It is always a very exclusive group that is invited to Los Angeles for the NFLPA’s Rookie Premiere. This year, two of the San Francisco 49ers rookies were honored by the invitation: Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard and Utah running back Joe Williams. It’s a dream come true for Williams, who says that it’s just starting to feel real.
I still gotta pinch myself. I still think every day, wow I’m in the NFL. It’s sunk in a little bit, but it hasn’t. I haven’t fully grasped it yet, but close.
At the premiere, rookies start to build their brands, network and prepare not only for life as a professional athlete but for life after football.