Ever dream about a career in the NFL? While less than one percent of college football players get the chance to play professionally, thousands of sports enthusiasts are employed behind the scenes with their favorite teams. "All pro organizations have my position available in some form or fashion," says Steve Sewell, director of community outreach (DCO) for the Denver Broncos.
A Familiar Role
Sewell is no stranger to the NFL. In 1985, he was a first-round draft pick out of the University of Oklahoma (Norma, OK), and went on to enjoy a successful career with the Broncos. Upon retiring in 1992, the former organizational communications major was invited by Broncos owner Pat Bowlen to work with the team's Youth Foundation. "You start thinking about the community you grew up in -- full of drugs, gangs, poverty -- and get excited when you realize you could have a positive impact on these kids," Sewell says.
Daily Playbook
As the director of community outreach, Sewell oversees all Broncos youth programs, including Read Like a Pro, Tackle Math, and junior training camp. He also arranges player appearances, maintains alumni relations, and speaks at a variety of community functions, including anti-drug and alcohol rallies and literacy fairs. "The exciting thing is running into kids, now grown up, who remember me from when I spoke at their schools," Sewell says. "That's very gratifying."
Pros and Cons
Like any job, being a director of community outreach has its ups ("I love working with people and the variety"), downs ("No set hours"), and a salary that ranges (between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, plus benefits). Additional perks include access to locker rooms, home football games, and other stadium events, as well as the chance to work alongside professional football players and coaches. "Some people consider that last one a huge bonus," Sewell says.
The Gameplan
Fortunately, you don't have to be a former pro athlete to follow in Sewell's footsteps -- in fact, he says, fewer than 10 percent of community outreach directors are NFL alums. What you do need, however, is an unselfish heart and a strong desire to work with underprivileged youth. Beyond that, Sewell suggests loading up on communications courses and logging as many community service hours as possible. "Not only will this improve your chances of getting hired, it'll help you decide if this is truly the career for you."
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