Sixteen Dolphins players are in N.Y. this week "leveraging an opportunity" presented by Owner Stephen Ross to "participate in a comprehensive Business Combine," according to Joe Schad of the PALM BEACH POST. Ross has "executed a project to assist players with interests in areas such as real estate, technology, business operations, business development and investing." This could "create positive leverage for the Dolphins." Ross said, "While these guys are here it kind of brings them together. They become closer together." Schad notes players have an opportunity to "visit with business leaders" such as Ross, Equinox CEO Harvey Spevak, LRMR Management Founder Maverick Carter, Fanatics Exec Chair Michael Rubin and eyeglass brand Warby Parker co-Founder & co-CEO Dave Gilboa. They also "plan to sit in on weekly development meetings at several companies including RSE Ventures." The players will also "participate in video teleconferences" with actor and director Mark Walhberg and Basketball HOFer David Robinson. The players show their "commitment and seriousness about the program by paying for their own flights, hotel and food." The program "began last year" with six player participants. The program "grew in large part due to word-of-mouth discussion throughout the Dolphins locker room" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 2/27). In Ft. Lauderdale, Chris Perkins notes Ross' program "gives the players an opportunity to think about and prepare for life after football." NFL Player Engagement had a similar event at the Univ. of Michigan recently, but this one is "just for Dolphins players" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 2/28).
TAKING RESPONSIBILITY: Ross said that he and his fellow NFL owners should have the "responsibility of maximizing their players during their careers on the field but also after they move on from football." Ross: "This is really to give them an insight into what business is about." He added, "Every owner should have the responsibility of developing them (players) not only as football players but also after their careers and as people" (MIAMI HERALD, 2/28).
