Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, and John Randle – what do these three guys have in common? All three are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and undrafted free agents. Those three are famous cases, but what about the other UDFA who don't have a Hall of Fame career? What every UDFA takes with them is grit, heart, and determination to make the 53-man roster.
The Green Bay Packers know something about that as they sign players with those three traits. Players like cornerback Willie Wood, fullback John Kuhn, tight end Paul Coffman, and cornerback Sam Shields. These are examples of Packers who were undrafted that went on to have successful tenures in GB.
Those success stories don't end there though. The Green Bay Packers 2023 UDFA could be filled with future contributors who have a chip on their shoulders. Here's a look at those players and their journies.
Despite being a four-time All-Mountain West honoree (2019 & 2021 Second Team, and 2020 & 2022 Honorable Mention), Keshawn Banks went undrafted.
Up to this point, Banks has had a good football career. Banks played varsity for Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho, N.M., where he led the Rams to a 13-0 record and a state title in 2016.
Banks has been a durable player throughout his career, as he played all 47 of his final collegiate games.
Brenton Cox Jr. a star high school player, started off his career at Miller Grove High School in Lithonia, Ga. Cox Jr. transferred to Stockbridge High School in Stockbridge, Ga., to play for longtime Stockbridge coach Kevin Whitley. A five-star recruit, Cox Jr. committed to play at Georgia, where he played one season for the Bulldogs before transferring to Florida.
During his college career, Cox. Jr. was a two-time SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll (2019-20), Two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll (2020-21), and earned his Bachelor's in Education Sciences in 2022.
On the gridiron, Cox Jr. was Co-SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week in Week 1 of last season. Additionally, Cox Jr. was AP-All SEC's second team in 2020.
Chuck Filiaga played high school football at Aledo High School in Aledo, Texas. Filiaga led a unit along the offensive line that was strong in throwing the football (3,851 yards) and running the ball (4,656 yards). A four-star recruit, Filiaga played in the 2017 All-American Bowl and first ever Polynesian Bowl. Filiaga was also named USA Today All-USA Texas First-Team as a senior.
Filiaga started his collegiate career at Michigan, where he appeared in 39 career games with eight starts at left guard and three at right guard.
Ahead of the 2022 season, Filiaga transferred to Minnesota, where he started all 13 games at right guard. He helped block for a potent Minnesota offense that rushed for 2,698 yards and threw for 33 touchdowns.
Filiaga was named All Big-Ten third team and honorable mention in the 2022 season.
Malik Heath was an accomplished high-school player, as he was named the No. 1 player in Mississippi by ESPN, Rivals, and 247 Sports. Heath was then selected for Under-Armor All-American Game as a senior.
Heath started his career at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (2018-19) before playing two seasons at Mississippi State (2020-21) and a season at Mississippi (2022). In the 2022 season, Heath was named All-SEC Third Team by PFF.
Before making the switch to the defensive line, Jason Lewan was quite the offensive player at Yorkville High School in Yorkville, Ill. Lewan had 30 catches for 461 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior and was also a two-time academic all-conference selection.
Lewan saw action in 47 games with 41 starts in five seasons (2018-22) for Illinois State.
Camren McDonald (TE, Florida State)
A four-star prospect in California, and a top-ranked tight end by ESPN and Rivals, Camren McDonald played in 58 games for the Seminoles totaling 74 catches for 874 yards and five touchdowns.
He is the recipient of the Bob Crenshaw Award in 2022. The award is given to the player who displays the biggest heart in FSU Football.
A three-star prospect out of Texas, Christian Morgan recorded the top Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction, and Quickness (SPARQ) score of 144.00 in the state.
Morgan was a three-year starter for Baylor, totaling 163 tackles (110 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and seven interceptions in 47 games. He was selected as All-Big 12 honorable mention in 2020 and 2021.
Even better in the classroom, Morgan was on the Big-12 Commissioners Honor Roll all four years and was awarded a 2022 Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 honor.
A three-star prospect in New Jersey, Henry Pearson caught 28 balls for 393 yards and five touchdowns as a senior. He was named Second-Team All-Linebacker on the All-Non-Public Football Team for NJ.com.
