In a groundbreaking event that coincided with the 2024 NFL Draft weekend in Detroit, the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation hosted its inaugural Junior Academy Draft Breakfast on April 26, 2024. The breakfast served as a platform to recognize and celebrate outstanding young individuals from the metro Detroit area, marking a significant milestone in the FPA’s ongoing mission to promote diversity and cultivate future leaders in the sports industry.
Honoring Young Achievers
The highlight of the breakfast was the recognition of 14 ninth-grade student-athletes from the Detroit metro area who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, community service, and athletic accomplishments. In a ceremony reminiscent of the NFL Draft itself, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell took center stage to announce each student.
As their names were called, the young achievers walked across the stage to receive recognition and take a photograph with the Commissioner, mirroring the experience of NFL draftees. This unique approach not only honored the students’ accomplishments but also provided them with a taste of the draft experience.
Detroit Lions Ambassadors
The selected student-athletes were officially drafted into the Fritz Pollard Alliance Jr. Academy and will serve as Ambassadors of the Detroit Lions. This role will provide them with unprecedented exposure to various aspects of the sports industry, both on and off the field.
One of the young draft picks, 15-year-old Greg Pope, expressed his excitement about the opportunity: “It’s special, real special, cause some kids do not have this opportunity, and most would like this opportunity.” Greg, who dreams of becoming an NFL player, sees this as a step closer to his goal, adding, “I would like to play receiver.”
Insights from Rod Graves
Following the breakfast, Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation President Rod Graves shared valuable insights about the program and its objectives. Graves emphasized that this inaugural event marked the kickoff of the Fritz Pollard Alliance Junior Academy, a new initiative aimed at exposing youth to opportunities in the sports industry.
Graves highlighted the support received from the Detroit Lions and local business leaders in making the program a reality. He stated, “We couldn’t do it without the Detroit Lions and the great job and support they have shown for the program. Input from business leaders here is tremendously important for us going forward.”
The program’s goals extend beyond just exposure to the NFL. Graves explained, “We hope to expose the youth to job opportunities and various things they can do in terms of career opportunities.” This broad approach aims to open up a wide range of possibilities for young people interested in sports-related careers, both on and off the field.
Program Objectives and Student Benefits
There are several key takeaways that the organization hopes to impart to the students:
- Perseverance: Teaching students to overcome obstacles and persist in pursuing their goals.
- Leadership skills: Developing the ability to guide and inspire others.
- Business acumen: Providing insights into the business side of sports.
- Life skills: Equipping students with tools for success both in their careers and personal lives.
Selection Criteria
When asked about the selection criteria for the program, Graves outlined a holistic approach. The FPA looked for:
- Exceptional academic performance
- Excellence in athletics, particularly football
- High moral character
- Demonstrated concern for fellow students and community members
Graves emphasized, “We want people who have excelled both on the field and off the field, and those are the kind of people that epitomized what Fritz Pollard was all about.”
Exemplary Character in Action
One standout story from the selected students involved a young person who had performed CPR, saving someone’s life. Graves expressed admiration for this act, saying, “Just the mere fact that he was alert, and felt confident enough to perform such a procedure and save a life. It’s an experience he will never forget.”
This incident, according to Graves, exemplified the type of character and leadership the program seeks to foster. He noted, “This is indicative of the character that we spoke about just a moment ago. The people who are willing to take leadership roles and execute when it’s time to. Those are the kind of participants we’re looking for in a program like this.”
City Support and Vision
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan was also present at the event and praised the program’s potential impact. He highlighted the broader career opportunities in professional sports, saying, “There’s 40 or 45 players on the team on the field, but there are hundreds of jobs in the office and lots of career opportunities and then they’re going to start these young people off this summer with the Detroit Lions and exposing Detroiters to those opportunities.”
Honoring Excellence in Diversity
The event also recognized several individuals who have demonstrated exceptional characteristics in promoting diversity within the sports industry. Honorees included:
- Barry Sanders, legendary Detroit Lion and Pro Football Hall of Fame icon
- Brad Holmes, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Detroit Lions
- Blake Corum, All-American from the University of Michigan
Looking Ahead
The inaugural Fritz Pollard Alliance Junior Academy Draft Breakfast marks the beginning of a new chapter in the FPA’s mission. By focusing on youth development and providing direct exposure to sports industry careers, the Foundation is taking a proactive approach to building a more diverse and inclusive future for professional sports.
Looking to the future, Graves expressed excitement about expanding the program, saying, “We’re looking forward to doing this in every draft city.” This vision could potentially create a nationwide network of young, diverse talent poised to shape the future of sports.
As these 14 young achievers embark on their journey with the Fritz Pollard Alliance Junior Academy and as Detroit Lions Ambassadors, they carry with them not only the hopes and dreams of their communities but also the spirit of Fritz Pollard himself. Through their experiences and future achievements, they are poised to continue breaking barriers and creating new opportunities; ensuring that the sports industry of tomorrow truly reflects the diversity of its players and fans.
