Is Your Brand Draft Ready v2.0

As the NFL Combine and draft loom, the spotlight on aspiring athletes extends beyond the field to their online presence and personal brand. Social media and public relations mishaps can be costly, especially in the era of NIL, where marketing value resets at the professional level.

For this year’s draft prospects, meticulous preparation is crucial.

Before the combine:

1. Conduct a comprehensive brand audit, addressing online red flags, e.g., unflattering or inappropriate posts, pics, and likes, ensuring social media consistency. Adjust social media setting to better control who can tag you.
2. Prioritize cybersecurity with updated passwords and adjusted security settings.
3. Develop critical messages for concise self-introductions, and align bios and images with your refreshed brand narrative. 
4. Secure domains associated with your likeness and trademark brand elements for legal protection.
5. Negotiate/renegotiate any current NIL contracts to continue into your pro career. 
6. Media training is essential for poised interviews, replayed for years. 
7. Craft a diverse content plan for before, during, and after the draft. Don’t just rely on what’s posted about you.
8. Plan for communication crises with professional support on standby.

Also, remember that your family plays a crucial role; ensure they understand their behavior reflects on you. And finally, amid the pressure, prioritize self-care – eat well, rest, and cherish moments with loved ones. Good content is rarely created in a negative or anxious state.  

If draft day doesn’t unfold as planned, explore maintaining your brand as a free agent in an additional blog.

These tasks may seem overwhelming, but they are essential to help you maximize your potential as you embark on this pivotal journey into the pros. If you have questions or your current management team cannot assist you with these tasks, contact me at [email protected]. While you may need to pay for these services directly, it should be viewed as a long-term investment in yourself that will extent well beyond your football playing years.