Wally Triplett played for the Detroit Lions from 1949-1950 and was the League’s first drafted Black player to play in the NFL. Even before joining the NFL, he broke barriers in the college landscape playing for Penn State. Following the example set by the 1949 Detroit Lions, the Wally Triplett Rotational Fellowship Program is a paid rotational fellowship designed to promote inclusivity in our recruitment and development practices, with an emphasis on expanding access to front office experience for individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities in the business of football.

During a 2-year program, Fellows will complete two different departmental rotations, gaining cross-functional experience and education. The Fellowship Program offers hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to multiple departments and organizational leaders, providing an inside look at how an organization truly operates. This immersive experience not only builds valuable skills but also equips you with the perspective and confidence to excel in whatever path you choose next.

Fellows must be passionate about the game of football and the Lions’ quest to include everyone in the game we love. This program is designed to help us better reflect our fans and continue to build experiences for our players, staff, and fans of the future.  

 Roles & Responsibilities  

• Program participants will complete two (2) assignments over a two-year period for the Detroit Lions and Ford Field. Specific department rotations will be determined based on business need but core departments are: Events, Football Operations, Marketing, and Partnership Sales.  

 Long-term Career Placement  

• Placement opportunities within the Detroit Lions and Ford Field are based on existing business needs, the participant's performance, and previous work experience. Upon completion of the program, participants may opt to pursue further education, opportunities at NFL Clubs and partner organizations, or opportunities outside the NFL. While this is a full-time two-year rotational program, continued employment beyond the scheduled end date is not guaranteed.  

 Application Deadline  

• Completed applications must be submitted by Monday, November 3^rd, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. No submissions will be accepted after the deadline.  Applications will require a writing submission as well as 1 letter of recommendation from a professor, mentor, employer, or community leader.

Requirements

• Consideration will be given to currently enrolled undergraduate students in their senior year, graduating between the Fall of 2025 and the Spring of 2026 with an overall GPA of 3.0 and above.  
• If selected to participate in the final round of interviews, applicants must be available to interview in-person (December 2025).  
• If selected for the program, Fellowship Program participants must be available for the start of the program in July of 2026.  
• Applicants must be legally permitted to work in the United States and international students must have all visas and US employment authorizations prior to the start of the program.  
• Applicants must be willing to relocate to the metro Detroit area during the two-year period.  Logistical assistance for relocation may be available.
• We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. 

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in gaining an array of experiences working in professional football  
• Advanced Experience with Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint, and Excel  
• Flexibility to adapt and thrive in a variety of work environments with various leadership styles and teams  
• Ability to work in high pressure environment and juggle multiple priorities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills  
• Proven independent thinking skills  
• Demonstrated relationship management  
• Strong attention to detail  
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills  
• Excellent presentation skills  
• Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills  
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-moving team environment  
• Internship or prior work experience preferred  
• A valid Driver’s License and a good driving record, if applicable  
• May require work out of both the Ford Field Management Office and the Allen Park Training Facility  
• Will adjust schedule as needed to meet work goals and time constraints, including working nights, weekends, and holidays as football schedule directs