Recruiting
Prospective Player FAQ
Why should I play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl?
We understand that this is more than just a game; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The week is structured to allow players maximum time with coaches and scouts in order to best prepare them for Saturday’s game and their future NFL careers.
Participants will have the chance to showcase their skills and interview with head coaches, general managers and other player personnel employees from all 32 NFL clubs. Scouts will also be provided practice film for each player. Teams from the Canadian Football League and other professional leagues were also represented in the scouting pool.
What makes the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl different than other all-star games?
Unlike other all-star games, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl not only provides future union members the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of professional coaches and scouts but also equips them with knowledge of the business side of football. As the union for NFL players, we believe our messaging, guidance and holistic approach will best prepare participants for their future professional football careers.
We also take pride in providing the premier platform for collegiate talent from major Division-I schools as well as smaller universities and HBCUs.
What is the NFLPA Recruiting Department?
The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl has numerous years of NFL scouting and playing experience on its recruiting department staff and with that comes priceless relationships on college campuses.
Our staff is broken down as follows:
- Nationally, Dane Vandernat oversees the recruiting staff while also covering most of the Big 12 country and the West.
- Ron Hill covers small schools along the Gulf Coast region.
- Teddy Atlas III handles the Western region.
- Todd Worly covers the Midwestern region.
- Raleigh McKenzie handles the Northeastern region.
- Ric Serritella provides coverage across New England, with a focus on New York and New Jersey.
The scouts of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl’s Recruiting Department are constantly on the road, evaluating players and building relationships. The Recruiting Department also has access to all collegiate game film through a professional provider.
What can a player expect from the coaching staff?
The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl has consistently featured prestigious coaches who were extremely successful at developing talent at both the collegiate and professional levels. Previous coaching staffs have included Hall of Famers Darrell Green, Charlie Joiner, Kevin Mawae, John Randle, Andre Reed, Ed Reed and Jackie Slater, as well as past gridiron greats such as Anthony Becht, Daunte Culpepper, Herm Edwards, Tom Flores, Mike Holmgren, Andre Johnson, Jon Kitna, Mike Martz, Will Shields and Dick Vermeil.
What is the NFLPA?
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is a non-profit, professional sports union that protects the best interests and welfare of all NFL players. Established in 1956, the NFLPA’s responsibilities include: Representing all players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions and protecting their rights as professional football players; ensuring that the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are met; negotiating and monitoring retirement and insurance benefits; providing other member services and activities; providing assistance to charitable and community organizations; and enhancing and defending the image of players and their profession, on and off the field.
How can I be recruited for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl?
The recruiters of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl welcome inquiries from draft-eligible players. Contact them above.