By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University graduate student Whitley Smith is soaring to new heights in football operations. Smith was one of 32 students selected, out of over 100 applicants, to participate in this year’s cohort for the NFL Experienceship Program. While in the experienceship, students receive opportunities to learn and gain experience, mentorship, and access to NFL business units, clubs, and partners.
Smith says that her journey with the program has expanded her creative abilities.
“It has brought about ideas and events that I feel like could go in the HBCU spaces or things we can bring to athletics and the football team here when we talk about clinics, specialized events and specialized experiences to enhance the HBCU football experience here,” said Smith, a graduate football assistant for football operations at JSU.
Experienceships are geared to increase diversity by providing students at HBCUs opportunities to engage with NFL leadership and staff in departments across the league, ultimately expanding their skill sets while networking. NFL Football Operations launched the experienceship program to connect collegiate candidates interested in a career in sports and entertainment with opportunities to develop and learn about the business through practical learning and shadowing experiences. The initiative has since expanded and now includes the opportunity to gain experience in other NFL departments.
A notable part of the program is the student’s collaborative study. After being split into two teams, the students were tasked with creative problem-solving and applying critical thinking toward their assigned study, reflecting real-life challenges and goals in the NFL.
“I think the NFL Experienceship really brought out a lot of creative ways for me to look at football operations, even at Jackson State. Maybe it costs the NFL too much money. So, let’s downsize the scale a bit and see the budgetary measures and how we can make this work for us in a way that also enhances the student-athlete experience. Which is another reason why we do what we do,” Smith said.
The Elkhart, Indiana, native is highly passionate about cultivating spaces for student-athletes that cater to their wide range of needs. As a football operations assistant, Smith manages day-to-day operations for the Tiger football team under the leadership of her mentor and Assistant Athletic Director/Football Operations, Jashell Mitchell.
To Smith, day-to-day operations are broad but primarily consist of providing tools for the athletes to utilize off the field.
“We bring in people from the NFL and other developmental people that could teach them about marketing themselves or things to look for as they go further with their life, whether they try to go professionally and play football, or if they decide to take their degree and move further in their career path. We give them more tools to use off the field,” said Smith, who expressed her passion for educating athletes on the art of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
“This speaks volumes regarding the legacy and tradition of JSU Football. Whitley has done a great job navigating football operations and serving in a major way. The NFL and JSU Athletics are recognizing the fruits of her labor. I am very proud of her and excited for her selection. Her future is bright in FB operations,” said Mitchell. “These experiences are important because it opens doors for our students to gain valuable experience. Working in sports is a great opportunity, and if you’re able to take opportunities, be sure to do so. Being connected and building relationships are vital to career growth.”
Ke’Vric Wiggins, an interdisciplinary studies senior and cornerback for JSU football, is a walking example of Smith’s impact. Wiggins says that Smith is always a phone call away, whether it is regarding players’ mental health or a good laugh.
“I feel like she played a big part in my journey here as a football player. Whatever I need, I could just call upon her, and I feel like every team needs somebody like that in their corner,” said Wiggins. “It made me feel like I had someone to call upon. Being here without my parents, I definitely need someone to call upon. I can’t call my mom to help me, so I guess she’s my little mom.”
At the program’s close, the winning team will gain an opportunity to work alongside industry professionals further for a special surprise NFL event.
Past participants have had the opportunity to shadow events such as the MEAC SWAC Celebration Bowl, NFL Pro Bowl Games, Las Vegas Super Bowl, Reese’s Senior Bowl, and more.
The experienceship ends in April 2024.
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