NCAA Spot Shows How Student Athletes Can Achieve Incredible Careers Outside of Pro Sport

SS+K has worked alongside the NCAA to create March Madness PSAs since 2015. Since the 2020 PSA was postponed, SS+K launched the 'Careers' PSA as the tournament returned on March 14, 2021, Selection Sunday.

Stats show that less than 2% of college athletes go on to play professional sports. The spot prompts; "What happens to those who don't?" 

The spot runs through five former college student athletes excelling in different fields in their post-collegiate careers overlayed on footage from their collegiate athletic life. 

"The idea was to elevate these former college athletes not only for their athletic prowess, but for all they achieved as a result of their experiences, including their incredible careers," said Stevie Archer, executive creative director, SS+K 

The goal of the spot is to demonstrate and remind viewers of the NCAA's north star: creating a pathway to lifelong success for student-athletes. To do so, the NCAA prioritises academics, well-being, and fairness so that college athletes from all divisions and sports can succeed on the field, in the classroom, and for life.

"The NCAA and its member schools give student-athletes an opportunity to earn a college degree, which creates a lasting foundation for those few who go pro in sports and the majority who don’t. This PSA highlights just a few examples of student-athletes pursuing their dreams, achieving success and making a difference after college," said Bob Williams, NCAA senior vice president of communications.