Best of Both Worlds
Football initiative provides summer immersions for Blue Devils
GoDuke, The Magazine
This story originally appeared in the 14.12 Issue of GoDuke The Magazine – July 2023.
The Duke football experience spreads far beyond the action on the gridiron.
Thanks to the creation of the Duke University Future Initiative, the Blue Devils have been provided resources to enrich necessary skills for success during their time at Duke and beyond.
“Duke football offers student-athletes the best of both worlds,” Duke head coach Mike Elko said. “In the ACC, they have a chance to perform at the highest level of college football, while also receiving a degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the world. With our Future Initiative program, we have exposed our players to a wide variety of experiences they might not have had previously. College football is a big-time commitment, and it can be difficult for student-athletes to find time to participate in internships. We’ve been able to pair our players with Duke alumni and supporters all across the country to create networking groups and mentorship programs so when they leave with the Duke degree, they are set up for success.”
Twenty-six Blue Devils participated in a summer immersion program with 13 different organizations. Former Blue Devil defensive end Travis Pearson, who is the managing director with GI Partners in New York City, was excited to offer these new opportunities to his fellow Duke brethren.
“We were thrilled to host Anthony (Nelson),” Pearson said of his partnership with the graduate student from Tampa, Fla. “We got to add a promising future leader to our talent pipeline, and he got to see the inner workings of the investment process from spreadsheets to the board room. I truly hope other Duke alumni can join me in making these opportunities possible.”
Nelson wasn’t the only student-athlete who got to experience the Big Apple this summer as junior wide receiver Jordan Moore and senior defensive end Ryan Smith paired with Skadden, a law firm in New York City. During their time, they gained firsthand experience of the business side of law and reviewed the legal portion of contracts.
“The experience at the Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates in New York City was phenomenal,” Smith said. “It opened my eyes to life after football and created real pathways to be extremely successful in life. I am thankful to have had this opportunity provided for me through our football program. I hope more people can experience the exposure and wisdom that was shed on us from the firm.”
In addition, graduate student wide receiver Eli Pancol and senior defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles have a unique experience by participating in a virtual internship this summer with NFL Alumni Ventures. With the organization, the pair will focus on media and communications by creating, editing, and producing their own podcasts.
“I love everything about it,” Peebles said. “I haven’t had any opportunities to do internships due to my workload with football, so having the chance to participate in something like this is a blessing.”
Senior offensive lineman Graham Barton paired locally with the North Carolina Senate Office, which is based in Raleigh. There, he’s been able to hear legislation and experience how laws get approved and adopted throughout the state.
“I’ve really enjoyed my internship with Senator Thom Tillis’s office,” Barton said. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to meet and learn from quality, intelligent people. I am learning the ins and outs of a Senator’s office, getting exposed to the political system, and getting to connect with political figures across North Carolina.”
Sophomore defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr., senior wide receiver Malik Bowen-Sims and sophomore safety Terry Moore teamed with the NFL Players Association in Washington, D.C., for their experience. They were able to sit in on meetings about contracts and negotiations as well as meet with NFLPA partners to see firsthand how relationships within the organization are built and maintained.
“My experience was great at the NFLPA office,” Moore said. “It allowed me to see the business side of the sports world as well as make many new connections that will be beneficial for me after my football career is over. I was very grateful for this opportunity because with our schedule it makes it difficult for many athletes to get these types of experiences.”
Senior offensive lineman and team captain Jacob Monk, along with redshirt sophomore wide receiver Sahmir Hagans, redshirt senior defensive end R.J. Oben, and graduate student offensive lineman Maurice McIntyre, paired with Wake County Government and the Town of Garner in North Carolina. While with Wake County, the quartet worked closely with former Blue Devil center Tommy Moorman, who is the senior project manager and real estate specialist for Wake County facilities design and construction. The foursome also teamed with former Duke football defensive back and Town of Garner town manager Rodney Dickerson. While there, they gained firsthand experience of how the water plant is managed and how it’s valuable to the Town of Garner.
“It was a lot of fun,” Monk said. “It truly opened my eyes to how everything is connected. Every aspect of the county government works together for a common goal, and it was very interesting to see it all happen behind-the-scenes.”
Additional Blue Devils have partnered with other organizations this summer. Terrell Smith, the director of the Future Initiative, hopes more alumni join in their efforts to give Duke student-athletes these once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the future.
“Our student-athletes had an amazing experience during their summer immersion opportunity,” Smith said. “I would like to thank all those involved that helped make this possible, especially the former players who stepped up in a big way. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Dorian Jackson and Taylor Pritchard for all their hard work in helping me get this initiative up and running, in addition to the compliance and business office. It truly takes a village.”
Dedicated to sharing the stories of Duke student-athletes, present and past, GoDuke The Magazine is published for Duke Athletics by LEARFIELD with editorial offices at 3100 Tower Blvd., Suite 404, Durham, NC 27707. To subscribe, join the Iron Dukes or call 336-831-0767.