Sports Business Journal article – Education

The main I topics I blog about on a regular basis are focused on Sports, Education and Philanthropy.  I’ve written frequently about how much I enjoy teaching at Georgetown University … both in our graduate program — Sports Industry Management — as well as the Sports Marketing course in the undergraduate program.   Here’s an edited piece from this week’s Sports Business Journal (the go-to publication in the sports industry).  It’s written by SBJ veteran, Bill King –

Inside the Classroom with…

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Published August 23, 2010 : Page 17

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Jimmy Lynn

When Jimmy Lynn began spending Monday nights teaching sports marketing at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business five years ago, he was running the sports division at America Online.

He enjoyed teaching, but he rarely felt like he could devote enough time to it. Since departing AOL to start his own consultancy last year, he has been able to give in to the pull of campus he first felt in those early days.

“I took one sick day in 14 years,” Lynn said. “I was the corporate guy, so when I taught before, interaction with students was limited. Now, I schedule coffees, lunches, dinners and take groups of students to games. I’m on campus two afternoons a week and I meet with students all the time. I love teaching and I love helping talented people get where they want to go.”

Lynn still teaches a class in the B-school, but his deeper role is in Georgetown’s master’s program in sports management. Lynn has worked closely with the program’s architect, Matt Winkler, for years on other projects. As he has found time, he has broadened his participation in the program.

He co-teaches a leadership class and participates in the capstone projects that students work on in their final semester. He also recruits other instructors and pitches in as an overall adviser, providing needed help in a program of 75 students.

“I probably meet close to 50 percent of the students, mostly offering career advice,” Lynn said. “They need help learning how to break into the business. They need advice on how to handle things they encounter doing internships or pursuing jobs. I enjoy providing what I can.”

Lynn is a big fan of Georgetown’s co-teaching model, which has helped him bring in adjuncts who otherwise would have been scared off by the time commitment.

“They’re attracted to the opportunity to have that Georgetown brand on their résumé, but they worry about whether they can make the time to do it well,” Lynn said. “If you’re working full time and traveling, it helps to know you have someone who can cover for you. Everyone in this business is going to have conflicts. You cover for each other.”

— Bill King

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Pro Football Hall of Fame

I thought the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s induction speeches this past weekend were terrific.  The HOF inducted Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Russ Grimm, Dick LeBeau, John Randle, Floyd Little and Rickey Jackson.   I was most impressed with some of the key points that these great players were speaking about … the importance of teamwork, mentoring, working hard and not giving up.

I was fortunate enough to be a guest of the Washington Redskins’ Darrell Green when he was inducted, along with teammate, Art Monk, in the 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame.  That was a special and memorable weekend.  I loved the importance that both Darrell and Art spoke about in regard to family and doing things the right way in life.

This past weekend’s speeches were quite emotional.  I hope the current players as well as future players (and fans) understand the messages that were being spelled out:

- It’s a privilege to play in the NFL.  Respect the game and respect the veterans who laid the foundation.

- Embrace mentors, teachers and coaches.  These people can have such a strong and positive influence in your life.  Floyd Little provided the perfect example of not giving up … take on life’s challenges and prove to yourself that one can change and become a positive force.

- Practice, practice, practice.  Regardless of what you do in life, it’s important to practice and work hard to hone your skills.

- Teammates.  It’s important to work and support one another … on and off the field.  Emmitt’s strong respect for his fullback, Darryl Johnston, and his offensive line was quite moving.

- Never give up.  Do things the right way and good can indeed come your way.   Floyd Little is a great example — so is Dick LeBeau.  It was fantastic to see this honorable and highly respected player and coach deservedly make it into the HOF.  And, how cool to have his entire Steelers squad, including coaches and owners, there for his induction ceremony.

The NFL is a great sport.  It is indeed the most powerful and popular sport in America.  Let’s hope the league and players can come up with an amicable agreement before the start of the 2011 season.  Looking forward to the kick-off to the new season!