Every college football player aspires to one day have a career in the National Football League.

The only problem? This dream is rarely attainable.

In an article published July 18, 2014 on the NFL.com website, Albert Breer reports that 1.6 percent of college athletes play in the NFL. And the careers of the players talented enough to play in the next level last an average 4.74 years.

College football players, then, need a backup career besides football. They need a profession to master when their football career flames out.

Vol For Life coordinator Antone Davis hopes to give current Tennessee football players a jumpstart in finding these careers.

Davis, a former Tennessee football player, had an illustrious football career for the Vols. Playing on the offensive line during 1987-1990 seasons, Davis helped the Vols earn two SEC championships and received All-American honors for his play during his Tennessee tenure. He was a first round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles and spent seven seasons in the NFL with both the Eagles and Falcons.

Davis’ football career is now over, and he is focusing his attentions on current Tennessee players.

As a VFL coordinator, Davis says some of his job responsibilities include serving as a mentor to the football players, and arranging events that benefit the players.

One such event is the VFL Career Development Night, which took place Wednesday at the Thornton Center.

“It started out as an opportunity to get former players, who are now business owners and in a position to hire people to come back and mentor our players,” Davis said. “Have the players an opportunity to sit down and talk to people, network, build relationships and hopefully get internships or even jobs.”

It is the second time Tennessee has hosted the event. The program is intended for rising juniors and seniors in the Tennessee football program.

Davis just doesn’t want the Tennessee football players to meet potential employers and former players. He wants them to give a good impression as well.

Partnering with the counselors at the Thornton Center, Davis prepares the players for the potential situations they might encounter at events such as the VFL career development night, giving them tips on how to dress, how to accept business cards and how to shake hands.

“That’s one of things we wanted our players to understand,” Davis said. “Make sure you come dressed to impress. You’re not trying to make a fashion statement, you’re trying to make a personal statement, ‘That I am a hire-able person, I am a person you want to involve in your business.’ So they understand it is important to carry themselves in a certain way and present themselves in a certain way.”

The event also gives athletes an opportunity to discuss their aspirations outside of football.

Marcus Jackson, a rising redshirt senior majoring in Geology and Environmental studies and a starting offensive lineman, admits he hopes to take the LSAT in June and attend Law school. His fellow starting offensive lineman, Kyle Kerbyson, is majoring in sports management and holds lofty goals after he graduates.

“Eventually my overall goal would be (to be an) athletic director,” Kerbyson said. “Right now, I am working for a class as intern for operations for men’s basketball.”

The VFL Career Development Night is not just for current players. Davis mentions the Renewing Academic commitment program, a program designed to give former Tennessee players a second chance to earn their degree from Tennessee.

Davis hopes these former players returning to school also discover opportunities at the affair.

“I want them at this event,” Davis said, “and say ‘hey, you can build some relationships, get some interview opportunities and maybe get a job.’ I think that is really cool.”

Calling himself a “late bloomer,” former Tennessee defensive back Fred White was a key player on the 1998 national championship team. He never earned a degree from Tennessee until he graduated last December.

Admitting he never had the networking opportunity the current players now have, White hopes the Tennessee players realize how fortunate they are to have events such as VFL Career Development Night.

“You got guys who are coming back to share wisdom and knowledge with you,” White said. “They played here before you did. It shows the VFL program means something.”