Updates

Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards, Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener and Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline are among the 32 current and former NFL players who will be participating in the NFL’s Business Management & Entrepreneurial Program (BM&E) April 6–9 in San Francisco.

The NFL offers its players a variety of resources, both personal and professional, to prepare for life off the field. BM&E is part of NFL Player Engagement’s Next program, which helps former players make a successful transition to life off the field.

Developed jointly by NFL Player Engagement and the Aresty Institute of Executive Education at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, the custom program seeks to equip players with the knowledge to evaluate business opportunities and teaches them about financing and operating a business and developing a business plan.

Meeting at Wharton’s San Francisco campus, participants will hear from Wharton faculty, Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and NFL veterans who attended previous BM&E sessions. They’ll also get behind-the-scenes tours at Facebook, Google and Luxe. The program ends with a business pitch competition, where players take what they have learned and work in groups to develop and present a business plan.

“We will continue to stand by our players to make sure they are prepared for career opportunities long after their playing days are over,” said Charles Way, vice president of NFL Player Engagement. “This program is invaluable in providing the mentorship and business advice that will help players build their confidence, ultimately helping them succeed in the corporate world.”

“Wharton values the partnership we have with the NFL in providing this BM&E program,” said Sanya Sharma, director of NFL programs at the Aresty Institute. “The focus of this program is to provide players with the business acumen to be able to transition to a career in the tech industry, whether as an investor or an entrepreneur.”

For an inside look at BM&E, check the NFL Player Engagement blog, where Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen and Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Josh Martin will be posting updates during the program .

Those attending the program include: