By Fred L. Jones, Jr.
Eagle Staff Writer
fjones@theoklahomaeagle.net
The 19th Annual Player Networking Event™ (PNE 2019) took place Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Terminus 100 Building in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Ga., PNE, a jointly administered event with the NFL Alumni Association, targets businesses committed to helping active and former NFL players prepare for life after football through various post-event opportunities including group counseling, career coaching, mentoring, job shadowing, internships, entrepreneurial training, franchising and employment.
PNE 2019 brought together a mixture of networking magic with NFL brass, celebrities such as Basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving, Track and Field Olympic Gold Medalist Haven Moses, C-Suite executives, NFL player-owned business vendors, sponsors Toyota, Choice Hotels, Wells Fargo, Hidden Beach Recordings, and over 100 active and former NFL players.
Highlights for PNE 2019 included the launch of the following initiatives powered by PNE, a company owned and operated by Tulsa’s own Guy Troupe: 1. public speaking business for athletes partnership best-selling “Chicken Soup for the Soul” author Jack Canfield; 2. automotive for athletes powered by Toyota and the National Association for Minority Auto Dealers; 3. the announcement of Troupe’s intent to produce a documentary series titled “Paid” featuring successfully transitioned athletes in all facets of employment and business; and 4. the real-time activation of VEEPIO an app created by Super Bowl champion and current NFL player Najee Goode (Indianapolis Colts).
When asked about the success of the event, NFL Alumni Chairperson and Former NFL Star Al Smith commented, “Guy Troupe is one of America’s hidden figures. He has worked tirelessly for the betterment of athletes and his community. We are thankful to have his talents on our team and excited about the initiatives he will spearhead during the upcoming 2019-20 NFL season.”
Stay tuned for some amazing announcements that will bring attention to the network of brothers and sisters from Black Wall Street.
All photos are courtesy of HL Dennie Photography.
