New Orleans, LA - February 1, 2002 - The National Football League hosted its second annual Player Development Reception at Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans, LA on Friday, February 1, 2002 in an effort to bring business leaders and players together for networking opportunities. A number of NFL corporate partners and licensees attended, as well as companies who are a part of the NFL Player Development’s career internship program. PBFN President and CEO, Ryan McNeil, attended the event as a guest speaker. McNeil shared his personal experiences and thoughts on preparing for life after professional football.

The reception provided an environment conducive to networking for the purpose of promoting business opportunities for the players’ in their post-athletic career. Bringing businesses and players together to pool their resources ultimately benefits the community by creating new jobs and overall economic development.

The event fell under the auspices of the League’s Player and Employee Development Department. The department’s mission is to challenge NFL players to be lifelong learners while pursuing continuous improvement in family relations, social interactions, personal growth and career development during and beyond their careers as NFL players.

	Photo 1: New Orleans, LA - PBFN CEO, Ryan McNeil, Anthony C. Bland, Senior Vice President, Bank of America, and former NFL star Billy "White Shoes" Johnson at NFL Player Development Reception. Photo credit Roland S. Martin/BlackAmericaWeb.com
	Photo 2: New Orleans, LA - Former NBA star, turned-successful musician, Waymon Tisdale and Guy H. Troupe, Director, Player and Employee Development, NFL. Photo credit Roland S. Martin/BlackAmericaWeb.com