Preparing athletes ‘to win championships in the game of life’ 

The NFL has a stated goal of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and has affirmed that this work is integral to attracting diverse talent and enhancing the league’s overall quality. Why is advancing equity, well-being and social justice important in sports?

Advancing equity, well-being and social justice in sports is crucial for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, sports organizations, like the NFL, have a significant societal influence and can lead by example in combating systemic racism and disparities. By promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, the league not only fulfills its civic and ethical responsibilities but also improves its workplace culture and talent pool.

Players, who often represent a diverse array of backgrounds, should be empowered to engage in activities that advocate for racial equity and social justice, thereby transforming the sports landscape into one that reflects and supports the communities it serves. Real progress requires sustainable efforts beyond occasional charitable donations or public statements. Lasting change is created—through structured initiatives, intentional hiring practices and collaborations that actively involve players and community leaders. Ultimately, this approach not only attracts diverse talent but also enhances the league’s overall quality by ensuring that equity is not merely jargon, but embedded in the NFL’s policies and practices.

How do academic and personal development programs for college athletes influence their long-term career success, both within and beyond the NFL, as exemplified by the players competing in Super Bowl 2025?

Academic and personal development programs for college athletes play a critical role in preparing them for success beyond the playing field and in the game of life. These programs are uniquely designed to equip and empower athletes with essential life skills, leadership development, character building, high-performance habits and educational opportunities that foster their holistic development and well-being.

Additionally, many athletic departments have established programs that continue to support athletes after they leave the university, helping them transition into professional careers. These programs often include career counseling, networking opportunities and mentorship—all aimed at helping athletes successfully navigate life after college athletics. They may also provide continued access to academic resources, such as degree completion programs. These investments reflect a commitment to athletes’ long-term success, both on and off the field. While coaches focus on preparing athletes to win championships on the field, these critical support staff—whether in academics, personal development or career development—prepare them to win championships in the game of life.

What is the USC Rossier Master of Education in Sports Leadership (online) program and why is it meaningful for those who wish to make a difference in sports, whether in youth leagues, collegiate athletics or professional environments?

The USC Rossier Master of Education in Sports Leadership (online) program empowers current and aspiring sports leaders to advance equity, well-being and social justice across youth sports, collegiate athletics and professional settings. The program equips students with human-centered leadership skills and key competencies, such as strategic communication and data-driven decision-making, to tackle systemic inequities in sports. Graduates emerge with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within sports organizations from an intersectional lens, prepared to design equitable policies and foster cultures that prioritize the well-being of athletes, coaches and the support staff who empower athletes in various capacities.

You helped to create the Master of Education in Sports Leadership (online) program. What inspired you as you were designing it and what are three things you want prospective sports leaders to understand about it?

The creation of the program at USC Rossier was driven by a commitment to addressing the evolving needs within the sports landscape, particularly the necessity for equity-minded and inclusive leadership. As the sports world faces challenges such as commercialization, racial and gender inequities, and disparities in access, there is a critical need for leaders who prioritize the holistic well-being of athletes and advocate for social justice. At USC Rossier, we are deeply committed to advancing equity and leadership development, and this commitment lies at the heart of the program.In an industry often focused on performance, revenue and entertainment, athletes—particularly those from marginalized communities—are frequently viewed as commodities. This program represents a paradigm shift.

The program equips and empowers current and aspiring sports leaders with the tools to address these challenges, focusing on the holistic development of athletes while fostering environments centered on equity, inclusion and social justice. Here’s what prospective sports leaders should understand about this program:

• It is designed to respond to the evolving challenges within sports, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion.
• It emphasizes the well-being of athletes and those who support them, considering their intersecting identities, goals and development beyond performance.
• It empowers leaders—whether coaches, administrators or support staff—to champion a human-centered approach in sports leadership, building environments using evidence-based and data-driven strategies.

Who do you think is winning the Super Bowl?

Kansas City just might just three-peat, with Mahomes and their big-game experience, but the Eagles are not to be overlooked. Both teams are extremely well coached, disciplined and hungry, which is why it’s going to be a nail-biter. The battle between Kansas City’s offense and Philly’s defense will be key, but don’t sleep on the Eagles’ offensive line and Hurts’ versatility. It could really go either way, depending on who capitalizes on those game-changing moments.