Date of Award
2013
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Higher Education
Department
Leadership and Counselor Education
First Advisor
Timothy D. Letzring
Second Advisor
Brandi Hephner-LaBanc
Third Advisor
John Holleman
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore and understand perceptions of African American male football athletes at Division I institutions that also played professional football, regarding their collegiate experiences and transition from athletics to post-playing careers. The study examined issues of race and social interaction, academic preparation, economic status, leadership opportunities, and the transitions from collegiate and professional sports. The participants in this study consisted of six former NFL players who attended college and played collegiately at NCAA predominately white Division I institutions in the Southern Regional Education Board member states in the United States. Using qualitative interview methods (pre-interview, focus group, individual interview), data was collected and analyzed using critical race and transition theories. The results of the analysis of the interview data identified six major themes: 1) The Importance of Football, 2) The Academic Smokescreen, 3) Issues of Race, 4) Economic Hardships, 5) Student-Athlete Rights, and 6) Difficult Transitions and Identity Issues.
Recommended Citation
Northcutt, Kellen Jamil, "The Dilemma: Career Transition Of African American Male Football Players At Division I Institutions" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 626.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/626