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The underdogs - stan01 - 08-21-2012

I'd been wondering how the Stanford football players who are not destined to go to the NFL get any job experience with the intense summer voluntary workouts and the relatively brief time between the end of the school year and the beginning of fall camp. 

Jordan Pratt and Brent Seals managed to squeeze in some unpaid internships:

http://www.buckcardinal.com/blog/features/post/423/How-I-spent-my-summer-Jordan-Pratt-and-Brent-Seals

Meanwhile, Palo Alto grad Kevin Anderson and friends JB Salem and Anthony Hayes focused exclusively on football, logging 6.5 hours of training each day. 

http://www.stanforddaily.com/2012/08/02/football-for-outside-linebacker-kevin-anderson-reward-for-hard-work-is-finally-in-sight/

Thoughts?

Re: The underdogs - jayasena - 08-21-2012

I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of employers view football (or any team sport) as being at least as good, if not better, at developing some of the key workplace skills. Demonstrated teamwork, communication skills, time management etc. are more important in a new college hire with a bachelor's than the subject matter experience of an internship or two in many cases. And anyone who puts in extra time in the weight room or practices (resulting in not enough time for internships) shows dedication and self-motivation.

I'm not saying that real work experience doesn't add value but it's likely not as bad as it may seem on the surface for football players.

Re: The underdogs - stan01 - 08-22-2012

Somnambule, great points.  I applaud the athletes who are able to achieve both, while wondering how missing some workouts affect Jordan and Brent's camp performance. 

As for the title of this topic, it's larger than the summer balancing act issue, and meant to encompass any articles about players who are not starters or significant contributors.  The rare articles that feature their hard work are always appreciated, so if you see any, please share them here. 

Re: The underdogs - stan01 - 08-23-2012

Jordan Pratt is featured in the latest Stanford video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJRnyhOQH-U&feature=plcp