In high school, Pearson was also a solid lacrosse player, as he had 44 goals in his junior year. He played tight end for the Mountaineers but was listed as a fullback by the Packers. Pearson finished with 58 catches for 897 yards and 11 TDs in 59 games (43 starts) for Appalachian State. He was named Second-Team All-Sun Belt in 2022.
Jimmy Phillips Jr. was named First-Team All-District as a junior at Poteet High School in Mesquite, Texas.
Phillips Jr. saw action in 59 games from 2018-2022 for SMU, which tied the school record for career games played. He finished with 179 tackles (117 solo), 15.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two INTs, nine passes defensed, a forced fumble, and two blocked kicks.
In 2021, he was named Honorable Mention All-AAC by Pro Football Focus. Phillips Jr. is also the recipient of the Make a Difference Challenge Award through Cowboys U and Jason Garrett's Starfish Charities.
Benny Sapp III Played at Eden Prairie High School in Eden Prairie, Minn. He was a three-star recruit and No. 2 overall recruit out of Minnesota.
Sapp III played in 24 games at the University of Minnesota (2018-19) before appearing in 30 games for the University of Northern Iowa (2020-22). In three seasons at Northern Iowa, he recorded 138 tackles (83 solo), 1.5 tackles for a loss, nine INTs, 16 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
He was named FCS Third-Team All-American and First-Team All- MVC. He was the first Northern Iowa Panther to be named on the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List.
Kadeem Telfort played high school football at Miami Norland, where he helped the Tornadoes into a 2016 appearance in the FHSAA Class 4A State Championship
Telfort started his career at the University of Florida before playing three seasons at UAB, where he appeared in 31 games with 28 starts from 2020-22. He was named First-Team All-Conference USA at left tackle. Telfort helped engineer the eighth-ranked rushing offense in the FBS.
Duece Watts began his career at Jones County Junior College (Ellisville, Miss.), where he was named All-MACJC before playing three seasons (2020-22) at Tulane. He saw action in 37 games for the Green Wave registering 81 receptions, for 1,407 yards with 16 TDs. Watts earned second-team All-AAC honors from the College Football Network.
Imagine an athlete's story like a blank canvas on a painting. All of these players came from different colleges, and some took different routes to get to this point. Some of these UDFA playerss even went to community college before transferring to bigger schools.
Going undrafted, there are feelings of disappointment and opportunity. But, opportunity comes knocking when you sign with a team and get to showcase your talent on the football field.
A story from a UDFA would be inspirational and tell about continuing to work hard to achieve their goals. Any of these 2023 Packers UDFA players could be a great guest speaker at your next event.
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) at 262-366-8188 to schedule former or current Packers for your corporate appearance or product promotion. As a result, MSM will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session or social media campaign with former or current Packers players.
MSM has certainly earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes for events and shows. To learn more about Packers players' appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today.
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with the Green Bay Packers or any other professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) therefore acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM subsequently doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
The Green Bay Packers' defense has some extra pressure on them with a new quarterback at the helm. However, the defense is loaded with first-round picks, Pro Bowlers, and All-Pros. One of those talented stars is defensive tackle, Kenny Clark.
Clark was drafted by the Packers in 2016 and has been a force on their defensive line. He has primarily played nose tackle, but he could see some more snaps at defensive end in 2023 as the Packers try to get all of their talent on the field at once.
Kenny Clark is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL and has been a consistent force for the Packers in his NFL career. Clark is also proven to be consistently available for the team. In seven seasons, he has only missed seven games. He has been named to the Pro Bowl twice in his career. In 2022, the Green Bay Packers drafted Devonte Wyatt from the University of Georgia.
Wyatt and Clark both play defensive tackle. Towards the end of the season, Wyatt had earned himself more and more snaps and was really showing what he could do. His development allows the Packers to move Clark to take more defensive end snaps so that he and Wyatt can both cause problems for offenses at the same time. Wyatt is a young player and not at the same level as Clark. It would be easier for Clark to take snaps at the defensive end due to his experience in the NFL.
In addition to Wyatt's emergence, the Packers lost veteran defensive ends Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed in free agency. Clark could easily take some more snaps at the defensive end and let Devonte Wyatt and Tedarrell Slaton continue to grow.
Kenny Clark seems to like the idea of moving around, as it lets the Packers get all of their playmakers on the field. The Packers value versatility up front, and Kenny Clark feels he can play anywhere.
"Wherever they need me to fit I’m fitting in at and I’m comfortable with that. I feel like I can play everywhere, regardless, the 5 [technique], the 3 [technique], the nose. When it comes game time, I think I’m going to be all over the field. So, it’s going to be cool for us. I like it.
- Kenny Clark at OTAs via Forbes
Clark is now the veteran leader on the defense, and he is still only 27. Clark is not only a mentor to the young defensive linemen on the team but is now one of the longest-tenured Packers in the locker room.
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) at 262-366-8188 to schedule Packers Kenny Clark for your corporate appearance or product promotion. As a result, MSM will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session, or social media campaign with Saints Jamaal Williams.
MSM has certainly earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes for events and shows. To learn more about Jamaal Williams's appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today.
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, or any other professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) therefore acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
Chiefs Wide Receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling will be considered a veteran leader for the Chiefs wide receiver corps this NFL season.
Valdes-Scantling was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons in Green Bay before signing a three-year $30 million with the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2022 offseason.
Last season for the Chiefs, Valdes-Scantling had 42 catches for 687 yards and two touchdowns. This offseason, Kansas City lost wide receiver Juju-Smith Schuster, so Marquez Valdes-Scantling should have a bigger role on offense. Not only that, but MVS will be one of the veteran leaders for the young, but-talented Chiefs wide receiver room.
Here are the three young WRs that will contribute alongside MVS this season and who hope to learn a thing or two from the former NC State product.
Rashee Rice was a three-star prospect out of North Richland Hills, Texas. He went to Richland High School, where he was named first-team all-district as a junior after recording 72 catches, 1,386 yards, and 19 TDs.
Hill attended college at SMU, where he had a productive college career. He totaled 233 catches, 3111 yards, and 25 TDs. He was also named First-Team AAC in 2022. Rice was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
According to Charles Goldman of Chiefs Wire, Rice has been training in Dallas, Texas, with David Robinson, one of the more respected private NFL receiver coaches, to help prepare for the season.
Kadarius Toney was a three-star recruit out of Mobile, Ala. He was a dual-threat quarterback for Blount High School in Eight Mile, Alabama. Toney was named 2016 Class 6A Back of the Year after throwing for 2,894 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for 894 yards and 15 touchdowns.
He attended the University of Florida. There he finsihed his career with 38 games played, 120 catches for 1,590 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for 580 yards and two touchdowns. Toney was named First-Team All-SEC in 2020 and Second-Team All-American in 2020.
The New York Giants drafted Toney in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent a season and a half for New York before being traded to the Chiefs on Oct. 27 for a third and a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Toney played in nine games for Kansas City and recorded 16 receptions for 171 yards and two receiving touchdowns. His game-changing 65-yard punt return set an NFL record for the longest punt return in Super Bowl History, surpassing Jordan Norwood's 61-yard punt return in Super Bowl 50.
Moore started his high school career at Valley High School in New Kensington, Pa., before finishing at Shady Side Academy in Fox, Chapel, Pa. He was a two-time Allegheny Offensive Player of the Year as a quarterback and was also named Defensive Player of the Year as a defensive back.
Moore attended the University of Western Michigan, where he had 171 catches for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns in 30 games for the Broncos. In 2019, Moore was named First-Team All-Mac (the first Bronco wide receiver to do so since Corey Davis in 2016). He also became the first freshman to be First-Team All-lLague since Roger Lewis of Bowling Green did it in 1982.
The Chiefs drafted Moore in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He played in 16 games last season, catching 22 passes for 250 yards. He scored his first-career touchdown in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl 57 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Toney, Moore, and Rice are supremely talented, and having a veteran leader like Marquez Valdes-Scantling should help the equation. All four can stretch the field for Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and will be viewed as offensive weapons this season.
Valdes-Scantling has a year in the Chiefs system, so with Smith-Schuster's departure, he will help shepherd in a new crop of Chiefs wide receivers.
Throughout his career, Marquez Valdes-Scantling has learned from receivers Randall Cobb and Davante Adams, so if anyone is ready to take on a mentorship and leadership role, it's him.
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) at 262-366-8188 to schedule Marquez Valdes-Scantling for your corporate appearance or product promotion. As a result, MSM will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session or social media campaign with Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
MSM has certainly earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes for events and shows. To learn more about Marquez Valdes-Scantling's appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today.
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, or any other professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) therefore acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
The Florida Sports Hall of Fame announced on June 19 an eight-person class to be inducted on Nov. 8 at the Florida Theatre. Some notable names include Hall of Fame Safety LeRoy Butler, two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Tom Coughlin, and eight-time All-Star Vince Carter.
This is a great accomplishment for LeRoy Butler, who embodied excellence in Florida sports.
LeRoy Butler played high school football at Robert. E Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida, playing for well-known varsity coach Corky Rogers. As a senior, the media named him a unanimous All-American pick and heavily recruited.
Butler committed to play at Florida State University under legendary head coach Bobby Bowden. During his time with the Seminoles, Butler, the Associated Press awarded him 1st Team All-American, and Walter Camp named him 1st Team All-American in 1989. FSU elected Butler into their Hall of Fame in 2001.
The Green Bay Packers selected Butler in the second round of the 1990 NFL Draft. He spent 11 seasons with the Packers and cemented himself as one of the greatest safeties of all time. He was awarded First Team-All Pro four times, was a four-time Pro Bowler, and helped bring a Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown in the 1996-97 season. Butler was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Off the field, Butler started the LeRoy Butler Foundation in 1999 and has shepherded the Butler vs. Bullying campaign, where he has "strived to bring parents and families together to talk about the impacts of bullying," according to LeroyButlerInc.com.
The other notable names on this list are Tom Coughlin and Vince Carter.
Coughlin coached the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1995 to 2002. He went 68-60 in his seven seasons as Jaguars head coach. He then moved to the New York Giants to win two Super Bowls.
Vince Carter starred at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Fla., and led his team to a Class 6A State Championship in 1995 before moving onto the NBA, where he had a successful 24-year career.
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) at 262-366-8188 to schedule LeRoy Butler for your corporate appearance or product promotion. MSM will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session or social media campaign with LeRoy Butler.
MSM has certainly earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes for events and shows. To learn more about LeRoy Butler's appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today.
Mayfield Sports Marketing does not affiliate with the Green Bay Packers or any other professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
The world of sports is ever-growing and changing. Now, more than ever, it is important for young students who wish to work in sports to gain the proper education to keep pace in the sports realm. Many universities around the country offer sports marketing degrees, but which universities provide you an edge over others?
According to Mark Mayfield, an industry professional with nearly two decades' worth of experience, here are four of the best sports marketing college programs around the country and what makes them special.
Indiana University has offered sports marketing and management as a major since 1985, and every year they send more young professionals into the sports world.
According to the school's website, of the 600+ majors offered at the university, its sports marketing and management is the 12th largest. The school has one of the best programs in the country. Aside from the coursework, the university prepares its students through excellent internship opportunities. Students in the past have had the opportunity to work with Indiana University Athletics, the Indiana Pacers, USA Track and Field, and more.
The university is a perfect choice for any student looking to gain professional experience before even graduating. While other universities may also give internship opportunities, Indiana University's standing relationships with major sports programs give it the edge over other institutions.
The University of Michigan is also one of the premier programs for learning the business of sports. The University of Michigan sports management program also provides students with an exceptional opportunity to enter the workforce. The Partners Program at the University of Michigan is a partnership between the university and employers to post open opportunities and positions directly with the sports management program. The two sides work together to provide students with employment opportunities that range from internships and full-time jobs after graduating.
Students looking to have a fast track into the workforce after graduating should look closely into becoming a Wolverine. Outstanding coursework, along with the Partners Program, makes it one of the best programs in the nation.
The University of Florida has always been known for having a great athletics program. However, their sports management program is also highly regarded. Like other great programs, the University of Florida offers great coursework with a strong focus on the sports marketing side of the business. What makes the program unique is the fact that there is a required internship to be eligible for graduation. In fact, it is the only undergraduate major at the University that requires an internship as part of undergraduate coursework.
