The word 'off-season' for an NFL player might inherently suggest taking advantage of some "off time". Jeff Shoate, former defensive back for the Denver Broncos, and current Houston Texans tight end Mark Bruener, would argue otherwise.
Drafted in 2004, Jeff Shoate understood that football would be only one step in his professional career. Realizing his passion for the entertainment and film industry, Shoate set out to find an opportunity that could fit his schedule. Shoate expressed his interest in an off-season internship during the NFL's life skills presentation at the Denver Broncos' facility last season. High Noon Entertainment, a provider of story driven, unscripted / reality entertainment, was identified as a good match and Shoate successfully interviewed for and received an offer for a two-month internship.
Delivering programming for networks such as MTV, TLC, Animal Planet and Food Network, High Noon Entertainment exposed Shoate to many aspects of the film industry. "I was fortunate to have the opportunity to see the behind the scenes production that goes into successfully broadcasting a television show. I got a first-hand look at the different phases of the process; everything from the initial idea development stages up to the actual implementation of the concepts on a live set," said Shoate. Sunny Hutchinson, Co-Chief Creative Officer for High Noon, described what an asset Shoate was to their company, "His enthusiastic approach and professionalism really impressed us and helped create a mutually satisfying and beneficial relationship."
Shoate's competitive nature on the field translated to the workplace, "The game of football requires a lot more mental stamina than most people realize; it's a constant learning process and I noticed a lot of parallels when using decision making skills throughout the internship."
Thirteen year veteran Mark Bruener has taken a similar approach to planning ahead for his transition from the NFL. Having past experience as a silent partner in various real estate projects, Bruener was determined to learn more about the industry.
Attending the NFL Business Management & Entrepreneurial Program at the Wharton School of Business in 2005, which focuses on real estate, Mark continually builds upon his previous experiences and skill sets. Bruener discussed how properly investing in ones own career has benefited him so greatly, "NFL players dedicate a lot of time during the off-season to catching up with family and friends and working out; the key success in preparing for a next career is time management and dedicating yourself to what you feel passionate about."
Bruener has relished the opportunity to join the Staubach Company and the knowledge he's gained has been invaluable. He is continually encouraging NFL players to think more about what their next steps will be outside of football before they are done playing, "The opportunities are out there for the taking, it's up to the individual to go out and seize the moment."
