A Message from the Executive Director As we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I am reminded that the mission of the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation is rooted in the same principles Dr. King championed — fairness, dignity, equal opportunity, and the unwavering belief that systems can and must evolve to reflect our highest values. […]
Executive Director Rod Graves – Leading by Educating
The 2025 NFL Draft delivered a moment that will be remembered for years to come. With the third overall pick, the New York Giants selected Abdul Carter, an edge rusher from Penn State, and in doing so, made history. Carter became the first openly Muslim player ever drafted in the top 10, a groundbreaking achievement […]
In Case You Missed It – Highlights from the 20th Annual Johnnie L. Cochran Salute to Excellence Awards Be sure to view our recap video to catch all the highlights!
In a groundbreaking event that coincided with the 2024 NFL Draft weekend in Detroit, the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation hosted its inaugural Junior Academy Draft Breakfast on April 26, 2024. The breakfast served as a platform to recognize and celebrate outstanding young individuals from the metro Detroit area, marking a significant milestone in the FPA’s […]
In Case You Missed It – Highlights from the 19th Annual Johnnie L. Cochran Salute to Excellence Awards Leaders from both on and off the field joined us in Las Vegas for the 19th Annual Johnnie L. Cochran Salute to Excellence Awards presented by Nike. Highlights from this exciting and memorable event include a roundtable […]
The Super Bowl stage offers more than just a thrilling gridiron battle; it is increasingly a platform for social progress. This year, alongside the Salute to Excellence, the Fritz Pollard Alliance (FPA) ensured that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) remained firmly in the Super Bowl spotlight. The FPA’s 19th Annual Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Salute […]
We are excited about our partnership with NFL and look forward to furthering the mission of the Fritz Pollard Alliance. View Full Video
Two decades after The Rooney Rule, a great perspective on where we’ve come and the work that still needs to be done. NFL coaches diversity report 2023: Pittsburgh Steelers’ staff still leads league NFL coaching staffs are growing more diverse — but not at every position, nor on every team. For the second consecutive year, […]
Fritz Pollard, Bobby Marshall and Paul Robeson were some of the first black athletes to play professional football in the 1920s. Their courage and skill helped pave the way for future athletes to further integrate the league in the modern era, post-World War II. The Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation honors those whose lives embodied the […]
