Bradley Students Score Big with NFL Draft Internship

Two sports communication majors had the opportunity of a lifetime last weekend, working behind the scenes at the NFL Draft in Green Bay. Their job: managing security and ensuring only VIPs and authorized personnel entered and exited various venues. It wasn’t always glamorous, but the students made the most of the experience.

“I learned how much goes into putting on a big event like this and how much it means to the fans, especially in Green Bay,” said sophomore Cristina Solano. “The city has a population of just 150,000, and on the first day alone, 125,000 people attended. By the end of the weekend, 600,000 people had been through!”

The opportunity was made possible by a partnership between Kent State’s Athletic Department, the Charley Steiner School of Sports Communication, and the department of communication here at Bradley. “Over the years we've had students occasionally intern at the NFL Draft with Kent State. In 2023, Joe Spotanski '22, wanted to establish a more coordinated internship program between BU and Kent State heading into the 2024 draft,” explained Christopher Marsh, assistant professor, advertising and public relations. “Those students had an amazing experience in Detroit, and this year Miranna Berles '24, was our intern liaison with the students who went to Green Bay.”  

“I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but it ended up being a blessing,” said senior Tyler Skibinski. On night two, he had the enviable assignment working the curtain on the draft ramp where celebrities and current and former NFL players entered and exited the stage.

“I had conversations with players, shook their hands, and even got a few hugs. I was starstruck!” Skibinski said.

Among the celebrities he met were WWE superstar Seth Rollins, former running back Melvin Gordon, Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, and legendary receiver Jerry Rice. “Out of everyone, former Seahawks legend Richard Sherman was the nicest,” Skibinski added. “I told him he was my childhood hero, and he gave me a hug. We talked about his career, and he told me to always be myself. It was an incredible moment.”

Solano managed to snag a selfie with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Beyond the brushes with fame, the Bradley students also made lifelong connections with fellow interns. “Everything about this internship was positive,” Skibinski said. “Even though I only got about 15 hours of sleep total during the entire draft, it was totally worth it!”

Solano agreed, adding, “The best part of this experience was all the people I got to meet and the new friends I made.”

—Emily Potts