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Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr. Headline List of 2024 NFLPA Premiere Rookies

Joseph Zucker

The Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams and Arizona Cardinals' Marvin Harrison Jr. are among the 40 NFL rookies who will get a jump-start on marketing themselves off the field.

The NFL Players Association revealed the full list of invitees to its Annual Rookie Premiere:

The union describes the event as "one of the most valuable opportunities available to NFLPA partners as it's the first point of contact to connect directly with professional football's most promising and marketable young players—at a single unique event—to build content and relationships for the season and beyond."

Because this is a commercially driven endeavor, there are some notable omissions and surprising inclusions. Green Bay Packers quarterback Michael Pratt, for example, made the cut despite being a seventh-round pick.

But this doesn't reveal anything we didn't already know. If you want to build a brand for yourself and become a corporate pitchman, it helps to play one of the skill positions.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner and Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu were the only two defensive players picked. Seventeen of the Rookie Premiere participants are wide receivers. Even running backs are well represented despite no longer being the focal point of offenses they once were.

The advent of the NIL era in college sports has somewhat lessened the effect of the Rookie Premiere. The most recognizable players coming into the NFL have some endorsements in the bag and their representatives have long started building the necessary inroads.

Having said that, getting an invite is still a big deal for those lucky enough to attend.

   

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