Let's start from the beginning. How did you start your career in soccer?
I began my medical preparatory studies at St. Mary's College in northern Indiana. I was really trying to find my niche. While I was in school, I was trying to find something to do to stay involved in sports. Because I grew up playing sports all my life. I went to the club fair at Notre Dame across the street — as part of a three-campus experience with St. Mary's College and Holy Cross College. There was a booth for the Notre Dame football equipment manager. I didn't know much about equipment, but this is what I thought. Hey, it's soccer. I was a big Notre Dame fan so I thought I'd give it a try. The entire tryout process was conducted with 75 to 100 students. You can only try out as a freshman to earn a spot as a sophomore. Then, at the end of each year, you go through an interview process and either stay for the next season or get fired. I gave it a try and fell in love with being part of something bigger than myself. I passed as a 2nd year equipment manager.
In my second year, I was still in the pre-med phase and didn't like it. I was looking for a way to earn my degree while working on the football team, so I ultimately decided to switch to business, marketing, and finance. Being able to work as a facility manager taught me core values that still serve me on a daily basis. It has helped me grow as a person, professionally and personally. I met some great people and got to experience the nitty-gritty, rough-and-tumble business of football first-hand. And I have all the respect in the world for equipment managers. It's hard work, but it taught me to have a good work ethic. I was able to complete my degree at St. Mary's University, but the place I studied most at that time was Notre Dame Cathedral.
After graduating from university, I knew there would be very few jobs in the football field, so I considered going into the corporate world. The people at Notre Dame saw something in me that I didn't realize at the time and told me to try and work in the NFL. With their help, I was able to connect with people in the Indianapolis Colts organization. I first started working for the Colts as a training camp intern, but since I had no experience in football operations, I knew I needed to get serious. That led to a season-long internship, then an operations assistant, and where I am today.
What does a Director of Football Operations do?
We support so many different people and departments that it's difficult to summarize the exact job description. The role constantly evolves because the more you help people, the more people trust you and the more responsibility you are given. Basically, everything about team travel, from bus and hotel schedules to offseason planning for his program, is the realm of operational clichés. Work really includes everything. Anyone who needs help, we are here.
The Colts played in Munich, Germany last season. What has been the journey for your department when it comes to travel?
Last year was my first season as a coach. We also have a new head coach (Shane Steichen) and a new quarterback (Anthony Richardson) on the team, so we were very excited. Then, in May, I learned that a game against the New England Patriots would be played in Germany. The Colts last played an international game in London in 2016. It was a new experience for many. To see how fans from other countries are amazed and passionate about American football. The language barrier made it difficult at times to plan trips and understand standard operating procedures. But overall I think it was a great experience. I think it brought our team and staff together because we all had to work closely together to achieve a common goal. I think it was a very good learning experience. For football operations departments, these international trips are the Super Bowl.
During draft season, our division brings in top 30 visiting prospects. We coordinate all of their trips here in Indy. For veterans who are in OTA, we are helping get them here and getting them to a hotel. Once the NFL Draft begins, it's going to be a really exciting time. We were some of the first to call the player and congratulate him. We bring them here for the first time and help them become familiar with our organization. We are the first impression players have of our organization, so it's important that we represent our organization's values. We work with agents and players to book not only the travel to Indy, but also the travel and logistics while in Indy. We are the department that finds answers when they don't have answers and makes sure they feel welcome here because this is their new home.
