NFL Alumni, Healthcare Leaders, and Faculty at Clayton State University Unite to Bridge the Gap in Public Health

(March 13, 2025) - Clayton State University Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and Director of the Graduate Program, Dr. Michelle Nelson, and campus leaders were excited to welcome NFL alumni for a thoughtful conversation on public health and ways to improve support and resources. With former NFL players, frontline healthcare leaders, and academic experts at the table, the session explored: 

• What’s fueling vaccine hesitancy—and how do we change the narrative?
• How can healthcare professionals, academia, and policymakers collaborate more effectively?
• What role do athletes and influencers play in advancing public health messaging?

Dr. Hooks - Dean & Professor of the College of Health and Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences:

"We are honored to host the NFL Alumni event at Clayton State University, partnering with the NFL Alumni Association to promote healthcare and vaccine access. This collaboration reflects our commitment to public health and community engagement, ensuring more people have the information and resources needed to make informed healthcare decisions."

Janet Marchibroda, a national expert in health policy and data strategy, emphasized the power of cross-industry collaboration:

“Partnerships like these are exactly what we need to break down barriers in healthcare. When experts from medicine, sports, and academia come together, we can create real solutions—ones that are research-driven and resonate with communities.”

Dr. Michelle Nelson, a leader in healthcare advocacy, stressed the importance of trust, transparency, and accessibility in healthcare:

“If we want to move the needle on public health challenges, we have to listen first. We need to meet communities where they are, engage them in ways that matter, and ensure that healthcare information is both accurate and accessible.”

Attendees left with a renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships, addressing workforce challenges, and rebuilding public trust in healthcare systems.

With millions of followers and strong community ties, former NFL players took an active role in discussions, exploring how sports figures can serve as trusted messengers in public health efforts.

“People trust athletes. We’ve inspired people in sports, and now we have the opportunity to inspire them in their health,” said NFL alumnus Perry Kemp.

The event underscored the unique role athletes play in advancing public health awareness, shifting mindsets, and influencing preventive care decisions.

The momentum from this inaugural event will continue statewide and beyond. HHCP, @NFLAlumniGeorgia, and academic leaders are just getting started, and future events will build upon the insights and partnerships established in this session.

"This wasn’t just a conversation. This was the first step in creating real, measurable change," said Shelli-Ann McKenzie, CEO of HHCP.

Beyond discussion, this session was a live data collection opportunity, capturing critical insights through polling and expert input.

📊 Key findings from the event will be compiled into a formal read-out report, serving as a blueprint for future healthcare initiatives.  

These insights will:

• Identify primary drivers of vaccine confidence and hesitancy
• Analyze urgent healthcare workforce challenges, including burnout and staffing shortages
• Inform public health campaigns tailored to diverse communities
• Guide strategic partnerships between healthcare professionals, academia, and sports leaders

The final report will be shared with policymakers, healthcare leaders, and key stakeholders, driving forward evidence-based action in public health and workforce development.