Rod Graves is the executive director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation (FPA). He joined the FPA after spending 37 years with the National Football League (NFL). He attended the nonprofit’s Female Trailblazers event during Super Bowl week and spoke with rolling out about the NFL’s improvement in its hiring practices.
What are some of the most significant changes you’ve seen in the NFL regarding diversity and inclusion? How do you measure the impact of the work?
Well, one of the significant changes I’ve seen has been the explosion of talent in the pipeline. We still have to get to a point where we’re selecting the talent out of that pipeline, but in terms of identifying candidates and nurturing their growth, it’s really been impressive in that area.
What are the most significant barriers to achieving greater diversity in leadership roles?
Well, it’s just the openness. We ask people to be fair, open, and competitive in hiring. We have to allow [and invite] the execution. And so, as long as there have been inhibitions and concerns about presenting those opportunities, we’ll continue to struggle to see any change.
The Fritz Pollard Alliance has been a strong advocate for mentorship and development. How do you ensure that an emerging talent from diverse backgrounds receives effective mentoring?
Well, there’s no substitute for endurance. There’s no substitute for resilience. There’s no substitute in my mind for prayer, and you must combine all three areas. Stick with it, stay inspired, and opportunities will come your way.
What can the NFL do to cultivate a more inclusive culture?
The League has it right from the standpoint that they focus on fair, open, and competitive opportunities. So, if we stay focused on just trying to achieve that, if we get to that point where we feel good, that we are being able to identify the top talent that exists out there, that we’re nurturing that talent for leadership, and then we’re selecting that talent, those processes will overcome any concerns about what’s happening in the DEI area for the young people.
What is some advice for the future black NFL executive? How should they start prepping now?
Every day, I encourage young people to bring value to wherever they are, whatever position they’re in. Make that your number one goal. Make your focus on bringing value to the NFL, bringing value to your position, wherever you are, and letting the coins and the chips fall where they may. But if you’ve got that focus on your mind, you’ll likely climb the ladder
