The Atlanta Falcons are poised to make HBCU history. NFL team owners are expected to vote today on adding 4 limited partners to Atlanta Falcons ownership, including Dominique Dawes, Rosalind Brewer, Will Packer, and Rashaun Williams, per a report by NFL on CBS insider Jonathan Jones. Packer, Brewer, and Williams are distinguished alumni of HBCUs: Florida A&M, Spelman, and Morehouse, respectively.
An NFL limited partner, a minority investor, contributes a significant sum to a team, receiving a share of profits but lacking control over daily operations or football choices. They aid franchises in raising funds while the principal owner retains authority. According to ESPN’s recent report, each team is restricted to 25 partners, and new additions must be approved by fellow NFL owners.
Each of the Falcon’s potential minority owners excels in their fields. Dominique, an American Olympic gold medalist, is among the three women to compete in three Olympic games. Dawes and the “Magnificent Seven” secured the United States’ first gold in the women’s team event at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Will Packer, a successful film producer, graduated from Florida A&M University. Packer Productions has contributed to popular films like Girls Trip, Night School, Almost Christmas, Straight Outta Compton, Think Like A Man, and Ride Along. He also produced the 94th Annual Academy Awards in March 2022. FAMU has honored Packer, a notable alumnus, by naming the Will Packer Performing Arts Amphitheater after him.
Rashun Williams, a venture capitalist expert and Morehouse College alumnus, conducts workshops on financial literacy and entrepreneurship for various individuals, including professional athletes. He runs a business management firm aimed at educating athletes on financial literacy to prevent financial challenges post-retirement from sports. He also served as an adjunct professor at Morehouse from 2020-2023.
Rosalind Brewer, the former CEO of Walgreens, COO of Starbucks, and CEO of Sam’s Club, is an alumna of Spelman College. She was recognized as one of Forbes’s top 50 over 50 in 2021 and ranked #13 on the Forbes Power Women list in 2022. In 2019, Brewer was elected as the sole black member of Amazon’s board of directors. She serves as a non-executive director at Lockheed Martin and Molson Coors Brewing Company. Additionally, Brewer is a board member at Westminster School, the Carter Presidential Center, and chairs the board of trustees at Spelman College.
The NFL is currently hosting its Spring League Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, where the vote for the Atlanta Falcons limited partners is likely to take place. The event began on Monday and is set to wrap up on Wednesday. As part of the event, team owners will be taking part in an accelerator program for minority head coaching candidates this week.
The Spring Accelerator marks the fifth edition of the program since its launch in 2022 by the NFL, following the Front Office Accelerator Program held in Dallas, Texas last December. Notably, this year’s program will include coaches with a background primarily in college level coaching.
The accelerator offers a platform for clubs and owners to connect with diverse coaching candidates. Participants have the opportunity to establish relationships with team owners and executives, enhancing their leadership skills.
“Developing diverse coaching talent through the accelerator program is a key priority,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement about the accelerator program. “In its fifth iteration, this program continues to be an effective avenue for club owners and executives to be exposed to the skillset and unique backgrounds of highly qualified coaching candidates, and for the program’s participants to network with one another and engage in professional development sessions.”
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