Additionally, students enrolled in the program gain access to a course called SPM Engaged Learning and Outreach. This is a way for students to have direct access to industry news, job posting sites, professional insight, and a list of internship locations from previous students. If someone wants to be pushed to complete an internship before entering the workforce, then Gainesville, Fla., is a perfect choice.
Syracuse is also one of the best sports management programs in the country. However, like the other universities on this list, they separate themselves by providing their students with a unique experience. The Capstone program at Syracuse is something that students start working towards during their freshman year.
The culmination is a semester-long work experience with a sports entity. This is similar to the University of Florida's required internship; however, it is slightly more focused. According to the school website, the sports entity is usually outside of Syracuse. In the past, students have worked with NFL teams, NBA teams, other collegiate athletics programs, the U.S Olympic Committee and more. Syracuse is perfect for students who want the chance to work on some of the biggest stages before they even graduate.
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with any of the above universities or any college athletics or professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
Green Bay Packers Family Night, sponsored by Bellin Health, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 5. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the team taking the field for warmups at 7 p.m. and practice beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Packers Family Night will feature a full practice, giving fans the opportunity to watch as the team prepares for the 2023 NFL season. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, June 29, at 10 a.m. Tickets are mobile-only and priced at $10, available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com.
This event is fun for the whole family, and you get to watch a practice at a fair price. The event will feature a thunder-stick giveaway, promotions by Ariens, Brew Pub Pizza, and other partners, gameday music, and a fireworks show presented by TicketMaster to subsequently end the night.
Family Night is now in its 22nd year and has been a staple for the Packers every year since.
Mayfield Sports Marketing President Mark Mayfield weighed in on the evolution of Packers Family Night, and the overarching role families have always played in the Packers organization.
"If you go back from a tradition standpoint, they didn't have Family Night all the way back to the (Vince) Lombardi days," Mayfield said. "If you go into the archives, the families have been very important all the way back to the Lombardi days. I have clients that I've worked with of Jerry Kramer, Boyd Dowler, and Dave Robinson. Hearing them talk about the opportunity to bring their kids to practice or on the field, the tradition goes way back it just wasn't called Family Night."
Mark also shared what his favorite aspect is about Packers Family Night.
"After the game, the players bring their families out – which a lot of players get to Green Bay, and within two-three years, start having kids in Green Bay – and to have the little kids come out on the field and watch the fireworks is pretty cool," Mayfield said.
And as evident with the Mayfields, sports, and the Packers have been a part of many Wisconsin families' lives.
"I think it's extraordinary we are a sports family," Mayfield said. "My son just graduated. He played four sports in high school, and my daughter is going into her sophomore year. She's done gymnastics and has also been a varsity athlete as a freshman. So we really are a sports family."
The Packers organization has provided Mark with the opportunity to make numerous life memories with both players and their families.
"It's education that has nothing to do with football, going back to Jerry Kramer, Paul Hornung, Dave Robinson, or newer legends LeRoy Butler, Gilbert Brown, Antonio Freeman, (Brett) Favre," Mayfield said. "The organization itself is a class act."
Mayfield is one of many that certainly believes that the organization adds players "that are Green Bay Packers" – ones that embody tenacity and grit and are committed to striving for excellence.
It's the same attributes that he's instilled in his kids.
"A lot of those attributes is what we have taught our kids on and off the Mayfield," Mayfield said. "It runs very deep with me, and it's a direct correlation to my agency... A lot of those attributes of what a Green Bay Packer player is are what I want my kids to be.. I want them to be good on and off the court, good people, and it means a lot to me."
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) at 262-366-8188 to schedule former or current Packers for your corporate appearance or product promotion. As a result, MSM will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session or social media campaign with former or current Packers players.
MSM has certainly earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes for events and shows. To learn more about Packers players' appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today.
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with the Green Bay Packers or any other professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) therefore acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM subsequently doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
The Packers added a lot of new faces to the team in the 2023 NFL Draft. Their first selection in the draft was Lukas Van Ness, an explosive EDGE from Iowa. Van Ness, nicknamed Hercules, will join a talented group of pass rushers and try to make an immediate impact for the Packers.
Van Ness is an Illinois native and grew up a Chicago Bears fan. Van Ness is dating the sister of the Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet. However, he is now a member of their rival, the green and gold.
