Harry Carson - Executive Director

Statement on the FPA

January 5th, 2006

Today marks the day that the Fritz Pollard Alliance launches its website, which can be found at www.fpal.org. The FPA website will serve as an informational and educational resource and will improve internal communications for FPA members. This is also an opportune time to take note of the status of the FPA.

It is with great pride that I have been serving in the capacity of the Executive Director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance the last couple of years. The FPA is an affinity group of minorities serving in front office, coaching and scouting positions in the National Football League. It is unique in major league sports.

The FPA has advocated for policy advancements in the NFL, which has resulted in many notable changes in the NFL such as:

  • The creation in October 2002 of the NFL Diversity Committee chaired by Pittsburgh Steelers Owner Dan Rooney.
  • The Adoption of a Diversity Plan in December 2002, including the celebrated "Rooney Rule" which requires that each team interview at least one minority candidate prior to selecting a head coach. Subsequently, the League added detailed Guidelines to help clubs carry out the Rooney Rule as well as tough fines to make sure each team fulfilled its obligations.
  • The development and adoption of detailed, meaningful Guidelines for hiring for Front Office Executive vacancies.

The FPA is working closely with the NFL to refine, when necessary, the above policies. With the adoption of these policies and the renewed commitment to diversity, the number of black NFL head coaches has tripled from 2 to a record 6, the number of black front office executives has reached a record of 11 and the number of black assistant coaches has reached a record of 178.

The FPA is also working with the NFL to make sure that the owners are fully aware of minority candidates ready, willing and able to fill each and every coaching and front office vacancy in the NFL. The exceptionally successful track record of minority coaches, front office executives, and personnel directors also opens doors for others that follow.

Training and preparation is also key for equal opportunity. The FPA is working with its members to help them prepare for advancement to the next level. It is also encouraging the NFL to continue its front office and coaching symposia, which creates training, and development opportunities open to all.

In an annual awards ceremony, which the last two years took place at the Indianapolis Combine in February, the FPA has honored those who have helped to level the playing field by deed and by example for minorities in the NFL with the Paul "Tank" Younger awards. Tank Younger was the NFL's first African American Front Office Executive. The Tank Younger awardees thus far include front office pioneers Bobby Mitchell and Frank Gilliam and Coaches Tony Dungy and Bill Walsh.

We are blessed that the FPA has been able to form a strong relationship with the NFL, which has been receptive to our ideas and willing to work together to achieve common goals. Owners such as Dan Rooney, Pat Bowlen and Arthur Blank have shown keep interest in shaping effective and meaningful policies. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and the NFL top brass such as Harold Henderson, Jeff Pash, Art Shell, Roger Goodell and Mike Haynes have taken personal pride in making the NFL a better place to work and play by striving to achieve fair competition for key positions. With the help of our skilled counsel, Mehri & Skalet, the FPA will continue to open doors and create opportunities in the NFL. By doing so, America's game can overcome the poison of racial bias and instead be a shining example of equal opportunity and fair play. With the success of this effort, more and more young Americans from minority communities will see African Americans and other minorities in high profile leadership positions, which will inspire them to work hard to reach their potential because there is hope of fair play. This is truly gratifying to see. With this effort, we can seize the moment to make the promise of fairness a reality.