NFL announces expanded rookie transition program

Two weeks following April's draft, the Raiders will hold their rookie minicamp. Their offseason program begins April 18 and continues through June. You can see the entire schedule here. But once that program is complete, the NFL's new Rookie transition program begins with the AFC Rookie program taking place June 20-22 and the NFL June 22-24.

Unlike the previous rookie symposium, the Rookie Transition Program will be available to all NFL rookies - both drafted and undrafted. Each team will also conduct their own rookie program, as opposed to all the rookies meeting up in a central location.

"Our goal is to onboard every NFL rookie with the best resources and practices for a successful playing experience both on and off the field," said NFL Vice President of Player Engagement Charles Way. "By shifting the model to the clubs from a centrally located program exclusive to drafted rookies, we can reach all of our rookies, introduce them to resources in their community, and afford them the experience from active and former players at their club who successfully transitioned into the NFL."

The new format gives clubs the opportunity to customize the orientation program to align with the history and culture of their team, including the use of former players to foster and promote mentoring relationships between incoming rookies and club legends.

Mandatory topics will include social responsibility, respect at work, mental health, character and values, and player engagement resources. Teams will cover other key topics either as part of the three-day program or prior to it, including player health and safety, a review of player policies and resources, working with the news media in the age of social media, financial education, and playing rule changes from college to the pros.

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