Van Ness is an exceptional athlete. His build, stature, and ability all combine to make him a force on the field. The Packers are hoping that he can make a quick impact.
Van Ness attended Barrington High School and was a multi-sport athlete. Van Ness played both hockey and football. He was a three-star recruit coming out of high school and eventually committed to Iowa. Despite not being a starter at Iowa because of their seniority starting policy, he heard his name called on the first day of the NFL Draft.
"Starting a game or not, that's just a process in the way the Uiversity of Iowa does things. They were fair and consistent with everyone. I waited my turn. I had a couple older guys in front of me. Regardless, I still had some of the highest snaps on defense. What I realized is everytime you get out on the field you have an opportunity to prove yourself."
The Packers have been keen on drafting players who test well athletically under Brian Gutekunst. Van Ness clearly fits their type. He had a RAS score of 9.39.
Lukas Van Ness was drafted with pick 13 of round 1 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.39 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 101 out of 1634 DE from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/tH8vupY0bv pic.twitter.com/kYCxCP4WIE
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 28, 2023
Lukas Van Ness posted a 4.58 40-yard dash and a 31" vertical. His combination of speed and ability to get vertical make him an interesting piece on the Packers' defense. The Packers are not only getting a fast and strong pass rusher, but they are also getting length and size with Van Ness. His physical traits certainly give him the ability to play in multiple positions.
"“He’s a very versatile player, which was important to us. He’s a different player than [Za'Darius Smith] was, but he is going to be able to do a lot of the same things as far as we used to move [Za'Darius] inside and rushing. I think his best football is ahead of him. He’s a guy that’s going to move inside and out.”
– Brian Gutekunst on Van Ness' versatility
In just 26 games at Iowa, Van Ness posted 13 sacks, 19.0 tackles for a loss, and 70 tackles. If the Packers can find a way to get him on the field with Preston Smith and Rashan Gary, opposing teams will have problems matching up with the Packers' pass rush.
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) at 262-366-8188 to schedule former or current Packers for your corporate appearance or product promotion. As a result, MSM will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session or social media campaign with former or current Packers players.
MSM has certainly earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes for events and shows. To learn more about Packers players' appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today.
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with the Green Bay Packers or any other professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) therefore acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM subsequently doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
Luke Musgrave is the newest member of the Packers' upgraded tight end corps. Listed at 6 foot-6, Musgrave hopes to be a big target for new starting QB Jordan Love beginning in 2023.
The Packers made Musgrave the first Green Bay tight end selected in the second round since 1981, and here's why:
Luke Musgrave was born in Bend, Or on Sept. 2, 2000. Musgrave is the son of former Oregon quarterback Doug Musgrave and the nephew of assistant Bill Musgrave, who is currently the senior offensive assistant for the Cleveland Browns.
Musgrave went on to attend Bend High School. As a senior, Musgrave caught a team-leading 31 passes for 563 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Musgrave earned First-Team All-League and Team MVP honors.
By graduation, Musgrave was a four-star recruit, ranked as the 12th-best tight end in the nation, and committed to playing at Oregon State.
Wearing the black and orange, Musgrave would have a productive four-year career for the Beavers. His career totals included 47 receptions, 633 yards and two touchdowns in 20 games for the Beavers.
Here is what NFL Draft scout Lance Zierlein said about Musgrave:
"Between the abbreviated 2020 season and injury-shortened 2022 campaign, Musgrave's snaps have been somewhat limited, but it's easy to like what he's put on tape. His route running harkens back to his slalom days with nimble feet and smooth hips helping to generate rhythm and separation in and out of breaks. He needs a little more bulk for combat in the trenches, but he offers what evaluators are looking for in technique, strain, and demeanor. Musgrave has starter potential and should gain a coveted slot on draft boards from teams looking to add versatility to their 12 personnel (two tight ends) packages."
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) at 262-366-8188 to schedule former or current Packers for your corporate appearance or product promotion. As a result, MSM will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session or social media campaign with former or current Packers players.
MSM has certainly earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes for events and shows. To learn more about Packers players' appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today.
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with the Green Bay Packers or any other professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) therefore acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM subsequently doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
On April 21, 2022, the University of Wisconsin Badgers announced the launch of a NIL marketplace for student-athletes called YouDub.
