Breaking into the NFL: A Guide to Strength and Conditioning Internships

The world of professional sports is highly competitive, and landing a coveted strength and conditioning internship with an NFL team requires careful preparation and strategic planning. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the requirements and standing out from the crowd.

Introduction

Aspiring strength and conditioning coaches often seek opportunities to gain experience in professional sports. Internships with NFL teams offer invaluable exposure to elite athletes and cutting-edge training methods. However, securing these positions requires more than just passion; it demands a combination of education, experience, and networking.

Educational Foundation

A strong educational background is a fundamental prerequisite for most NFL strength and conditioning internships.

Degree Requirements

Many internships require candidates to be enrolled in or have recently graduated from an exercise science or related degree program. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as sports management, kinesiology, or a related discipline is often a minimum requirement.

GPA Considerations

Some teams may also have GPA requirements, often around a minimum of 3.0. Maintaining a strong academic record demonstrates dedication and a commitment to learning.

Certifications

CPR & AED certifications is important.

Gaining Practical Experience

While education provides the theoretical foundation, practical experience is crucial for demonstrating competence and readiness.

Prior Internships

Prior experience in strength and conditioning is invaluable. Many successful candidates have completed internships with college teams, private training facilities, or other sports organizations. Experience with professional athletes is highly valued, as it demonstrates an ability to work with high-performance individuals.

Training Experience

If you don’t have any experience training athletes, you’re going to have a tough time getting an interview.

Relevant Skills

Experience required with a non-linear editing system (Adobe Premiere preferred), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, and the Adobe Creative Suite.

Networking

“Networking is currency for professional mobility in the NFL,” said Troy Vincent, Executive VP of NFL Football Operations. “It allows people to get to know one another, build trust, and share goals and aspirations.

Crafting a Compelling Application

A well-crafted cover letter and resume are essential for making a strong first impression.

Tailoring Your Application

It's crucial to tailor your cover letter and resume to the specific team and internship you're applying for. Research the team's training philosophy, coaching staff, and recent performance. Highlight your skills and experience that align with their specific needs.

Highlighting Relevant Experience

Emphasize any experience you have training athletes, particularly those in similar sports or positions. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, such as the percentage increase in athletes' strength or speed.

Attention to Detail

Ensure your cover letter and resume are free of spelling and grammar errors. Consider having a professional review your application materials for clarity and accuracy.

Showcasing Personality

The hiring committee will consider what it is like to interact with you.

Demonstrating Knowledge of the Team and Sport

While technical expertise is important, demonstrating a genuine interest in the team and the sport can set you apart.

Researching the Team

Familiarize yourself with the team's history, current roster, coaching staff, and recent performance. Understand their training philosophy and any specific needs they may have.

Understanding the Sport

Even if you're not a die-hard fan, make an effort to understand the basics of football and how strength and conditioning principles apply to the sport. Be prepared to discuss how you would tailor training programs to meet the specific demands of different positions.

The Interview Process

If your application is successful, you'll be invited for an interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience, knowledge, and passion for strength and conditioning.

Preparing for Common Questions

Practice answering common interview questions, such as:

Why are you interested in this internship?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a coach?
How would you handle a challenging athlete?
What is your training philosophy?

Asking Insightful Questions

Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. This demonstrates your interest and engagement. Questions could include:

What are the biggest challenges facing the strength and conditioning staff?
What are the team's goals for the upcoming season?
What opportunities are there for professional development?

Professionalism

Dress professionally and arrive on time. Be enthusiastic, respectful, and confident in your abilities.

Be Prepared to Travel

Be Prepared to Travel for the Interview.

Additional Opportunities

The NFL and its clubs have created many programs to promote inclusion in coaching and front office roles - programs that go well beyond the Rooney Rule. Although hiring decisions are made by owners of all 32 NFL clubs, the league is working to expand the pool of diverse candidates available during each hiring cycle.

The Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship

Each year, all 32 NFL clubs hire candidates for the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. The fellowship is administered by each club and lasts throughout training camp and the preseason.

