The Forgotten Barrier In The NFL
During Super Bowl Weekend, the media gave much attention to two African
Americans making coaching history. Unfortunately, many barriers, such
as the lack of graduates from Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCU) in the National Football League, are still present
as African Americans fight for a level playing field in the front
office of professional sports.
Regal Magazine sat down with Tony Wyllie, Vice President of
Communications for the Houston Texans, and Langston Adair, Sales
Representative for the Oakland Raiders, to talk about their experiences
as HBCU graduates working in the front office of a professional sports
team. Wyllie graduated from Texas Southern University, while Adair
earned his undergraduate degree from Prairie View A&M University.
Regal: Is your degree from a HBCU respected on the same level as a degree from a White institution?
Adair: I would say it is. Being blessed with the opportunity to pursue
and complete a degree in architecture was a daunting but rewarding
accomplishment for me. It opened up doors to other avenues other than
just architecture. It taught me discipline and consistency. It didn't
hurt to also apply and complete my Masters for the University of
Houston (Sports Administration).
Wyllie: I can't answer that. I assume so because how do you explain my
rise from intern to Vice President. I wouldn't have been able to
achieve that if my degree was not respected.
Regal: What are some of the hurdles you face as a NFL executive from a HBCU?
Adair: Learning the ropes and trying to move up the social ladder.
Wyllie: Because of the fact that I am Black in corporate America, I
always have to prove myself everyday. Everyday you have to work twice
as hard even if you didn't go to a HBCU.
Regal: Do your co-workers view your degree any differently?
Adair: Actually, my co-workers respect the fact that I was able to
obtain an undergraduate degree such as mine. Many of my colleagues have
come from big and small schools all over the nation and many of them
have studies in various undergraduate programs. I am one of seven
people who have either accomplished an advanced degree or are still
pursuing one. What makes that number more impressing is the fact I am
one of the two who are African American.
Wyllie: That is hard for me to say. I would have to ask them. They know
how much I love TSU (Texas Southern University). But I hope they don't.
Regal: What are some of the advantages of being a HBCU graduate in regards to working for a NFL franchise?
Adair: I would say speaking with players and other administrative
persons that have come from the same HBCU community. It is a built
rapport that is unique and humbling. You can also speak with the
minority community and have some continuity with them.
Wyllie: When you go to a HBCU and work in sports, you learn how to do
more with less. You then get more tools in the NFL. It makes you really
appreciative and it enables you to take your talents to the next level.
At a HBCU you learn to multi-task.
Regal: Do NFL franchises make a conscious effort to recruit front office personnel from HBCUs?
Adair: I believe that if you have talent or a skill they will make the
effort to find you. I also believe that individuals need to be aware
and proactive in their pursuit in fulfilling their dreams or
professional careers.
Wyllie: I know I do. When I got my job with the Tennessee Titans, I
went straight to Tennessee State to recruit game day employees. I
wanted to give them the same opportunities I had. Now you have 10 HBCU
graduates working in public relations for NFL teams. Everyone makes
effort to be diverse, but you have to bring in talented people.
Regal: What advice would you give a HBCU student who is interested in working for a professional sports franchise?
Adair: Students must understand that they can't get into the profession
at the top. You must be consistent, diligent and hard working. At some
point your chance will come and when it does take full advantage of it
and make the best of it. Another way to embark into the profession is
through sales. This is actually the way I got in. And just like the old
cliché goes "once you are in, you are in."
Wyllie: You need to network. Who you know gets you in the door, but
what you know keeps you in the door. Send emails, seek a mentor and
don't take no for an answer. Go to conventions, make phone calls and
get advice on how to get on right path.
Regal: Do you think things are improving for HBCU graduates?
Adair: I believe they are as long as instructors do what they need to
do and the students do what they need to do. This is critical because
you can almost bet that many of the students at the bigger schools are
doing what they need to do in order to beat others out. Unfortunately,
many of the big schools have decision makers in the executive level and
it leaves others from HBCUs out.
Wyllie: Absolutely. Things are improving for our people as a whole, not
just HBCU grads. Take Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith coaching in the Super
Bowl for instance. Their success will also help corporate America see
that African Americans can be excellent decision makers. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. once said that once we are given opportunities we will
exceed expectations. But we still have a long way to go as far as Black
general managers.
Regal: What improvements need to be made?
Adair: I think that any student coming from a HBCU needs to understand
that getting into sports is a rewarding and fulfilling career. It is
also a lot of work. The biggest misconception is that many students
believe that they can come in at the top (i.e. sports agents, marketing
to major corporations, etc.). It takes a lot of hard work and
diligence. I also believe that universities need to address sales as a
critical piece in entering the sports world. Many colleges and
universities, big and small, address other issues that are important
but not as important as sales. Many of your high level executives and
administrators got their opportunity in sales.
Wyllie: We need to improve our communication skills. People need to be
able to write to work in public relations. Websites at HBCUs are
outdated. We need to be able to keep up with technologies such as You
Tube. It is important that we tale advantage of websites for marketing
and promoting. We must also be aggressive, persistent and determined.
Regal: What would you say to NFL franchises that are reluctant to hire HBCU grads?
Adair: I believe that it is important that not only the NFL but other
leagues need to address this situation. African American have made
great strives in basketball and football. I do believe that overall we
could improve.
Wyllie: Shame on them. They are losing out on opportunities to get
talented individuals. A large number of Black college graduates come
from HBCUs. Those talented individuals will improve their organization.
Regal: What can HBCUs do to improve their students' chances of obtaining employment with the NFL?
Adair: As mentioned previously, I believe that fundamental training in
sales is important and I would go as far and say critical for the
success of aspiring HBCU students to make it into sports.
Wyllie: They can reach out regionally to professional teams in their
area. HBCUs should help their students get their foot in the doors and
get a reputation of sending good students as interns. It is important
that they form relationships with different departments. Students
should let teams know who they are and that they will go wherever the
opportunities are. The schools should make sure the kids are prepared
by working in the school's athletic department. Once you are given an
opportunity, take it to the next level.
Todd Smith is the web master for Regal Mag The preeminent Online Magazine for African American Men
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