Full Breakdown
UT Martin Students Gain Unique Experience at NFL Games in London
10/5/2025, 4:48:06 PM
Overview of the Event
For the second consecutive year, Dr. Dexter Davis, a professor of sport management at the University of Tennessee at Martin (UT Martin), is leading a group of six students to work at National Football League (NFL) games in London. The selected students include Tiana Brooks, Kole Hellmann, Reagan McGee, Mason Meyners, Haley Olsen, and Dakota Reddan. They will assist during two games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: the Cleveland Browns versus the Minnesota Vikings on October 5 and the Denver Broncos against the New York Jets on October 12.
Student Roles and Activities
The UT Martin students will engage in customer service roles, distributing gifts to NFL staff and welcoming them to the games. Dr. Davis emphasized the significance of this opportunity, stating, “It’s an opportunity for the students to see the value of customer service and how rewards help make performance better.” In addition to their work at the games, the students will tour various sports venues in London, including the London Stadium and the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon. They will also attend lectures at Leeds-Beckett University, guided by Jamie Jones Buchanan, a former rugby captain.
Selection Process
The selection of students for this unique experience involves a multi-step process. Dr. Davis conducts an informational meeting, followed by interested students submitting cover letters and resumes that outline how the trip will impact their career aspirations. Academic performance and major are also considered in the selection process. Over the years, Dr. Davis has facilitated numerous opportunities for UT Martin students, including participation in the last 12 Super Bowls and the 2023 Little League Baseball Classic.
Broader Implications
This initiative not only provides students with hands-on experience in sports management but also enhances their understanding of the industry at an international level. By working at high-profile NFL events, students gain insights into sports marketing and customer service, which are crucial for their future careers in the sports industry.
Official Statements & Responses
Dr. Dexter Davis remarked on the rarity of such opportunities for college students, noting, “We’re the only college crew that’s going to be working there that I know of.” He highlighted the importance of these experiences in shaping students' professional paths.
What's Next
Following their London experience, the UT Martin students will return to their academic commitments, equipped with practical knowledge and skills gained from their time at the NFL games. The program is expected to continue in future years, fostering the next generation of sports management professionals.
This initiative exemplifies UT Martin's commitment to providing students with unique learning experiences that bridge academic theory and practical application in the sports industry.