The Nunn-Wooten Scouting Fellowship

The Nunn-Wooten Scouting Fellowship exposes qualified men and women to a career in professional scouting. Open to former college and professional players and college football scouts, the fellowship introduces them to various aspects of college and professional scouting within an NFL club. In 2021, Ashton Washington became the Chicago Bears’ first full-time female scout after joining the organization through the Nunn-Wooten Scouting Fellowship. Washington previously worked for the University of Illinois and Texas Tech University.

East-West Shrine Bowl

The East-West Shrine Bowl is the nation’s oldest collegiate all-star game. The NFL selects the coaching staff and game officials for the annual East-West Shrine Bowl. Teams choose deserving assistant coaches who get the opportunity to show off their skills in the week before and during the game.

Senior Bowl

The Senior Bowl showcases the top NFL Draft-eligible seniors in the country. The league provides two full coaching, training, video and equipment staffs, as well as Legends Captains to support the game.

Coach and Front Office Accelerator

The league hosted its inaugural Coach and Front Office Accelerator at the Spring League Meeting in Atlanta. Each club nominated rising prospects to participate in the inaugural two-day program, which brought together more than 60 diverse head coach and general manager prospects with ownership representatives from all 32 clubs.

Quarterback Coaching Summit

The Quarterback Coaching Summit provides a platform to help prepare, educate and identify quality minority candidates for offensive and quarterback coaching positions.

Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum

The Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum gives diverse front office candidates the opportunity to learn from and network with top executives from around the league.

Women’s Careers in Football Forum

The Women’s Careers in Football Forum helps the NFL identify women currently working in college football roles to join its next generations of leaders. The Forum includes two days of panel discussions, presentations and breakout sessions. Since 2017, over 250 opportunities have emerged for women in NFL roles.

HBCU Careers in Football Forum

The NFL is dedicated to increasing opportunities for students and administrators from HBCUs. The HBCU Careers in Football Forum provides HBCU students and entry-level athletic department staff members the chance to learn about careers in the sports industry and the NFL.

Diversity and Inclusion Report

The league tracks its progress through the annual Diversity and Inclusion Report, which provides an overview and analysis of occupational mobility patterns in the NFL. The report is prepared by Dr. C. In some cases, updates to league rules help to facilitate greater inclusion in hiring. In 2022, the league announced a new requirement that all teams must employ a female or minority coach as an offensive assistant. Candidates with three or more years of collegiate or professional experience are eligible. Each offensive assistant is hired for a full year-long contract.

Persistence and Learning from Rejection

Landing an NFL strength and conditioning internship is highly competitive. Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed on your first attempt.

Seeking Feedback

If you're not selected, reach out to the hiring committee and ask for feedback on your application and interview. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement.

Continuing to Learn and Grow

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and training methods. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to expand your knowledge and network with other professionals.

Examples of NFL Internship Programs

Baltimore Ravens Internship Program

The Baltimore Ravens provide hard-working, dedicated and exceptional candidates with internship opportunities to experience the work environment of a professional NFL department. Most internship opportunities, along with detailed internship descriptions, are posted on a rolling basis on the employment page starting in January and running through April of each year. Most internships are filled by May of each year.

Internship examples:

Broadcasting Intern: Requires BA in Video Production, Film, Television, Electronic Media. Prior experience in broadcasting and/or digital content production required. Experience required with a non-linear editing system (Adobe Premiere preferred), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, and the Adobe Creative Suite. Prior camera experience required.
Client Services Intern: Requires a dynamic, out-going, self-motivated individual with experience in customer service and/or working with a sports team or agency. It is critical that the individual have strong organizational skills and be a team player. Bachelor's degree in sports management, business or related area.
Marketing Seasonal Event Intern: Requires current enrollment in a 4 year degree seeking institution studying sport management, business, communications, marketing, or a related field.
Diversity Sports Occupational Advancement Rotation (SOAR): This is a summer program created to give those from underrepresented backgrounds an opportunity to see, first-hand, the many careers that exist in sports. This internship opportunity is offered to people who have completed at least 1 year of college who have a strong interest in the business side of sports. Requirements: Have to have at least finished first year at an accredited college or university in addition to the remaining internship requirements listed above.

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