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Big 12 Collaborates With NFL For Conference-Wide Pro Day
PROVO, Utah – NFL Pro Day is going to be a lot different around the Big 12 Conference in the future.
Beginning in 2024, the Big 12 will partner with the NFL to form a conference-wide Pro Day. All 14 programs will converge in Frisco, Texas, at the Dallas Cowboys training facility, Ford Center at The Star to showcase their best NFL draft hopefuls.
Big 12 and @NFL Partner to Launch Big 12 Pro Day in 2024
A reimagined Pro Day experience with state of the art medical and player skill assessments designed to maximize the student-athlete prospect experience.
📰 https://t.co/qNYvRjFww0 pic.twitter.com/umQZv7xUPw
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) March 15, 2023
Big 12 will hold conference-wide Pro Day in 2024
The conference-wide Pro Day will replace individual schools such as BYU hosting their own Pro Days.
“The first-of-its-kind Big 12 Pro Day will provide our student-athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent and skill as they turn their NFL dreams into reality,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “Through this partnership with the NFL, Big 12 student-athletes will receive national media exposure across NFL Network and NFL Media platforms. We are thrilled to partner with the NFL to host this Pro Day, and we look forward to creating a special experience for our student-athletes.”
Brett Yormark has stayed consistent with his theme that he wants to be “open for business” and find new creative ways to generate revenue for the Big 12. A conference-wide Pro Day will have the opportunity to create more revenue.
The public will not be able to attend the on-field workouts, but the Big 12 will host a Fan Fest outside of the event. The Fan Fest will be “complete with special VIP appearances, fan engagement experiences, screens broadcasting NFL Network’s coverage of the Pro Day and more.”
“The Big 12 unified approach will provide world-class maximum exposure, mentorship, and development opportunities for potential future prospects pulling on the vast resources of these Big 12 institutions,” said Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “From state of the art medical and talent evaluations to maximized media exposure and classroom professional development, these future leaders will experience a dignified, respectful and comprehensive assessment.”
Athletes will receive non-football career opportunities
Along with on-field drills in front of NFL personnel, the draft hopefuls from the Big 12 Conference will also receive non-football career networking opportunities and a job fair. They will also get the chance to meet with individuals from the Big 12 Business Advisory Board to give career growth assistance.
The Big 12 Conference will be a 14-team league in the 2023-24 academic year. BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston will join the league on July 1, 2023, with Texas and Oklahoma competing in their final season before moving on to the SEC in the 2024-25 season.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU moving to the Big 12 Conference on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
