OneTeam Media Launches “AthleteAnd” Storytelling Platform and Original Podcast Showcasing the Passions of Athletes

For Immediate Release
March 10, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – OneTeam Media, the content division of OneTeam Partners, today announced the official rebrand of AthleteAnd as a player-driven storytelling content platform showcasing the off-field passions and interests that define the athletes of its six partner players associations.

Created as a space by and for athletes, players will be able to use their collective power and own words to tell the stories behind what makes them an “Athlete And ____.” The platform will start initially with podcasts, the first one launching today, with veteran linebackers Brennan Scarlett and Brandon Copeland as athlete advisors and podcast hosts.

AthleteAnd was created by the NFL Players Association in 2018 as a way of encouraging athletes to develop their personal brands beyond football. OneTeam, in partnership with the NFLPA, will utilize the content space to focus on amplifying player voices and stories, all while allowing them to engage and authentically connect with brands and sponsors.

“The NFLPA started AthleteAnd to further empower its player members and encourage them to explore their gifts beyond the playing field. We believe in the mission that athletes define themselves as more than just the sport they play and can benefit from opportunities to live out their ‘And,’” said George Atallah, Assistant Executive Director of External Affairs at the NFLPA. “We are excited OneTeam shares our mission and will continue to grow the AthleteAnd platform through storytelling while extending it to players from our sister and brother player associations,”

OneTeam Media will work with athletes on all fronts of the initiative, exploring their personal stories and interests through insightful and engaging conversations. Initial podcast guests include entrepreneur and NFLPA Chief Brand Ambassador Marshawn Lynch, Todd Gurley and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who recorded their appearances at Radio Row during Super Bowl week in partnership with Sleep Number. Marlon Humphrey, Tahir Whitehead and Jaelan Phillips will also be featured during the podcast’s first season .

“OneTeam Media is proud to continue placing athletes at the forefront of the sports ecosystem,” said Lindsay Amstutz, Chief Media Officer for OneTeam. “With the rebrand of AthleteAnd, player storytelling will be integrated with brand partnerships while giving athletes the space to explore their interests, passions and content creation.”

“I was Brandon Copeland first. Although, most of the world sees me as an athlete, the people who met me first saw me as a son, brother, a husband, a student and a community leader,” Copeland said. “I am excited for our supporters and young athletes to see our full identity through AthleteAnd.”

“Throughout my NFL career, one of the most important exercises I’ve consistently put into practice is identity exploration,” Scarlett said. “As players, a large sum of our identity is tied up into that ‘athlete’ title - but it’s really only a part of who we are as humans. I can’t wait to dive deep into these conversations about the multi-dimensionality of incredible humans throughout the world of sports and beyond.”

AthleteAnd will expand to highlight all OneTeam partners by featuring players from the MLB Players Association, MLS Players Association, U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association, Women’s National Basketball Players Association and U.S. Rugby Players Association, while continuing to showcase the NFLPA’s player members.

For all the latest news about AthleteAnd and for more information, please visit the newly launched website and follow along on Twitter and Instagram.

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About OneTeam Partners
A growing licensing, marketing, and multimedia powerhouse, OneTeam launched as a joint venture between the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), MLB Players Association (MLBPA), and RedBird Capital Partners to maximize the collective value of athletes’ rights across group licensing, marketing, media and investing. OneTeam represents a range of commercial business interests on behalf of the athletes of the NFLPA, MLBPA, MLSPA, U.S. Women’s National Team PA, WNBPA and U.S. Rugby PA. OneTeam also has several collegiate partnerships that include Altius Sports Partners, Fanatics, INFLCR, Opendorse, Panini America and The Brandr Group. To learn more visit www.joinoneteam.com.