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Barbara Zaun Details NFL Journey in “Before the Snap”
What does it take to build a successful career in and around the NFL? Barbara Zaun ’93 knows from experience.
The director of entertainment teams at the Philadelphia Eagles spoke to college students across the country about her career path during an appearance on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s “Before the Snap” program. The show offers tips, tricks, and networking skills for college students and young professionals looking to enter the league.
“I do feel my education at DeSales University really helped to formulate my personal leadership style that’s helped me to achieve a great amount of success in the NFL.”
She admitted that her path to the NFL was a bit unconventional: she majored in dance with a minor in business. But her lifelong love of the Eagles and of football led her to audition for the Eagles cheerleaders. It took tenacity and several tries before she finally landed with the team and worked her way up. She told students one of the greatest life lessons she’s learned during her career is the value of teamwork.
“Here at the Eagles, we are continually collaborating with others. It’s really important to have those relationships and that teamwork. Learning how to be a great teammate was vital to my success here.”
Zaun also encouraged students to pursue their passion, to develop good communication skills, and to be lifelong learners. During the interview process, she advised them to stand out by sharing life experiences that set them apart from everyone else.
“It is highly competitive,” she said. “But there are so many opportunities to gain experience. You don’t necessarily have to be a sport management major. We have finance, community relations, public relations, communications, data analytics. If you know what your passion and your strength is, I guarantee there is an opportunity in sports that matches it.”
