The NFL’s 18th Rookie Symposium kicks off on Sunday, June 21 and will emphasize the sport’s legacy and tradition of character and leadership, and the importance of social and professional responsibility.
The four-day orientation held at the Bertram Inn and Conference Center in Aurora, Ohio, will introduce the 2015 NFL Draft class to life in the NFL prior to the rookies reporting to training camps next month.
The week will be split into two sessions with AFC rookies attending from June 21-24 and NFC rookies attending from June 24-27
All rookies drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft will attend the Rookie Symposium, an orientation based on the four core values of the league — responsibility to team, respect, integrity and resilience. The symposium includes presentations, videos and workshops on player health and safety, decision making, mental health, substance abuse, finance, building a winning culture and bystander intervention.
The league will provide rookies with resources and best practices to help them with their shared responsibility in successfully identifying off-the-field challenges and transitioning from college to the professional level.
Guest speakers include current and former players who have experienced a wide-range of successes and challenges in their football careers and personal lives.
Former NFL players Phillip Buchanon, Cris Carter, Warrick Dunn, Eddie George, Donte Stallworth, Sammie Stroughter and Rodd Tucker will share their experiences with the rookies.
They will be joined by current players including Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Ravens running back Justin Forsett, Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall, Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews and Colts safety Mike Adams.
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie and New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese will speak to the rookies in their respective conferences about the expectations of football players at the professional level.
Pro Football Hall of Famers Curtis Martin and Anthony Muñoz will conduct history sessions for the rookies at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.
Players will also hear from representatives from the NFL offices and club personnel and professionals in specialized fields and will participate in panel discussions including “Expectations of an NFL Player,” “Transitioning to the NFL,” “Reaching Out,” “Defining Success,” and “Staying in the Game.”
All rookies also will participate in a PLAY 60 youth football clinic with children from the Cleveland area at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative complex (AFC rookies June 23 at 9:30 AM; NFC rookies June 26 at 9:30 AM).