Athletes.org (AO) hit the road and headed to Nashville for a successful Players Only meeting–for the NFL Draft. Held at Soho House Nashville, AO brought together a strong mix of collegiate athletes, AO Network providers, professional athletes and industry professionals for an evening of connection and conversation.
Athletes from Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Tennessee State University and Fisk University were in attendance, representing a wide range of sports including football, track and field, gymnastics and more. Notably, Naimah Muhammad — the first HBCU gymnast to ever compete — attended with three of her teammates from Fisk, highlighting the growing reach and impact of the AO community.
The event also welcomed a number of industry leaders, including agents, business professionals, current pro-athletes and representatives from the Tennessee Titans. With the NFL Draft underway and the Titans making the first overall pick, the energy was electric and palpable, giving both the athletes and partners a great atmosphere to connect.
The event served not only as a networking opportunity but also as a continuing platform for AO to engage with members–showing off the true power of AO through uniting together. Athletes expressed interest in AO’s resources such as career development, mentorship opportunities, and post-graduate support.
The AO Network was represented in full force in Nashville, with several partners joining in the evening. Mind Flow, a mental health platform dedicated to providing athletes with proper support, was represented by co-founders Anthony Faraino and Caleb Scott, a former Vandy Football player. Lawrence Sidbury Jr. also stopped by – a 6 year NFL veteran who now advocates for mental health. Rounding out the AO Network group was CJ Saunders, a financial advisor and Ohio State and NFL veteran and Donnie Lee, a high school athlete advisor who played football at Alabama.
Several meaningful conversations took place throughout the evening with one standout moment involving a freshman athlete from Vanderbilt Football who engaged with an AO Network partner specializing in establishing charitable foundations. The connection led to a great dialogue with the potential to create a foundation to support future initiatives.
The night also included familiar faces, and AO members, Diego Pavia and Jada Brown who expressed deep appreciation for Athletes.org’s mission to advocate for college athletes’ voices and ensure they have meaningful representation in conversations that shape the future of this business. The night underscored AO’s commitment to serving as a “Locker Room for Life,” and a connection point for athletes at every stage — whether current students, graduates, or professionals.
Overall, the Players Only: Draft Night reinforced community, advocacy, and career development for athletes and mentors, further solidifying Athletes.org’s role as a vital support system for the next generation of leaders in sports and beyond.
Where is AO heading next? Become a member today or reach out to an AO team member and it could be at your school!