Malik Johnson represents Central State at the NFL Careers in Football Forum

WILBERFORCE, Ohio - Central State defensive back Malik Johnson attended the NFL's Virtual HBCU Careers in Football Forum last month.


"I had a chance to meet professionals from every level of the NFL as well as interact with student-athletes from other HBCUs from around the country," Johnson said. "I was honored and blessed to be afforded this opportunity to better understand the interviewing and hiring processes. I eventually would like to enter into the coaching profession. Being able to ask questions and hear from coaches and scouts provided me with some good ideas and examples of how to reach my professional goals."
 

More than 150 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities attended the 2020 NFL HBCU Careers in Football Forum, the fifth of its kind.

The Forum has introduced more than 300 students and entry-level athletic department administrators to career opportunities in professional football. Participants heard from sports industry professionals and were afforded networking opportunities. This year's attendees represented 39 different institutions.

"I've been honored to participate in the NFL HBCU Careers in Football Forum in person in the past and given the opportunity will continue to be involved for future years," Falcons President Rich McKay said. "It is an amazing event that provides a great forum for brilliant individuals who bring bright and thorough questions. Not only is it a great professional development opportunity for attendees, it's also a beneficial for our league to identify future talent."


The event brought together undergraduate and graduate students from the SWAC, MEAC, SIAC and CIAA to explore careers in professional football administration and network with industry leaders. Guest speakers at the forum discussed and highlighted non-playing opportunities in pro football and how college football helped them achieve success off the field.


The HBCU Careers in Football forum is part of the larger Careers in Football Forum, which educates men and women about career opportunities available to them in all areas of football. For additional information on the NFL Careers in Football Forum, visit - https://operations.nfl.com/football-ops/nfl-careers-in-football-forum/historically-black-colleges-and-universities-careers-in-football-forum/