CHARLOTTE, N.C./Sept 23, 2026 – Johnson C. Smith University student athletic trainer and women’s tennis student-athlete Divija Manneni has been selected to participate in the National Football League's Future Leaders in Football Fellowship.
The NFL Future Leaders in Football Fellowship, conducted in partnership with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), provides HBCU students with hands-on experience in football-focused roles at their respective institutions.
As part of the fellowship, Manneni will receive a $4,000 stipend and additional opportunities to attend NFL programs and initiatives coordinated by the league.
Manneni will participate in the athletic training track, gaining additional professional experience while supporting JCSU's football program. The fellowship is designed to provide HBCU students with meaningful opportunities to develop skills and build experience in areas including athletic training, scouting/recruiting, football operations, equipment and video.
Fellows are expected to be meaningfully integrated into their institution's football program, working at least three hours per week while also participating in virtual sessions coordinated by the NFL.