YouDub is Wisconsin's official NIL marketplace and stands as one of the first school-specific offerings in the nation. Powered by Opendorse, YouDub gives Badgers fans, supporters, and interested businesses a single, streamlined platform to access hundreds of student-athlete profiles.
This marketplace allows businesses and fans access to hundreds of athletes across different sports.
Current student-athletes can be found and contacted using YouDub Marketplace, along with former Wisconsin student-athletes, who are among the 75,000 athletes worldwide using the platform.
"This is an exciting step in our evolving efforts to provide the highest level of support to our student-athletes when it comes to their NIL opportunities," UW Director of Athletics Chris McIntosh told UWBadgers.com. "We are fortunate to have a large and passionate fan base that not only supports the efforts of our program and our teams collectively. But specifically takes pride in supporting our student-athletes individually as Badgers. This new marketplace makes it easy for our fans and our business community to channel that support directly to the student-athletes. Most importantly, it gives out student-athletes another powerful tool as they continue to elevate themselves in the NIL space.
YouDub Marketplace makes it easier to connect with student-athletes. Fans get to learn about the athlete, from background information to common interests outside of their sport. Businesses give athletes the opportunity to broker deals and receive compensation for their work.
"Wisconsin has built an award-winning NIL program that stands among the nation's best," Opendorse CEO Blake Lawrence said. "Today's launch of the YouDub Marketplace will take that student-athlete support to the next level. Starting now, Wisconsin fans can find and support every Badger using the top NIL technology in college sports." – Via UWBadgers.com
Mayfield Sports Marketing has a long history of brokering athlete endorsement deals for multiple professional athletes with some major companies. Subsequently, our list of success stories includes the following:
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with the University of Wisconsin or any other college athletics or professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
AJ Dillon was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2020 from Boston College. However, it did not take him long to embrace his new home.
AJ Dillon has fallen in love with Wisconsin and has become fully involved in the culture. He was even given the key to Door County. Recently, he appeared on "Bellied Up," a midwestern comedy podcast.
AJ Dillon spent a lot of the podcast talking about what he loves about the Midwest and his experiences since getting to Wisconsin. He even took some time to take questions from callers.
One caller even asked him what he would do if he encountered someone who wasn't Midwestern nice.
Not Midwest Nice. @ajdillon7 pic.twitter.com/O1Bh17SzlK
— Bellied Up Podcast (@BelliedUpPod) March 20, 2023
Although Dillon got to share takes and answer questions, one of the highlights of the podcast was when AJ Dillon tried horseradish with the hosts. His reactions were priceless.
We Try Horseradish w/ @ajdillon7 pic.twitter.com/L5JYqiX6pB
— Bellied Up Podcast (@BelliedUpPod) March 16, 2023
AJ Dillon revealed a lot about himself outside of the football player. For as tough as he is on the field, he is just like everyone else off the field. His appearance highlighted the humorous side behind the "Quadzilla."
Despite being born in Connecticut, Dillon is about as Midwest as it gets. He even revealed he calls it "cornhole" and not "bags."
Dillon is in his last season under contract for the Green Bay Packers. At this point, it's hard to picture Dillon anywhere except Wisconsin. However, he is trying to earn his second contract. AJ Dillon is driven and has openly talked about how much he loves being in Wisconsin. His love for the state and determination should make it easy for him to have a big year for the Packers.
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) at 262-366-8188 to schedule AJ Dillon for your corporate appearance or product promotion. As a result, MSM will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired event, autograph session or social media campaign with Dillon.
MSM has certainly earned a reputation for being the one to call for booking top athletes for events and shows. To learn more about AJ Dillon's appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today.
Mayfield Sports Marketing is not affiliated with the Green Bay Packers or any other professional sports organization. Mayfield Sports Marketing (MSM) therefore acts as an athlete broker for corporate functions, private events, and speaking engagements. MSM doesn't claim or represent itself as any player’s agent, speakers bureau, manager, publicist, assistant, PR firm, or management company. MSM is a marketing and booking agency representing organizations seeking to hire speakers, athletes, celebrities, and entertainment for corporate events, endorsements, athlete appearances, spokesperson campaigns, and speaking events.
