FOR USE AS DESIRED
NFL-7                 3/7/05

NFL players interested in becoming coaches and game officials will receive first-hand experience this offseason in an internship program with the NFL Europe League (NFLEL). Twenty eight players will participate in the program this spring. The NFL Europe League coaching internship program was introduced in 2003 and expanded last year to include officiating and game operations internships.

The 28 players (11 active and 17 former NFLers), including safety RODNEY HARRISON from the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DANA STUBBLEFIELD, a free agent, will participate in the NFLEL training camps. Harrison will intern in officiating while Stubblefield will serve as a training camp coach. The former players include CRIS DISHMAN, KURT GOUVEIA, ALVIN HARPER, E.J. JUNIOR, CHUCK MUNCIE, JAMES TRAPP and ALEX VAN PELT. The internships are as follows:

The Internship Program is a joint initiative of the NFL and the NFL Players Association. The goal is to provide participants with comprehensive training, work experience and evaluation of their coaching and officiating skills.

Four participants in the program have earned full-time positions with NFL teams. Cleveland Browns tight ends coach BEN COATES was a full-season coaching intern with the Frankfurt Galaxy in 2004. San Diego Chargers assistant defensive backs coach ALBERT LEWIS was a training camp coaching intern with Frankfurt in 2004. Indianapolis Colts offensive quality control coach PETE METZELAARS interned in 2003 with the Barcelona Dragons. Oakland Raiders special teams assistant coach MARTIN BAYLESS began in 2003 as an intern with Barcelona before the Amsterdam Admirals hired him in training camp to fill a full-time vacancy.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for players to develop other skills and pursue other career goals," said ART SHELL, NFL senior vice president of football operations and development. "The program provides our players – active or retired – the chance to find out whether coaching, officiating, or front office work in the NFL is for them."

"Players who are fortunate to reach the NFL have a deep investment in football that this is a natural progression for them to seek other opportunities at the professional level," said MIKE HAYNES, NFL vice president of player and employee development.

"We are pleased to see players receive an opportunity to pursue a career through NFL Europe," said STACY ROBINSON, NFL Players Association director of player development. "This program is an excellent training ground for players looking to gain further experience."

Following is a look at the participants in the NFL Europe League internships:

* denotes active player