All NFL clubs have at least one person dedicated to Player Development. In fact, an emerging trend at the club level is the development of entire departments dedicated solely to Player Development. These departments typically consist of a director and an administrative assistant. Some departments have expanded to include a team psychologist or social worker and other paid consultants. As the needs of today’s NFL player change, the role of the Player Development Director (PDD) and his/her staff will continue to evolve as a resource in the overall management of player personnel.

The implementation of Player Development is the joint responsibility of the league office and its individual franchises. The Player Development Director serves as the central figure in place to provide support services for players. Ideally, Player Development Directors should be (1) flexible and available during non-traditional working hours; (2) willing to listen to player concerns without making judgments; (3) caring and sensitive to issues faced by players; (4) resourceful in utilizing qualified professionals to meet player needs; and (5) proactive in their approach to Player Development.