[NFLPA] Intern

The goal of the NFLPA’s internship program is to assist colleges and universities that allow internships by providing on-the-job training to aid in career preparation and provide relevant professional experience to students and recent graduates interested in working in the sports industry.

REQUIREMENTS

Students must be entering their junior or senior year of study in an undergraduate program or be enrolled in a graduate program or law school. Neither the fall nor summer internships are appropriate for doctoral students.

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

  • Recent graduates must have completed undergraduate, a graduate program or law school within one year of submitting their application.

  • All applicants must submit the following to be considered:

    • A cover letter which includes all contact information (name, address, phone, and email) and the departments which interest you (up to 3)

    • Resume

    • Transcript (can be unofficial but should be recent)

    • A list of three (3) easily contactable persons who have agreed to provide a reference for you. List should include an address, telephone number, and email

    • A response to one of the two essay questions below to demonstrate your ability to write clearly and concisely. The essay should be no more than 650 words; please do not exceed the word limit. Your name and word count should appear at the top of the page on your response.

      • Question 1: Professional athletes and other celebrities are often idolized by the public, especially young children. Many think this requires that they behave as role models at all times. Do you agree or disagree?

      • Question 2: The United States is currently embroiled in political controversies and the emergence of social justice issues surrounding race, equal rights, and other critical matters that affect all citizens. What, if any, responsibility does the professional athlete have to use his or her social media or other platforms to comment or take action on these issues?


DEPARTMENTS

External Affairs

The External Affairs (Communications) intern will support the department by crafting and maintaining clear, consistent messaging regarding our union’s mission; promoting the NFLPA brand across its traditional and digital media platforms; and generating innovative ways to effectively engage and communicate with our player members.

A strong candidate for this role will be an enthusiastic self-starter who possesses strong writing skills, has proficient experience with digital media platforms (i.e. Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn), understands how to message effectively across these same platforms, works well with others, shows attention to detail and invigorates our team with a fresh perspective. Basic knowledge of Canva, Adobe and/or similar tools is a plus.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Media monitoring – tracking and compiling mentions of the NFLPA on a weekly basis in the areas of breaking news, coverage of union and league events/programs, player-specific stories and more.

  • Content and editorial calendar – helping organize and contributing ideas to build out our strategic plan for traditional and digital media campaigns.

  • Content production – Creating video, visuals and copy for social media posts with an understanding of our “voice” across various platforms

  • Writing, editing and updating materials for the website

  • Assist with project management for internal website and graphic design requests

  • Promoting accountability within our team with thorough note-taking during meetings and follow-up reminders as deadlines approach

Events

The Events Intern will assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of key NFLPA events. The ideal candidate is organized, creative, and eager to gain hands-on experience in event planning and logistics within a professional sports organization. This internship provides a valuable opportunity to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, contributing to high-profile events including the Super Bowl, NFL Draft-week events, Rookie Premiere, and more.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Support the Events and Travel team in the planning and execution of NFLPA events such as the Super Bowl, Rep Meeting, NFL Draft Week events, and Rookie Premiere.

  • Conduct venue research and assist in brainstorming creative event concepts including themes, catering, décor, entertainment, and space layouts.

  • Help coordinate event travel and transportation logistics for NFLPA staff, current and former players, partners, and consultants.

  • Assist in the development of event collateral and branding materials.

  • Assist with the occasional organization and delivery of local events and meetings, both on-site at the NFLPA headquarters and in the Washington, D.C. area.

  • Perform administrative and operational tasks as needed to support event execution and post-event follow-up.

Qualifications:

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to multitask and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with design or project management tools such as Canva is a plus.

  • A strong interest in travel and events and/or experience working in sports, events, or hospitality settings is preferred.

IT (Information Technology & Data/CRM)

The Data & CRM intern will support various data, reporting, and CRM-related initiatives, helping streamline operations and improve data integrity across systems like Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power BI.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Respond to internal data requests submitted via the helpdesk.

  • Write and execute SQL queries to generate ad hoc reports.

