Playing sports has always been an important part of Brandyn Harvey’s life.
Now, at age 38, he’s ready to take his ability of making an impact on the field to the professional side of the industry. And Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) is providing him with the education to do so.
This May, Harvey, an NFLPA member with experience with several National Football League (NFL) teams, will graduate from STHM’s Master of Science in Sport Business (MSSB) program. He will become the school’s first graduate through its partnership with the National Football League’s Players Association (NFLPA).
Since spring 2024, STHM has partnered with the NFLPA to offer current and former NFL players a scholarship to pursue either an undergraduate or graduate degree. The partnership offers NFLPA members the chance to pair their unique athlete perspective
with a transformative classroom education learning the skills and knowledge to embark within the multi-billion-dollar, global sport industry.
“We are very proud to not only build a prominent industry relationship with the NFLPA through this program, but offer current and previous NFL athletes, like Brandyn, a jump start to their next professional chapters with a cutting-edge educational experience,” said Ehren Green, STHM’s director of graduate programs and assistant professor of instruction.
“A former player like Brandyn offers a lot to the program—not only did he bring enthusiasm and energy into the classroom, but he brought a unique perspective from his professional playing experience that benefited his classmates.”
Harvey’s playing career ended through injuries in the early 2010s. After years utilizing his background as a former professional athlete to garner work within the community outreach and nonprofit organization space, he always wanted more, especially within the sport industry.
He was specifically drawn to STHM through its partnership with the NFLPA.
“It was a moment where it was like, ‘OK, this could be the sign I’ve been looking for,” he said. “I realized this was a master’s degree experience that could really suit me within an industry I already have a background within.”
While he admits he was hesitant to step back into the classroom 14 years after obtaining his undergraduate degree, an informational Zoom call with Green and fellow STHM faculty member Jonathan Howe made him certain about enrolling in the two-year, 36-credit program.
“The more I asked questions, the more I felt that the program really aligned with what I was hoping to find through a master’s degree experience,” he said. “Dr. Howe and Dr. Green were very thorough in explaining the program and how it would position me for a great outcome.”
As he prepares for his graduation from the program, Green commends Harvey for pursuing further education beyond his playing days, especially seeking knowledge that can better the sport industry.
“Oftentimes, players complete their careers on the field and use that experience to stay relevant professionally,” Green explained. “I think our program offers former players, like Brandyn, an additional step of critical, innovative education into the sport industry so that they can re-enter it with newfound knowledge that can grow and progress the whole industry forward.”
While Harvey openly admits that the process of reacclimating to the role of college student was “a bit nerve-wracking,” he’s very thankful for his overall program experience. In his time at STHM, he’s become prepared to utilize a degree within an industry he’s accustomed to with a fresh perspective.
“I entered this program because I wanted to learn more about sports and how the landscape is evolving, because it is,” Harvey said. “I wanted to be positioned to not only understand the direction the industry was headed, but to also be able to be a part of it—I know this experience has put me in that position.”
(Photo courtesy of Brandyn Harvey)
Harvey hopes his actions lead other football players to utilize STHM’s partnership with the NFLPA.
“A program like this is very important—take me as an example,” Harvey said. “As a former athlete you think your playing background will open certain doors for you, but you begin to realize how competitive it is.
STHM’s partnership with the NFLPA is very valuable, and an asset that can really help individuals progress themselves professionally into their futures.”
Harvey is excited for his own future, including becoming an STHM graduate in May.
“This degree was a challenge that I set out for myself, and I am so proud to have now nearly completed it,” Harvey said. “I’ve always felt a calling to be a changemaker within the sport industry—whether it’s helping the next generation overcome obstacles, athletes in the community, access and equality within the industry—I feel ready to finally go out and pursue it.”