Building Stronger Teams Through Fair Chances
Every April, the NFL Draft captures national attention. It’s a moment rooted in belief — belief in preparation, in potential, and in what someone can become when given the opportunity.
Fair Chance Month carries that same spirit beyond the field. It reminds us that opportunity shapes workplaces, communities, and the systems that decide who gets a shot.
Game Plan for Opportunity is a collaboration between NFL Inspire Change – the league’s social justice initiative – and the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). Inspired by the NFL Draft and Fair Chance Month, the campaign highlights how fair-chance hiring opens doors to talented, motivated individuals ready to contribute.
Just as NFL teams evaluate players based on readiness, work ethic, and potential, businesses can do the same.
Because when justice-impacted individuals find work, communities grow stronger — and our entire economy scores.
Meet Melissa and Jeffery.
They work together at Construction Junction, a building materials store in Pittsburgh.
She roots for the Steelers.
He proudly backs the Ravens — and occasionally the Commanders.
When those teams play each other, there’s plenty of friendly back-and-forth in the store. A little rivalry keeps things interesting. But what they share goes far beyond football.
They both love helping people.
They both build positive relationships in the community.
They both show up ready to work, communicate clearly, and support the team when someone else needs a hand.
Jeffery joined Construction Junction through CEO in September 2025. With the help of his job coach, he built a resume and secured the role. Since then, he’s become a steady presence on the team.
He is justice-impacted. Melissa is not.
Melissa speaks about Jeffery the way strong leaders talk about valued teammates. She describes his positive attitude as “refreshing and infectious.” Even when facing challenges, he remains upbeat. He shows gratitude for the opportunity and takes pride in his work. His work ethic doesn’t just benefit him — it sets the tone for others.
“When you see someone working hard next to you,” Melissa explains, “it encourages that same work ethic throughout the organization.”
Jeffery, in turn, describes Melissa as someone who genuinely cares about her staff — not just as employees, but as people. He has seen her go out of her way to support others, whether that’s helping someone with transportation, education, or simply making sure no one feels alone.
To Jeffery, being a team player means more than doing your assigned tasks.
“A team player,” he says, “is someone who tackles challenges for the good of the team. Someone who helps carry the load when the next person is overwhelmed. The goal is always to get the job done together.”
He often arrives early just to understand what the day will require. He prepares, assesses what’s needed, and steps in where he can add value. That mindset — preparation, accountability, shared responsibility — mirrors the qualities we celebrate in sports.
When asked why fair chance hiring matters, Jeffery doesn’t hesitate.
“Everyone needs a fair chance in life. It’s hard to know what someone is going through at any given moment. Some people need support to feel like they matter — like they’re not alone.”
He pauses, then adds, “Look at me. I was given a fair chance, and now my life is in a much better place.”
Melissa believes the same thing from the employer’s side.
“People learn from their mistakes,” she says. “With the right support, they have every opportunity to succeed.”
At Construction Junction, that belief isn’t theoretical. It’s lived out in everyday actions — in how teammates treat each other, how they show up for customers, and how they build something steady together.
What Melissa and Jeffery share matters more than what separates them.
Work ethic.
Gratitude.
Accountability.
Respect.
When employers choose to see potential instead of past mistakes, workplaces grow stronger — and so do communities.
NFL Inspire Change x Center for Employment Opportunities:
We’re all on the same team — it takes all of us to build an economy that works for all.
Learn more at GamePlanForOpportunity.org
