UW-Madison Scholar Scores Big in Sports Management
This summer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Scholar Abdul Flythe developed his sports management skills as an intern with the National Football League (NFL). Abdul leveraged his previous internship and on-campus sports management experiences to secure the opportunity. He hopes to bring an appreciation of cultural diversity and ability to facilitate empathetic, solutions-based conflict management to his future career.
The internship with the highest football authority in the world is an early career highlight for Abdul, who played on his high school team before an injury prematurely ended his prospects as an athlete. When he arrived at UW-Madison as a first-year student, he quickly found an outlet for his passion for sports as one of the managers of the women’s basketball team. His dedication earned him a coveted position as the equipment manager for the division 1 men’s football team at the University.
“Posse was there the whole way,” he says. “First an alum connected me to the women’s basketball coach, and then my Posse was there to support me as I dedicated myself both to my academics and the teams I was supporting.”
The resources provided by Posse have been instrumental in my college experience.
During the summer of 2023, Abdul interned with the Detroit Pistons as an operations intern. Abdul was deeply involved in creating schedules, liaising with NBA prospects, and learning the intricacies of professional sports management.
“I had to promote Detroit to recruits and help them understand why the Pistons would be the best team for them,” says Abdul. “Though Detroit isn’t typically seen as the most glamorous city, it was a good opportunity to exercise my marketing and interpersonal skills.”
The internship also provided a unique lens on the intersection of religion and sports by providing Abdul—who is a practicing Muslim—the chance to connect with a fellow Muslim player.
“I know firsthand how hard it can be to balance professional commitments with personal ones, especially when I am fasting. I often wake up very early to eat and be sure I am fueled for the day. It’s a relief to understand how my religion and a career in sports can coexist.”
Reflecting on his journey, Abdul credits much of his success to the support system Posse created for him.
“The resources provided by Posse, from a designated office space to mentoring from advisors, have been instrumental in my college experience,” he says. “The Posse office is the perfect place to recenter amongst the bustling campus. I am a stronger leader because of Posse.”
