STUDENT VIEW: Mesha’s NFL Combine Experience
Written by Mesha O'Neal
When faced with the decision to select an enrichment trip, I had no idea of where I wanted to go, learn, or experience. Two of my fellow peers from the Winning Edge informed me about the Sports Management Worldwide Football Career Conference during the NFL Combine and encouraged me to tag along. I ended up arriving in Indianapolis, Indiana without my pals as they found other conferences that were better tailored to their personal interest.
On the first day, I attended a mixer along with the many attendees in similar positions as I. Some had aspirations of becoming an agent or scout, but all of us had the common goal of wanting a career in the sports industry. Thankfully at the venue we were surrounded with those who had our dream careers. We were able to introduce ourselves to NFL personnel in hopes of becoming one step closer to our dreams.
The second day arrived and this was the moment that I began to learn things that no one from my past had ever mentioned before. The words spoken by NFL legend John Wooten, Miami Dolphins VP Mike Tannenbaum, and former Tampa Bay general manager Mark Dominik, made a huge impact on my life. Within one day they answered every question that I couldn’t even think to ask. They helped me pave the road to my dream career and that it’s self is priceless.
I had the honor to talk with those mentioned above along with other NFL personnel that I bumped into at the combine, conference and even Starbucks. Those conversations reassured me that I was on the right track and whether I knew it or not, I was ahead of the game. They were happy to let me know that I was on the right track and had a bright future but they were kind enough to tell me things I needed to work on. Because they were kind enough to give me feedback that I wasn’t able to give myself, I now have a relationship with a handful of important people and now I know exactly what I need to do to take my career to the next level.
If you have the opportunity to attend I would highly recommend it!
Mesha O'Neal
