Eighteen years ago, Jason Taylor established his non-profit organization to build a better future for South Florida’s children in need with a focus on health care, education, and quality of life. Sports have played a very small role in the Jason Taylor Foundation’s programming, despite Taylor’s Hall of Fame football career…until now! This fall, the Miami Dolphins legendary defensive end will roll out the Jason Taylor Careers in Sports Network, a free program available to students throughout South Florida high schools intended to provide equitable access to resources and best practices in the sports industry, preparing students for future educational and career opportunities within the business of sport.
“Given Jason’s prolific football journey, coupled with our team’s extensive experience in the business of sport, we feel our organization is uniquely positioned to make an impact within the industry and most importantly, on young people pursuing a future career in sports.” said Seth Levit, Executive Director of the Jason Taylor Foundation.
Taylor has turned to a familiar face to spearhead the new program, naming Troy Drayton Director of the Careers in Sports Network. Drayton, a collegiate All-American at Penn State, played nine seasons at tight end in the National Football League, including four (1996-99) with the Miami Dolphins. Following his playing career, Drayton spent nine years working in the Dolphins Youth Programs Department.
“Troy was the consummate professional both on and off the field and carried that over to his post playing career as well,” said Jason Taylor. “He was also an amazing mentor to countless young players, including myself. I have no doubt that Troy will bring that same level of professionalism and guidance to the youth we serve through this new program.”
The Jason Taylor Careers in Sports Network will give students hands-on experience within and around their high school athletics department, providing a Playbook of Best Practices students can follow to build a greater understanding of career opportunities in sports, begin to develop a professional network and resume, while assisting their own school’s athletics department in promoting its student-athletes and athletics programs. The Playbook will focus on five key careers in sports:
- Sports Media Relations
- Sports Broadcasting
- Social Media
- Sports Marketing
- Game Management
“The business of sports is growing as fast, if not faster than the games themselves and young people want to be a part of the action,” said Drayton. “This program is necessary and timely, and we believe that students who participate will be prepared to make a huge impact on the industry for years to come.”
To learn more about the Jason Taylor Careers in Sports Network, visit www.JasonTaylorFoundation.org or email info@jasontaylorfoundation.com.
