Ex NFL Linebacker/ Ivy League Professor Behind Athletes.org / A Players Assoc. For College Athletes

Brandon Copeland is on a mission to educate and protect the futures of the next generation of sports stars.

This Ex. NFL linebacker and Ivy League Professor, is also the Executive Director and Co-Founder of an organization called Athletes.org.,a Players Assoc. For College Athletes.

Brandon who played pro football or the Baltimore Ravens, and New York Jets, among others also got a terrific education at Wharton and is in his sixth year an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

He's passionate about creating a legacy beyond his football career is is dedicating his time and knowledge to help others unlock their potential. Brandon is fully dedicated to helping the next generation of athletes and children in need. 

His non-profit Athletes.org, focuses on providing financial literacy to college athletes, helping them handle their finances as they potentially deal with lucrative deals. College athletics have changed, and college athletes are essentially going pro earlier due to TV deals and other revenue streams. The NCAA has recently been discussing proposals about compensating those athletes. But Brandon knows too well how unprepared most young athletes when interest and money comes their way. Athletes.org, essentially acts as a players association for college athletes, providing services such as legal and mental health support, sometimes pro bono.

Financial literacy for athletes is what Brandon Copeland thinks is critical. He’s well aware just how many athletes have gone broke and spent all their money without consideration for their futures, Which is why, he and athletes.org aim to provide solutions so that doesn’t happen.

But that’s not all Brandon Copeland is working on. Did you know he and a slew of other NFL Players bought Christmas presents for hundreds of unsuspecting children in need this year? (The kids thought they were showing up for community service. )

 Beyond the Basics, Inc., is Brandon Copeland’s family foundation he started with his wife. The foundation began by holding football camps and then organized "A December to Remember," where NFL players provide Christmas shopping sprees for children.

 Future Goals? Copeland hopes to expand the holiday initiative nationwide and encourage community involvement in every state, regardless of the presence of an NFL team.

 What a wonderful conversation we had on The Debbie Nigro Show. It was myto showcase Brandon Copeland's commitment to using his platform and experiences to positively impact the lives of young athletes and children, with a strong focus on financial education and community service.

 BTW: He credits his grandfather, Roy Hilton, who played in the NFL for 11 years, for his inspiration and for giving him perspective on life after football.