WASHINGTON, D.C. – The NFL Players Association is excited to announce the class of participants for its 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl experience.
Nearly 130 of the top seniors in college football are slated to take part in “NFLPA U,” a one-of-a-kind virtual experience on January 13-14 that will continue the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl’s tradition of equipping prospects for the next level. While this year’s on-field showcase portion was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, “NFLPA U” serves as an extension of the nightly workshop provided during our annual week of programming, when active and former NFL players help educate participants on the business of football.
“Because the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl has always been more than just a game, we are excited to be able to present this innovative, virtual experience to our 10th class of prospects,” said NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director Teri Smith. “NFLPA U provides a unique opportunity for this year’s participants to engage with some of our game’s brightest stars while also enlightening them about everything that comes with being a professional football player.”
Click here to view the full roster of college seniors participating in the 10th anniversary edition of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Please note: participants are subject to change.
The first evening of “NFLPA U” will feature former NFL general manager John Dorseysharing his perspective on the draft process, what management looks for when evaluating prospects and much more. A collection of NFL stars, including Cam Jordan, Adrian Peterson, Deion Sanders, Mike Singletary, Steve Smith Sr. and Michael Vick, will also join Wednesday’s session of “X’s and O’s With The Pros.” Participants will be grouped by position and sent to a virtual huddle room featuring both an active player and NFL legend, who will share valuable wisdom about what it takes to succeed at the pro level.
On the second evening, a panel of top athletes from various sports, including All-Pro running back Todd Gurley and WNBA star Candace Parker, will engage in an unfiltered discussion about important topics, such as leveraging your brand, social justice, using your platform for good and more.
The two days of events will be emceed by ESPN college football host, reporter and analyst Maria Taylor as well as Super Bowl champion and ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark, respectively.
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About the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl:
Founded in 2012, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl gives prospective players the best opportunity to showcase their talents to potential employers and fans. More than 200 scouts, player personnel staff, general managers and head coaches from all 32 NFL teams annually attend to watch live practices, conduct player interviews and review tape. For the latest news and updates on the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, visit the game’s website at http://collegiate.nflpa.com/ and follow @NFLPABowl on Twitter.
About the NFL Players Association:
The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players, and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 NFL season. Learn more at www.nflpa.com.
