In Case You Missed It – Highlights from the 21st Annual Johnnie L. Cochran Salute to Excellence Awards The Fritz Pollard Alliance gathered in San Francisco ahead of Super Bowl LX for a significant milestone at the 21st Annual Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Salute to Excellence Awards. This year’s event celebrated over two decades of […]
The Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation (FPA) stands at a defining moment in its history. Founded to advance inclusion and equitable access to leadership opportunities across professional football, the organization now turns to Michele Meyer-Shipp to guide its next chapter of impact. On March 1, 2026, Meyer-Shipp assumed the role of Interim Executive Director while continuing to serve […]
The Fritz Pollard Alliance mourns the passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., a towering leader whose life’s work transformed the fight for inclusion, equity, opportunity, and justice. His trajectory as a renowned civil rights leader began at North Carolina A&T where he served as both a student athlete who quarterbacked the football team, and as student body […]
The Fritz Pollard Alliance mourns the tragic loss of life resulting from federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those whose lives were taken, and to the community now grappling with grief, trauma, and unanswered questions. No family should ever receive a knock […]
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. […]
Former 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 […]
