The NFL conducted a virtual program called. “NFL Presents: Drafting Mentors for the Future,” moderated by Kimmi Chex of NFL Network that included former Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, executive director of The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania (a MENTOR Affiliate) Colleen Fedor, and Artis Stevens — the president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
It was hosted by Inspire Change, the NFL’s social justice platform focused on reducing barriers to opportunity.
It was also attended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Anna Isaacson, the league’s senior vice president of social responsibility.
NFL hosts ‘Drafting Mentors for the Future’ virtual event
“Today was an exciting one as we were proud to host our first ever Inspire Change NFL Presents virtual event: Drafting Mentors for the Future,” Isaacson said. “The productive and lively conversation was an opportunity to hear from incredible leaders of the mentoring movement, digging into how mentorship helps young people reach their full potential in a changing world, the concept of everyday mentorship, and understanding how we can draft mentors for the future.
“We know this is the first of many more impactful and open conversations around our Inspire Change platform and its four pillars and will continue to work together with our 32 clubs and players throughout the league as we fight racial inequality and open up access for all.”
Goodell added, “Every day, I rely on mentors in my life. They help me in my professional career and personal life. Inspire Change is something that’s been a major focus for us that is inspired by our players.”
Importance of mentoring
Retired Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl linebacker and Walter Payton Man of the Year Thomas Davis discussed something important: the value of mentoring.
“You don’t have to be perfect to be a mentor,” Thomas said. “I feel like my role is to let them know, ‘These are things you can work on.’ I talk to young people about things you experience in your life. It’s important to be authentic.”
During the hour-long Zoom call, the importance of mentoring young people and addressing “education resource gaps in low-income and historically disenfranchised communities of color” was emphasized, as well as “providing personalized student support and advocacy, expanding personal and professional relationships, and strengthening communities.”
The discussion was centered on navigating intersectional points of technology, mental health and education, and working to recruit, train, support, and retain mentors of color.
“The biggest thing is taking the time to get to know them and invest in that relationship,” Beachum said. “Just do it in your own way. For me, it’s been taking the time to talk to young people in markets I’ve played in. They need to see somebody that’s done it and talk to the next generation of leaders.”