20th NFLPA Rookie Premiere Set to Take Place in LA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
David Cooper: dcooper@coynepr.com/ 917-716-8566
Mike Donnelly: Mike.Donnelly@nflplayers.com/ 202-746-7683
Jilane Rodgers: Jilane.Rodgers@nflplayers.com/ 202-255-587

TOP 2014 NFL ROOKIES TO LEARN BUSINESS OF FOOTBALL AT 20TH ANNUAL NFLPA ROOKIE PREMIERE

Unique Marketing Event Hosted by NFL Players Inc. in L.A. May 29-31 Includes Partner Activities, Business of Football Seminars, and Trading Card Photo Shoots in Team Uniforms

LOS ANGELES, May 27, 2014 – More than 35 top rookies from the 2014 NFL Draft class will come together in Los Angeles May 29-31 to learn the business of football at the 20th annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere. A robust roster of business partners will be on site to grow their brands and promote their products through the utilization of group player rights facilitated by NFL Players Inc. (NFLPI).

The 2014 NFLPA Rookie Premiere partners include Panini America, Topps, Nike, EA SPORTS, Pepsi, USA TODAY Sports, Bose, élevée, Uber, Original Retro Brand, and Fandeavor.

The three-day event, hosted by NFLPI, the marketing and licensing arm of the NFLPA, will also feature one of the most thrilling moments for any rookie – wearing their official Nike team uniforms for the first time during photo shoots with trading card companies Panini America and Topps at LA Memorial Coliseum.

“There is no event more important for NFL Players Inc. partners than NFLPA Rookie Premiere,” said Panini America Vice President of Marketing Jason Howarth. “The content that’s captured and the long-term relationships developed with players during the week set the stage for our entire NFL product calendar and are key elements in driving our products for the 2014 season and beyond.”

Throughout the event, players will gain information to assist in the development of their professional careers. The union’s annual orientation includes seminars focused on financial planning, brand building, group player rights, and social media best practices. Among the featured guest speakers are former and active NFL players Marshall Faulk, Willie McGinest, Torry Holt, Brandon Williams, Daunte Culpepper, Kevin Bentley, Jamaal Charles, Israel Idonije, and Austin Pettis. Additional speakers include NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and NFLPI President Keith Gordon.

“NFLPA Rookie Premiere is an unparalleled opportunity for our partners to engage with tomorrow’s most influential athletes today,” said NFL Players Inc. President Keith Gordon. “For the first time as professionals, players will learn about the business of football from fellow players, union leadership, and industry experts as they start to build a game plan to succeed beyond their playing careers.”

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

Among the rookies participating in the 2014 NFLPA Rookie Premiere are quarterback Blake Bortles (Central Florida, Jacksonville Jaguars), quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (Louisville, Minnesota Vikings), defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina, Houston Texans), wide receiver Marqise Lee (Southern Cal, Jacksonville Jaguars), linebacker Khalil Mack (Buffalo, Oakland Raiders), quarterback Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M, Cleveland Browns), and wide receiver Sammy Watkins (Clemson, Buffalo Bills). A complete list of participants can be found below and at nflplayers.com.

For the first time, five players who competed in the 2014 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will participate. These players include linebacker Kevin-Pierre Louis (Boston College, Seattle Seahawks), quarterback Connor Shaw (South Carolina, Cleveland Browns), defensive lineman Khyri Thornton (Southern Miss, Green Bay Packers), tight end Asa Watson (N.C. State, New England Patriots), and linebacker Avery Williamson (Kentucky, Tennessee Titans).

Media and fans can follow official accounts on Twitter (@NFLPA, @NFLPlayersInc), Facebook (NFLPA), Google+ (+NFLPA), Instagram (NFLPA) and YouTube (NFL Players Association) and via #RookiePremiere for updates, exclusive photos, video, and news throughout 2014 NFLPA Rookie Premiere.

About NFL Players Inc.
NFL Players Inc. is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. NFLPI has been a trusted resource since 1994, delivering access to the influence, power and personal stories of NFL players. NFLPI 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, please visit nflplayers.com.

About the NFL Players Association
Established in 1956, the National Football League 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 www.NFLPlayers.com.

2014 NFLPA Rookie Premiere Participant Roster*

* Roster subject to change.