Program prepares rookies for life in NFL

Tyrell Johnson admits that after spending his spring taking part in the Vikings' Organized Team Activities and minicamp, his first choice wouldn't have been to head to Carlsbad, Calif., for the NFL's rookie symposium.

"I wasn't too excited about it because all the veterans go home and all other rookies go home," he said. "I was ready to go home. But when I got there, I told myself to get something out of it and I did."

Johnson and the Vikings' four other picks were among the 252 players selected in last April's draft who took part in the four-day event that ended Wednesday. The symposium is mandatory -- it's a $50,000 fine for skipping -- but only includes draft picks.

The league's goal is to educate the newcomers on what to expect off the field and how to prepare for life as professional athletes. Among the wide-range of topics discussed at the La Costa Resort and Spa were money management, conflict resolution, dealing with the media and handling those who are looking for a handout from someone who has just received a lucrative contract.

"I think it definitely exceeded my expectations," Vikings center John Sullivan said.

"There was a lot of great information being shared and a lot of valid points that everybody had heard in the past, and it never hurts to reiterate and hear again. The ability to say no to people, overcoming adversity. All different topics that will be valuable as we move on with our careers."

The Vikings took Sullivan with one of their two selections in the sixth round. Johnson, a safety from Arkansas State, was the Vikings' first pick in the draft, going in the second round.

The Vikings didn't have a first-rounder. They traded it to Kansas City for the rights to Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen, who also was at the symposium. The NFL invited Allen to share his stories about off-the-field issues he has faced.

Allen was arrested for drunken driving twice during his time with the Chiefs and was suspended for the first two games of last season, but he has said that he no longer drinks alcohol.

"I'm not going to go into the specifics of what he said because it was more personal between him and the people he was speaking to," Sullivan said. "But he did a great job, and it's meaningful to see someone who works as hard as he does and hear about their life experience. ... It was great to see him up there, and we took a lot of pride as Vikings players to see one of our own up on stage."

Allen was joined by former Vikings and Packers receiver Koren Robinson, Tennessee linebacker Keith Bulluck and Philadelphia defensive end Jerome McDougle, who also spoke about making the right decisions.

Johnson said he enjoyed hearing former 49ers great Jerry Rice and another ex-Vikings receiver, Cris Carter, during another session.

"Both talked about their longevity, life in the NFL and what to do and not to do," Johnson said.

The NFL tries to keep things interesting by having players split into groups for smaller sessions and bringing in acting troops to take part in skits that portray various situations. Johnson said in the morning they had a "rookie challenge" that awarded prizes to players who correctly answered questions about previous topics of discussion.

"My reaction is [the symposium] was kind of eye-opening," Johnson said. "There are so many things you have to go through to be an NFL player and so many stepping stones to play in the league. ... But it's nothing to get scared or worried about, if you do the right things and learn how to say no to some people."