  • Assist with data updates and cleanups in Microsoft Dynamics 365.

  • Contribute to the creation of a Data Dictionary for the Power platform.

  • Develop and update user manuals for existing business processes.

  • Assist in the design and development of dashboards using Microsoft Power BI.

  • Review existing SQL code and propose potential optimizations.

  • Support additional IT and data-related projects as needed.

Player Affairs

The Player Affairs Department (PAD) serves as the primary touchpoint for players to engage with
their union throughout every phase of their NFL journey. Through world-class service and
superior support, the team connects players with the education, resources, and programs they
need to protect their rights, maximize union benefits, and prepare for life beyond football. From
rookies to retirees, Player Affairs fosters connection, solidarity, and personal growth across the
player community.

PAD is looking for two interns to work across the different functions of the department: Player
Engagement, Player Wellness, and Former Player Services. Interns interested in player wellness
should have a mental health/health promotions/sports medicine background and should indicate
their interest in their cover letter.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assists with the department programming process, including brainstorming, record
    keeping, implementation, evaluation, and data analysis.

  • Assist with inventory management by organizing and maintaining systems for tracking
    internal resources.

  • Assist the Player Affairs department in maintaining and updating the website to ensure all
    the information is current and accurate.

  • Providing data integrity checks/updates to our database for almost 30,000 former and
    transitioning players.

  • Creating content and social media design for Player Affairs related social media channels

  • Assist the Sr. Manager of Wellness with maintaining the Clinician Directory AirTable
    and the application/recruitment process, database and licensure record maintenance,
    recruitment process, and effectiveness/utilization research.

  • Aid in identifying potential wellness resources for active players, including mental
    health, nutrition, and injury/healthy recovery resources.

  • Assist in the planning, logistics, and execution of the annual Player Associations Injured
    Reserve (PAIR) program, annual Career Experiences, The Summit, Chapter Leadership
    events and other off-the-field events and programs.

  • Monitor Player Affairs, Wellness inboxes.

  • Contribute to projects related to Wellness, Career Development, Personal Finance,
    Continuing Education, and Business Opportunities

Salary Cap & Agent Administration

The Salary Cap Intern will assist both the Salary Cap and Agent Administration functions of the NFLPA, while also providing a unique learning opportunity in a niche area of the sports industry.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Update our annual Signing Bonus deferral charts for rookie contracts.

  • Uploading contracts to the website and PA.net for both internal and external access.

  • Reconcile our list of contracts received with the list of player grids received from the league.

  • File and organize physical documents in our department file room.

  • Assist the Agent Administration Manager with agent fee trends and agent contact information maintenance.

  • Assist the Salary Cap & Contract Manager by maintaining our files on new contract language for each club, as well as research for player comparison analyses.

  • Assist the Senior Manager with our yearly starter reports and undrafted compensation analyses.

  • Assist the Director with the specialty position reports for Unrestricted Free Agency and contract proposal drafting.

  • Assist with other projects, as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Strong ability to handle and maintain highly confidential information.

  • Technical skills including competency in MS Office, proficiency in Excel preferred.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Must be very detail-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

NFL Players, Inc.

Formed in 1994, NFLPI is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFLPA. NFLPI exists to generate revenue and marketing opportunities for the NFLPA and its members.

Consumer Products and Strategy (Licensing)

The Consumer Products and Strategy department is comprised of two verticals: Apparel and Hardlines and Trading Cards, Games & Digital NFL PLAYERS, Inc. is passionate about working with innovative partners in each of these categories to create and market unique products that utilize group licensing rights. Consumer Product and Strategy knows NFL players better than anyone and works closely with all NFLPA licensees to help them maximize usage of group player rights. Learn about group licensing rights and the product development cycle through artwork approvals, account management, marketing activation and more.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Participating in interdepartmental and licensee meetings, as well as conference calls to gain an understanding of partner business models and activations.

  • Working across all departments to meet the licensee’s objectives, including industry research projects

  • Coordinating Player engagements with the Player Services Department.

