Rookies Attend Symposium

When it comes to Sundays in the NFL, the phrase, "Just go play football," is tossed around the locker room, breaking down the game into X's and O's on the field.

But that's just Sunday.

At the NFL's Rookie Symposium, which began June 24, the league attempts to address the rest of the week.

The four-day summit is attended by all 255 players selected in the 2007 NFL Draft, mainly focusing on the players' lives off the field. It is a chance to discuss the challenges that the rookies will face throughout their careers, whether it is substance abuse, media and fan relations, family issues, finances, or simply what it's like to be a rookie.

"I really think it's a great opportunity for the players to define who they will be when they enter the league," said Baltimore director of player development O.J. Brigance. "The Symposium is a springboard into their NFL careers."

Brigance accompanies the Ravens' contingent of seven picks, who headed to West Palm Beach, Fla. for the event, where presentations, workshops and videos fill more than 12 hours of meetings each day.

It may sound like an intense schedule, but the 2007 Symposium is especially important with Commissioner Roger Goodell's recently-implemented conduct policy. Under Goodell's decree, which is stricter than any other professional sports league, players are held directly accountable for their actions. One only needs to scan the headlines to read about Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones' year-long suspension after multiple encounters with police.

For the first time in the Symposium's 11-year history, the Commissioner himself will speak to the group. Previous Commissioner Paul Tagliabue typically sent a message via videotape.

"[Goodell] wants to drive the point home that the NFL is giving the players all the resources they need," Brigance noted. "They can make their own choices and do what they want to do - as long as they're ready to pay the consequences."

Other speakers include Jarrod Cooper of Oakland and Gary Baxter of Cleveland, who will talk about making the right decisions as a young player, and Baltimore's own Ozzie Newsome. The Ravens' general manager will offer the front office perspective, such as roster moves and the importance of special teams play when trying to earn an active roster spot.

The league also provides other keynoters from the NFL Players Association and professionals in specialized fields.

To offer a break from the conference, a youth football clinic is going to be held, where the players run their own drill stations while local-area children participate.

According to Brigance, it's also a good time for a water-balloon fight to break out, something that Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata took part in as a rookie last year.

"Really, it is a long day sitting through all the meetings, so they're definitely glad to get outside, especially in the Florida weather," Brigance said with a laugh. "But, the most important thing for the players to remember is that community should also be a big part of their lives.

"They are immediately in a position to affect people in a way they never could before."

Many clubs have already provided their rookies with similar training to what they'll receive at the Symposium. Immediately following the draft each season, Brigance plans Baltimore's program for first-year players, who receive instruction in friend and family issues, financial planning, etiquette, goal-setting and what it means to carry the Ravens' banner.

By the end of the Rookie Symposium, it's the league's aim to teach these fledgling footballers what it means to hold the NFL shield.