manage digital content, including working knowledge of CMS systems (Wordpress, Orchard, etc.) and basic HTML skills preferred

Events Intern

The Trust Events & Programs team is looking for an intern to assist with the planning and recruiting for a host of virtual and in-person meeting and event activations, ranging from small gatherings to our large 10-year Anniversary celebration. We are looking for a dynamic and creative individual to assist with the day to day needs of the department as well as bring new ideas and concepts to the team.