  • Assisting with the planning and coordination of licensees activation at various industry and NFLPA events such as Rookie Premier, Collegiate Bowl, etc.

  • Engaging in trade media review to identify licensing trends and possible opportunities.

  • Assisting with departmental projects such as product approvals, merchandise requests, and social media monitoring.

Marketing

The Marketing department oversees the business-to-business marketing strategies and plans across multiple platforms including campaigns, events, media and digital to amplify the business arm of the NFLPA, NFL Players Inc. Marketing promotes NFL players and our brand, by bringing awareness to the services of the NFLPA and enhancing relationships among players, partners and staff. 

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting with NFLPA website content, including publishing stories, submitting creative requests for key projects, and updating brand landing pages as needed.

  • Supporting event planning efforts by organizing timelines, tracking progress, editing copy, managing invitation process, and assisting with the development of event materials to ensure seamless execution.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally, specifically with the Partnerships, Business Development, and Licensing teams to provide marketing support that aligns with and drives their business objectives.

  • Monitoring and tracking social media platforms, specifically on LinkedIn and helping amplify partners across NFLPA social platforms. Support the team with generating content ideas that achieve B2B and licensing goals.

  • Handling marketing operational assignments as needed, including developing presentations and slides, processing invoices, participating in brainstorms and meetings and managing creative assets.

Partner Services

The Partner Services department aids with all facets of partnership marketing for companies with official NFL sponsorships. We work closely with all  partners to  maximize their usage of group player rightsby working collaboratively on the overall planning, execution, servicing and integration of NFL players  within annual promotional campaigns.  In addition to delivering group player rights, Partner Services oversees all creative executions using the identities of NFL players.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting in maintaining internal audit and reconciliation of sponsor utilization of group player rights.

  • Assisting in communication with various external stakeholders of NFL player exclusive partnerships.

  • Working with department staff to review sponsor marketing and advertising materials featuring NFL players' intellectual property.

  • Collaborating with department staff to research new business opportunities.

  • Helping implement partnership agreements, including digital distribution of agreements and necessary documents to appropriate stakeholders.

  • Assisting with the development of marketing proposals and activation recap presentations.

  • Helping with the coordination and fulfillment of trade, product and merchandise needs to and from partners.

  • Assisting department with pre-event logistics and planning for NFLPA assets and properties.

Player Services

The Player Services department serves as a primary resource for former and active players by helping identify opportunities and leverage their brand to increase and maximize off-field marketing opportunities.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist with all departmental functions including being a resource for players, agents, marketing representatives and NFLPA partners.

  • Help facilitate player procurement by updating contract templates, arranging transportation logistics, and corresponding with stakeholders as directed.

  • Aid team with entering player deal information into the CRM system and processing payments.

  • Assist with ongoing research and data management of players’ hobbies, interests, background, and unique characteristics.

  • Assist with the documentation of the Marketing Representation Notice (MRN) process, Player Corporation and W-9 filing.

  • Help team with special projects related, but not limited, to events such as the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, Super Bowl, and Rookie Premiere.

Job specifications:

  • Self-starter, highly organized with the ability to work productively in both independent and team settings

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Business & Legal Affairs 

The Business & Legal Affairs team supports all verticals under Players Inc., the for-profit marketing and licensing arm of the NFLPA, including OneTeam Partners. We provide business guidance and manage legal risk across the organization with a focus on player revenue support as the primary goal.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide hands-on support in licensing, marketing, and other revenue-generating initiatives.

  • Conduct research on legal and business issues related to intellectual property and rights of publicity.

  • Draft memoranda to support strategic growth and decision-making.

  • Review licensing, vendor, partner, and player agreements.

  • Assist with compliance and corporate governance, including drafting internal policies and supporting contract management systems.

  • Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism.

  • Collaborate daily with the VP, Senior Business Counsel, and Corporate Counsel.

Qualifications:

  • Rising 3L law students eligible to receive academic credit.

  • Must be available full-time or part-time during a semester or academic year.

  • Please confirm eligibility with your law school prior to applying.

