Between the Classroom and the Field: The Experiences of Former Black Male Football Student-Athletes

• In Event: 67.068 - MTCC Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 67.068-9 - Athletic Experiences of Student Athletes in Context

Abstract

Black male college athletes playing in Division I-A football graduate at the lowest rates of all student groups nationwide. This qualitative research study examined the experiences of former Black college football players who completed their college degree. We approached this inquiry from an organizational theory perspective, considering the influence of the institutional context and athletics on college graduation and career outcomes. Through a case study approach, this study presents a refined athlete success model capturing the experiences of Black football players who confronted athletic and academic pressures utilizing their social support networks. The model presents a detailed analysis of elements such as academic guidance, identity development support, and meaning construction focusing on their own college experience.

Authors

• Jeff I Porter, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Raul Leon, Eastern Michigan University