I am happy to report how the NFLRPA -Atlanta Chapter benefited from the Q5 program, hosted by Mr. Bob Beck on March 30-31. It is the desire of each participating member that the NFLRPA adopt this program for all current, retired and retiring players.

There is no reason for guys being lost, losing their money, and the host of other bad things that seem to happen to players when they leave the game. Everyone in the program seemed to agree with the need, the value, and the quality of the Q5 program, but I guess a ground swell of support might be needed to get it in all the chapters.
 
No matter how hard you work to try and fight it, there comes a point in every NFL player’s life when you’ve realized your playing days are over and it’s time to consider retirement.  Luckily, Q5 is here to help and recently created a new resource to assist players successfully transition into life after football.

Q5 is similar to your Inaugural Exit Symposium titled “What Happens Now? Surviving the NFL Career Gap…” in an effort to provide players with the basic knowledge necessary to bring closure to their NFL careers. Your goal was to build a symposium that creates a sense of urgency about focusing on extremely important issues such as second careers, future financial goals, and health benefits.  I believe that Bob's program parallels with the NFLRPA goals and objectives.

In addition to this plan, I have arranged a meeting with Mr. C.J. Reamom, Manager to Michael Vick and Mrs. Brenda Boddie (Michael's mother) to discuss his future upon release from prison.  Bob has agreed to share the information from last month’s conference and coach my back to "fiscal" health.

Thank you for following up with Mr. Beck to give him an open window, and pour out a blessing to the players who not only provided the foundation for today’s players,  and they can retire with dignity.
 
Thank you,
 
Michael R. Harris, MEd
Consultant
The Taylor Hooton Foundation
Plano, TX