UAB Football Team Joins Athletes.org in Push for Athlete Representation in College Sports

UAB Football Team Makes History by Joining Athletes.org

In a groundbreaking move, the UAB football team has become the first Division I program to join athletes.org, a growing organization that aims to represent college athletes as the landscape of college sports continues to evolve towards a more professional model.

The decision came after a meeting organized by coach Trent Dilfer, where athletes.org co-founders presented their vision of the future of college sports to UAB players and staff. The organization, which has already signed up over 2,900 college athletes from various sports, offers services such as legal, financial, and mental health support to its members.

While athletes.org is not yet a union, it is one of several organizations working to organize college athletes as they navigate the changing landscape of collegiate athletics. With potential changes on the horizon, including antitrust lawsuits that could significantly impact revenue sharing for athletes, the organization is positioning itself to become an association that aligns players by sport.

The meeting with UAB took place in Birmingham, Alabama, and the players were given the opportunity to sign up for free with athletes.org. The organization also provides background checks for agents and companies that athletes may want to do business with.

Former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer, who is in his second season as UAB’s coach, emphasized the importance of athletes having representation and support, similar to what NFL players receive from their union. The athletes.org co-founders, including former NFL player Brandon Copeland, also spoke to the team about the benefits of being organized and having a collective voice in the future of college sports.

As college sports leaders continue to grapple with the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, athletes.org is positioning itself as a resource for athletes to navigate these changes and advocate for their rights. With the support of coaches and school administrators, the organization hopes to empower college athletes to make informed decisions about their future in sports.