Students Gain Insight into NFL during Alumni Panel

Just a few weeks after the National Football League (NFL) began its 2024–25 season, a panel of four St. John’s University alumni gathered at NFL headquarters in Manhattan, NY, to discuss their career paths and offer advice to more than 40 St. John’s students. 

“As New York City’s sport university, St. John’s University alumni hold leadership roles across all levels of sport in the region, including in the National Football League,” said David P. Hedlund, Ph.D., Professor and Chairperson of the Division of Sport Management. “Our alumni actively work to educate the next generation of sports leaders, often through open doors and creating networking opportunities for our students. These opportunities demonstrate the value of a St. John’s University education as our students prepare to work at all levels of sport.”

Michael Minnella ‘15CPS Senior Director of Business Development for the NFL, explained how his experience as a Sport Management major helped him in his career. He had the opportunity to secure internships and network, which ultimately led him to his position in the NFL. Workplace culture became a focal point during the panel discussion. “It’s better who you work for than where you work,” Mr. Minnella said. “A good support system makes a big difference; it brings the best out of you.” 

Ken Fiore ’90SVC, Vice President of Player Personnel, has worked for the NFL for over 30 years. He discussed various topics, including important qualities employers look for in candidates. “Being able to gel with the group is important,” he explained. “We have a good culture here. During the NFL Kickoff game, many of us who weren’t already working watched it together.”

Sara D'Angelo, 15'CPS, who also graduated with a master's in Sports Management, talked about a positive workplace culture.  "It is extremely valuable to have an environment that challenges employees but also has a strong support system." 

Even though the majority of students who attended were from The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, this event was open to all six of the University’s Schools and Colleges. Jack Sargente, a fourth-year Business major in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, gained a new perspective from professionals in the field. 

“There are a lot of different avenues to take in this business,” he said. “As the panelists discussed, there isn’t just one path to get to where I want to go.”

Jayden Canton, who is in the fifth year of the MBA program, Business Analytics, talked about his takeaway regarding the interview process. “Doing your research when you are interviewing for a job and knowing all the business aspects going into the process can give you an edge,” he shared. 

One of the prominent themes was the strong sense of community felt by St. John’s alumni. Meghan Cannella Carroll ’07L, Vice President of Labor Policy and Health for the NFL, is an alumnus of St. John’s School of Law, and made many connections during her time on the Queens, NY, campus. 

“St. John’s is a family-oriented school,” she said. “Even when you graduate, you see how alumni help each other.”