Statement of Rod Graves
Executive Director Fritz Pollard Alliance October 12, 2021 Jon Gruden’s exit reminds us why leadership positions in the National Football League (NFL) should be more thoughtfully and deliberately filled with men and women who can provide the proper representation. The NFL and Las Vegas Raiders ownership responded appropriately by accepting the resignation of Gruden for […]
Statement on Behalf of the Fritz Pollard Alliance
The following statement by Rod Graves is in response to the alleged comments made by Jon Gruden regarding DeMaurice Smith: The insensitive remarks made by Jon Gruden about DeMaurice Smith are indicative of the racism that exist on many levels of professional sports. Furthermore, it reveals that the journey for African Americans and other minorities […]
Statement by Rod Graves, Executive Director, Fitz Pollard Alliance on the Firing of Jay Gruden as Head Coach of the Washington Redskins
“This week I learned the Washington Redskins front office made the decision to release Jay Gruden as head coach. As Executive Director of Fitz Pollard Alliance (FPA), my primary role is to assist the NFL, team owners and senior management in developing and promoting organizational diversity. That said, I urge Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and […]
Response to NFL All Black Officiating Crew
Credit to the NFL for recognizing Black game officials. This group of professionals have played a major part in the game of football for decades. Recognition of their service is long overdue.
STATEMENT FROM ROD GRAVES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – FRITZ POLLARD ALLIANCE
As we celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday, Fritz Pollard Alliance recognizes that the struggle for equality is just as vigorous today as it was during the civil rights period. People of color are still contending with issues of opportunity, equal pay, and the presence of double standards in the workplace. Unfortunately, Black men and other […]
FPA continues to shine a light on disparities within the NFL
FPA Executive Director, Rod Graves recently spoke with the New York Times about the lack of diversity within the NFL.
Fritz Pollard Alliance 2020 Career Development Series, July 6 through, July 16, 2020
Below are video links to the Fritz Pollard Alliance 2020 Career Development Series. Phase I Presentations 07/06/20 RB & WR Presentations –https://youtu.be/HvB_CUaDPis 07/07/20 OL Presentations – https://youtu.be/tODJLn-QOS8 07/08/20 DB & LB Presentations – https://youtu.be/v5xZNMJvDu4 07/09/20 DL & ST Presentations – https://youtu.be/ZI2Pl6_Zv1E 07/10/20 QB Presentations – https://youtu.be/klPxXKijFgE 07/13/20 GM Presentations – https://youtu.be/3ynYhzwo8ZE 07/14/20 President and People and Culture Presentations – https://youtu.be/I55zq2Y4BIY 07/15/20 […]
Statement from the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation
The Fritz Pollard Alliance joins the NFL and all people across our country in condemning acts of senseless killings. Our prayers go out to all during this painful period. – The Fritz Pollard Alliance FoundationThe Fritz Pollard Alliance joins the NFL and all people across our country in condemning acts of senseless killings. Our prayers […]
The Fritz Pollard Alliance Mourns the Passing of Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell
The Fritz Pollard Alliance is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of NFL great Bobby Mitchell. He was a true pioneer for African Americans aspiring for a career in the NFL. He was a valued member of the FPA family. We salute Bobby for his contributions to the game and for his inspiration to so many.
NFL 360 Presents: Frederick D. Pollard A Forgotten Man
On Sunday, February 23, 2020 NFL 360 will present a documentary chronicling the life and achievements of the FPA namesake Fritz Pollard. Be sure to tune in at 8:00pm EST/5:00pm PST.
