The program is a unique, immersive experience designed to provide current Bears players with meaningful exposure to Chicago area companies. The program connects athletes with local business leaders, helping them explore interests, build skills and gain insight into potential post-playing career pathways.
“This program presents our players with the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with world-class business leaders and executives,” Poles said. “Our players will have the opportunity to acquire and develop leadership skills and traits that can be implemented with their teammates, providing an impactful influence throughout our locker room.”
The Second Season program connects Bears players with business leaders in the region to gain insight into the business sector, as well as work to create positive influence in the community through business development and leadership opportunities.
“We are excited and grateful to launch this revolutionary program for the Chicago Bears and the members of our football team, in collaboration with world-class partners,” Bears executive vice president of revenue & chief business officer Meka Morris said.
“We are blessed to have our players lean into this unique opportunity and we are deeply appreciative to our tremendous partners for their dedication, collaboration and commitment,” Warren said. “Many of the greatest leaders, thinkers, and community pillars that provide guidance and direction for some of the most impactful companies and institutions across the globe are based in the Chicagoland region. Second Season will provide our players with the pathway to create new relationships and inspire their next journey as they think about life after football.”
Odeyingbo enjoyed his day at Abbott. He met with the marketing and community relations departments as well as the pandemic defense and lab testing teams. His mom works in the medical profession and he studied health care administration at Vanderbilt, so health care has been on his radar long before he visited Abbott.
“It was definitely an eye-opening experience to see it in person rather than in a classroom,” Odeyingbo said. “It’s very impressive to see [the Bears] care about the players outside of football. It’s something I haven’t had the opportunity to do so far in my career, so it was really exciting.”
