2015 NFLPA Rookie Premiere To Be Held This Week in Los Angeles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Mike Donnelly: Mike.Donnelly@nflpa.com / 202-746-7683
Jilane Rodgers:Jilane.Rodgers@nflpa.com / 202-255-5874
David Cooper: dcooper@coynepr.com / 917-716-8566

TOP 2015 NFL ROOKIES TO LEARN BUSINESS OF FOOTBALL AT 21st ANNUAL NFLPA ROOKIE PREMIERE

Unique Marketing Event Hosted by NFLPA in Los Angeles May 28-31 Includes Sponsor & Licensee Activities, Business of Football Seminars, and Trading Card Photo Shoots in Team Uniforms

LOS ANGELES, May 26, 2015 – More than 40 top rookies from the 2015 NFL Draft class will come together in Los Angeles May 28-31 to learn the business of football at the 21st annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere. A robust roster of business partners will be on site to grow their brands and create and promote their product lines through the utilization of group player rights.

The four-day event is hosted by the NFL Players Association, via its marketing and licensing arm NFL Players Inc. It will also feature one of the most exciting moments for the rookies – wearing their official Nike team uniforms for the first time together during photo shoots with trading card companies Topps and Panini America at LA Memorial Coliseum.

Launched in Los Angeles in 1994, NFLPA Rookie Premiere is the landmark, first-of-its kind event across professional sports, providing business partners with unmatched early access to many of the NFL’s most promising and marketable young stars. Each year, the NFLPA facilitates approximately 100 individual player service deals for Rookie Premiere participants. The event also generates numerous opportunities for current and former players.

The 2015 NFLPA Rookie Premiere partners activating on site include: Topps, Panini America, Nike, Fanatics, EA SPORTS, Fanatics Authentic, FedEx, Uber, New Era, TheraPearl, Samsung, Intel, élevée, Gatorade, Proctor & Gamble brands and Tostitos.

Throughout the first major business event following the NFL Draft, players will gain information to assist in the development of their professional careers and personal brands. The union’s annual orientation includes seminars focused on financial planning, brand building and group player rights. Among the guest speakers are former and active NFL players as well as NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and NFL Players Inc. President Ahmad Nassar. NFLPA sponsors and licensees will be on site to capture player content for use during the season, host retail events and engage with rookies on a personal level during networking activities.

“NFLPA Rookie Premiere is the best opportunity for our partners to engage early on with the next wave of the NFL’s marketing stars,” said Ahmad Nassar, President, NFL Players Inc. “Beyond providing a platform to learn about the business of football and benefits of their union as they game plan for their new careers, Rookie Premiere gives players a chance to showcase their personalities so that the NFLPA team can use that insight to connect the right players with the right brands to tell their story.”

Among the rookies participating this year are quarterback Jameis Winston (Florida State, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), quarterback Marcus Mariota (Oregon, Tennessee Titans), defensive end Leonard Williams (Southern Cal, New York Jets), wide receiver Amari Cooper (Alabama, Oakland Raiders), running back Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin, San Diego Chargers), running back Todd Gurley (Georgia, St. Louis Rams), wide receiver DeVante Parker (Louisville, Miami Dolphins) and wide receiver Kevin White (West Virginia, Chicago Bears). A complete list of participants can be found below.

Media and fans can follow official accounts on Twitter (@NFLPA, @NFLPlayersInc), Facebook (NFLPA), Google+ (+NFLPA), Instagram (NFLPA) and YouTube (NFL Players Association) and via #NFLPARookiePremiere for updates, exclusive photos, video, and news throughout 2015 NFLPA Rookie Premiere.

About the NFL Players Association

Established in 1956, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is a non-profit, professional sports union. The NFLPA represents all NFL players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions and protects their rights as professional football players; ensures that the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are met; negotiates and monitors retirement and insurance benefits; provides other member services and activities; provides assistance to charitable and community organizations; and enhances and defends the image of players and their profession, on and off the field. For more information, visit nflpa.com.

About NFL Players Inc.

NFL Players Inc. is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association, serving as a trusted resource since 1994, delivering access to the influence, power and personal stories of NFL players. NFL Players Inc. is a “one-stop shop” for businesses seeking licensing rights, access to players through hospitality and events, marketing strategy and player procurement. For more information, visit nflpa.com/players.

2015 NFLPA Rookie Premiere Participant Roster*

* Roster subject to change.

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