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Yesterday, the NFL announced their 2013 Rookie Symposium schedule. The four day camp emphasizes the sport's legacy, tradition of character and leadership, as well as social and professional responsibility. The orientation held at the Bertram Hotel in Aurora, Ohio will introduce the 2013 NFL Draft class to life in the NFL prior to the rookies reporting to training camps next month.
The four core teaching principles of the Rookie Symposium are NFL History, Total Wellness, Experience, and Professionalism. The symposium includes presentations, videos, and workshops on player health and safety, decision making, mental health, substance abuse, non-discrimination and maintaining positive relationships.
The league brings in a series of current and former players to talk to the incoming rookies, using their experiences in the NFL as a way to better prepare the young players as they enter the league. This year, the speakers include LaVar Arrington, Vernon Davis, Antonio Freeman, Desmond Howard, Adam Jones, Chad Pennington, and Aeneas Williams.
The league will also provide a history lesson of the NFL, held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, taught by Hall of Famers Jim Brown and Richard Dent.
Additional speakers include representatives from the NFL office and clubs, the NFL Players Association, professionals in specialized fields, and current and former NFL players.
Panel discussion topics include "Transitioning to NFL," "Self Regulation," "Are You Bigger than the Game," "Staying in the Game," Expectations of an NFL Player," and "What Defines Success."
Players will also participate in an NFL PLAY 60 event at the Cleveland Browns training facility with children from the Cleveland area.
AFC Rookies will hold their symposium June 23-26, while the NFC Rookies will attend June 26-29.