16 Dolphins immersed in business seminar
Players to get start on life after football
Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross is giving his players an opportunity to take care of themselves off the field by offering a sort of business combine thisweek in New York City. The unique seven-day venture began Monday.
Sixteen Dolphins players, including quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Wake, are getting a jump-start to their post-NFL careers by attending business meetings, seminars and going to various business sites around New York.
“Most of them are really bright, intelligent guys who have the capacity to do many things in life,” Ross said, adding many players have the capability to succeed in business just as they did in athletics.
“I think you have to give them the confidence, it’s there,” Ross said.
The program gives the players an opportunity to think about and prepare for life after football.
“I know the reality of being a football player,” said the 35-year-old Wake. “It’s not forever.”
The event features people from all walks of life as evidenced by the fact actor Mark Wahlburg and David Robinson, the NBA Hall of Fame center, will be speaking via video conference later in theweek.
Other Dolphins in attendance are safety Isa Abdul-Quddus, defensive end Andre Branch, guard Jermon Bushrod, linebacker Donald Butler, center Jake Brendel, long snapper John Denney, defensive end Terrence Fede, linebacker Mike Hull, linebacker Jelani Jenkins, cornerback Byron Maxwell, linebacker Spencer Paysinger, safety Michael Thomas, guard Kraig Urbik, and offensive tackle Sam Young.
Those attending this year’s business combine are players who have shown an interest in businesses such as real estate, technology, business operations, business development and investing.
This is the second year Ross has conducted this event for Dolphins players. Last year six players attended.
Players will get advice from a number of entrepreneurs including Ross, Maverick Carter, a key business associate of NBA star LeBron James, Harvey Spevak (CEO of Equinox), Michael Rubin, co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, and Dave Gilboa, co-founder and coCEO of Warby Parker.
“It’s like an all-star list of people they’re meeting with,” Ross said.
Players will sit in on a weekly development meeting at Related, tour RSE Ventures, the sports and entertainment firm founded by Ross and Matt Higgins, and tour Hudson Yards, the largest development in New York City since Rockefeller Center,
Players picked up their own expenses for travel and lodging because the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) prevents the team from picking up such expenses.
NFL Player Engagement had a similar event at the University of Michigan recently, but this one is just for Dolphins players.
Kaleb Thornhill, the Dolphins’ director of player engagement, said about 30 players showed initial interest in the combine and through word of mouth their excitement seems to be growing.
The program is varied. Ross spoke to the players earlier Monday and gave them his background as a businessman. Players were scheduled to attend the New York Knicks-Toronto Raptors game at Madison Square Garden on Monday night and then get back into the full-fledged business program today.
Ross said “every owner shouldhave the responsibility” of developing them as football players as well in their careers after football.
“This is really to give them career insight as to what business is about,” he said.
“I know the reality of being a football player. It’s not forever.” Cameron Wake