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Former NFL Players ready to Train Tomorrow's Stars
"Introduction to All-Pro Sports Skills & Training Academy"
02/01/2003
By: Draft2003 Staff

New Orleans, LA -- Over the course of the past few weeks, as we have traveled to the various college all-star games it has allowed us to make contact with new people who are involved in the "Business of Football", including coaches, scouts, agents, and also trainers. One such group we came across while at this year's Senior Bowl was All-Pro Sports Skills & Training Academy, which has been developed by former professional football players looking to give back and share their knowledge and ability with both high school and college prospects. "(We) have been involved with football for most of our lives," explained Antonio Gibson, a five-year standout defensive back with the New Orleans Saints, who recorded 138 tackles and 105 return yards on interceptions during his senior year at Cincinnati. He has helped recruit over 100 years of NFL experience to work with this program.

"Our NFL Combine/Draft Preparation personal training services also includes a list of former players we have access to who can lend their expertise as Skills consultants,
as well as references," said lead trainer Buford Jordan, who has coached as well as become a certified personnel trainer since retiring from professional football. Jordan, who played in both the USFL and NFL, has seen how his program can help players attain better results, so deciding to take this idea to the "Next Level" was an easy business decision, especially with his ties to active players, coaches and other NFL staff members. He gained over 1,200 yards of total offense during his time with the Saints, while being the lead blocker for perennial 1,000-yard rusher Dalton Hillard, after rushing for 1,276 yards and 8 touchdowns in just his second-year of professional football in 1984, while playing for the Breakers of the USFL.

The program itself was designed to help aspiring and professional athletes enhance their total skill level. The personal training includes on-field skills/agility drills, speed/ conditioning, weight training, film/playbook study, peer counseling (mental preparation)and complete letters of
recommendation. Because the staff members have the unique understanding of what a prospect is about to go through, both at the Combine and then later in training camp, you cannot underestimate the amount of mental preparation needed to attain a spot on the final 53-man roster... their guidance and experience will provide a great brainstorming resource for their young clients.

The entire program is conducted by former professional athletes who have over 100 years of National Football League experience between them. In fact, certified personal trainers include Buford Jordan - McNeese State, New Orleans (USFL), Breakers, N.O. Saints, Anthony Reed - Tulane University, Chicago Bulls, and Irvin Rogers - McNeese State, San Diego Chargers, while NFL Personal Skills Training/Fitness Consultants such as Richard Cooper - Tennessee, N.O. Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Antonio Gibson - Cincinnati, Philadelphia (USFL) Stars, New Orleans Saints, Juan Hendon - Southern University, Winnipeg Blue Bombers,
Tyrone Hughes - Nebraska, N.O. Saints, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Terrence Jones - Tulane, San Diego Chargers, CFL, Ronnie Landry - McNeese State, Miami Dolphins, Tyrone Legette - Nebraska, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Milton Mack - Alcorn State, Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Eric Martin - LSU, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Torrance Small - Alcorn State, N.O. Saints, Colts, Eagles, Patriots, and Leonard Smith - McNeese State, Phoenix Cardinals, Buffalo Bills have all committed their time and energy to making this program a success.

"Our motto is been there and done that," according to Gibson, who has also shared the responsibility of getting the word out about the program to both current and former contacts. "We spent time in Mobile with Sam Mills, Coach Dom Capers and others we played with and against... they were all supportive and asked what they could do to help us," explained Gibson, who was joined on the trip by Buford Jordan.

The training will be conducted in the New Orleans, Louisiana area, and housing/lodging accommodations are made available upon request by the client/representative. For more information, please visit www.starqualityservices.com and click on the NFL Combine/Draft Prep link, as well as the All-Pro Skills & Training Academy link for more info, fee, and contact information. You can also reach Antonio Gibson at antonio@starqualityservices.com or Buford Jordan at buford@hardrockgym.com.