  • In D.C. office 3-4x per week.

 

The Trust

The Trust is an endorsed brand of the NFLPA formed in 2013 to provide programs and resources to former NFL players. Through nationwide partnerships, we provide access to career, medical, financial education, nutrition, entrepreneurial, and continuing education services. We are committed to a player’s well-being and create customized game plans to meet each former player where he is in his transition from football.

Business & Legal Affairs Intern

We’re seeking a detail-oriented, curious, and collaborative Business & Legal Affairs Intern to support daily operations, data analytics and legal administration. This part-time role offers hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, with opportunities to take on small process improvement and business analytics projects. The role is ideal for someone interested in leveraging tools like Microsoft Power Platform, Power BI, and CRM systems to enhance organizational efficiency and insights as well as learn the day-to-day of a sports organization with a legal and compliance lens.

What You’ll Do:
Billing, Legal, and Data Support

  • Assist with organization contracts, templates, and compliance documents

  • Support legal admin projects under Staff Counsel’s direction

  • Provide basic data analysis or reporting using Power BI or Excel when appropriate


Contribute to Analytics and Process Improvement Projects

  • Identify and propose process improvements (e.g., onboarding materials, workflows)

  • Explore opportunities to streamline CRM and legal systems data entry

  • Complete a short reflection or improvement proposal at the end of the internship 

Support Daily Operations

  • Support office mail, shipping, and supply restocking as needed

  • Support re-organization of storage areas and shared resource organization

  • Assist with inbox monitoring and internal site (Vault) updates as needed

Education & Skill Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in or recently completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

  • Clear written and verbal communication skills

  • Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite

  • Familiarity or interest in Microsoft Power BI, Power Platform, or CRM tools

  • Ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and work independently

Communication and Engagement Intern

The Communication and Engagement Intern will support the Communications, Marketing and Engagement team in executing strategic content and engagement initiatives that align with The Trust’s mission. This role offers hands-on experience in communications, digital marketing, social media, content creation, and former player engagement within a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist in developing and scheduling social media content across platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.

  • Assist in collecting and organizing photos, videos, and other media assets from The Trust events and campaigns.

  • Monitor social media channels for engagement opportunities and assist in community management.

  • Support communications efforts, including drafting copy for newsletters (internal and external) and internal updates.

  • Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for content and engagement strategies.

  • Handling marketing assignments as needed, including developing presentations and slides, participating in ideation and managing creative assets.

  • Perform general administrative and office duties as needed. 

Qualifications

  • Currently entering junior or senior year of undergraduate study, or enrolled in a graduate or law program. Recent graduates (within one year) are also eligible.

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Basic proficiency in Canva, Photoshop, and/or other Adobe Creative Suite tools.

  • Familiarity with social media platforms and current digital trends.

  • Detail-oriented, resourceful, and proactive with a collaborative mindset.

  • Interest in sports, community engagement, or nonprofit communications is a plus.

Service Team

The Service Team Intern will provide essential administrative support to the Service Team Department. This role is ideal for an individual who is organized, meticulous, and interested in gaining firsthand experience in a mission-driven, sports-affiliated organization. The intern will assist with daily operations, client services coordination, and special projects aimed at enhancing service delivery to former players.

Intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Perform general administrative tasks including data entry, document preparation, and file management.

  • Assist in managing client communication and responding to inquiries in a timely and professional manner.

  • Help schedule and coordinate meetings, including preparing agendas and taking meeting minutes.

  • Organize digital and physical documentation for efficient access and reference.

  • Support tracking and reporting efforts for key service metrics.

  • Conduct research on best practices and resources that support career and wellness transitions for former athletes.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support departmental initiatives.

  • Other duties as assigned to support the overall mission of The Trust.

Qualifications

  • Enrolled in or recently graduated from a college/university program in Human Services, Communications, or related field.

  • Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace.

  • Ability to work independently while also contributing to team goals.

  • Interest in sports, wellness, and/or athlete support services is a plus.

The application window will close July 11, 2025

Jaia Thomas