2025 Big Data Bowl Mentorship Program
As part of the NFL’s annual Big Data Bowl, NFL Football Operations is offering a mentorship program to increase diversity within sports analytics by connecting experienced NFL analytics experts with individuals who are quantitatively prepared but new to the field of sports analytics. Mentors and mentees will work one-on-one to contribute to the football analytics community. Participants whose work stands out could gain an opportunity to present it at conferences or contribute to our NFL Football Operations data blog posts. Groups underrepresented in sports analytics/STEM will receive priority in the application process.
Mentors and Mentees
21 of the members of this year’s Big Data Bowl Mentorship Program.
Mentors for the 2025 Big Data Bowl program were selected based on their analytics backgrounds and commitment to advise mentees as they start their analytics journeys. Mentors include former/current NFL team data analysts and front-office representatives as well as staff members from NFL analytics partners. Mentors will provide technical and non-technical advice throughout the duration of the program.
Mentees will learn from an industry professional on how to use the 2025 Big Data Bowl data while expanding their knowledge of how data science, statistics or a related discipline can contribute to the NFL’s continuing evolution in the use of advanced analytics. No background in analytics is required — only a willingness to code.
The program
Individual mentorship
Mentors and mentees are matched by the NFL Football Operations team based on their knowledge, skills and location. Mentors are expected to provide encouragement and advice, both in and around data science. Mentors and mentees will virtually meet at least once a month during the program that runs from September 2024 through February 2025. It is expected that all mentees will complete a public submission to the 2025 Big Data Bowl.
Group training seminars
The program includes both individual meetings and monthly group training sessions. These seminars will cover football analytics topics, including:
- Life with an NFL team
- Working as a league vendor in data science
- Media or business analytics
- Graduate school
Each training session will consist of a presentation, Q&A and an open forum.
Final presentation
All mentees will have the opportunity to present at a virtual forum open to analysts from all 32 NFL teams. This event will be held in January or February.
Code of conduct
Participants in the 2025 Big Data Bowl Mentorship Program are required to abide by the following rules:
- Conversations should remain productive and respect personal and professional boundaries
- Comments or actions that are offensive, sexual in nature, or intimidating are prohibited in any form
- Mentees are instructed not to solicit confidential information
- Mentors and mentees will not publicize their relationship unless both parties consent
- Monthly meetings are a minimum commitment for both mentors and mentees. If this cadence is not sustained, participants may be removed from the program
- Anyone in violation of the above is subject to removal from the program
NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.
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