Atlanta Falcons add Will Packer, other HBCU alums to NFL ownership

Atlanta Falcons owner Author Blank spoke about the additions of the dynamic group of partners, saying, “Roz, Dominique, Will and Rashaun are impressive leaders who have made an impact in a variety of enterprises, while also building histories of success making a difference in the world around them and positively impacting people in ways that align very well with our Core Values. Each brings unique talent, experience and perspective to our ownership group so I’m excited to have them on board as limited partners and to tapping their vast expertise in finding ways to continue building the Atlanta Falcons and making an even bigger difference in our community.”

An NFL limited partner, a minority investor, contributes a significant sum to a team, receiving a share of profits but lacking control over daily operations or football choices. They aid franchises in raising funds while the principal owner retains authority. According to ESPN’s recent report, each team is restricted to 25 partners, and new additions must be approved by fellow NFL owners.

Each partner spoke on the news, per a statement by the Atlanta Falcons.

Packer said, “The power of representation and equity should never be underestimated and as someone who has dedicated his career to creating diverse imagery, I have a true appreciation of Mr. Blank’s commitment to opening doors that have historically been closed to African Americans. This investment represents not only the personal opportunity of a lifetime, but also the chance to demonstrate for generations to come that someone who looks like me can excel not only on the field, but at the highest level of the exclusive ranks of NFL ownership.”

Wiliams said, “NFL football is the great unifier, bringing people together across socioeconomic, racial, and political divides. As an alumnus of Morehouse College now raising a family in Atlanta, I could not be more excited to invest in the Falcons. I believe in the immense potential of this team and this city to Rise Up to the greatest heights, and I look forward to supporting the Falcons and the city of Atlanta for many successful seasons to come.”

Brewer said, “”As I embrace the opportunity to become a limited partner of the Atlanta Falcons, I’m reminded that true leadership extends beyond boardrooms and onto the fields where dreams are forged and communities united. My journey has always been about people – their stories, aspirations and the communities we build together. Having worked with Arthur and his Foundation for several years, I have deep respect and appreciation for the values that guide everything Arthur does in his businesses and philanthropy – his impact on Atlanta has been immeasurable. With this incredible opportunity, I look forward to championing the Falcons’ successes and Atlanta’s spirit as we strive to make a genuine difference in the lives we touch, both on and off the field.”

Dawes said, “Throughout the course of my life, making an impact on others has always been my driving force. What I accomplished in 1996, winning America’s first Team Gold Medal in gymnastics and as the first African-American to win Gold, in the city of Atlanta, has given me, to this day, the greatest platform to continually inspire others. The unique opportunity Mr. Blank has provided enables me to further my positive impact on those in the Atlanta community, a place I hold near and dear to my heart. Having been a global ambassador for the United States, I hope that my platform and influence as one of the few African American women to be a limited partner in the National Football League has broad impact throughout the NFL community and beyond.”

Each of the Falcon’s potential minority owners excels in their fields. Dominique, an American Olympic gold medalist, is among the three women to compete in three Olympic games. Dawes and the “Magnificent Seven” secured the United States’ first gold in the women’s team event at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Will Packer, a successful film producer, graduated from Florida A&M University. Packer Productions has contributed to popular films like Girls Trip, Night School, Almost Christmas, Straight Outta Compton, Think Like A Man, and Ride Along. He also produced the 94th Annual Academy Awards in March 2022. FAMU has honored Packer, a notable alumnus, by naming the Will Packer Performing Arts Amphitheater after him.

Rashun Williams, a venture capitalist expert and Morehouse College alumnus, conducts workshops on financial literacy and entrepreneurship for various individuals, including professional athletes. He runs a business management firm aimed at educating athletes on financial literacy to prevent financial challenges post-retirement from sports. He also served as an adjunct professor at Morehouse from 2020-2023.

Rosalind Brewer, the former CEO of Walgreens, COO of Starbucks, and CEO of Sam’s Club, is an alumna of Spelman College. She was recognized as one of Forbes’s top 50 over 50 in 2021 and ranked #13 on the Forbes Power Women list in 2022. In 2019, Brewer was elected as the sole black member of Amazon’s board of directors. She serves as a non-executive director at Lockheed Martin and Molson Coors Brewing Company. Additionally, Brewer is a board member at Westminster School, the Carter Presidential Center, and chairs the board of trustees at Spelman College.

The NFL is currently hosting its Spring League Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, where the vote for the Atlanta Falcons limited partners is likely to take place. The event began on Monday and is set to wrap up on Wednesday. As part of the event, team owners will be taking part in an accelerator program for minority head coaching candidates this week.

The Spring Accelerator marks the fifth edition of the program since its launch in 2022 by the NFL, following the Front Office Accelerator Program held in Dallas, Texas last December. Notably, this year’s program will include coaches with a background primarily in college level coaching.

The accelerator offers a platform for clubs and owners to connect with diverse coaching candidates. Participants have the opportunity to establish relationships with team owners and executives, enhancing their leadership skills.

“Developing diverse coaching talent through the accelerator program is a key priority,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement about the accelerator program. “In its fifth iteration, this program continues to be an effective avenue for club owners and executives to be exposed to the skillset and unique backgrounds of highly qualified coaching candidates, and for the program’s participants to network with one another and engage in professional development sessions.”