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 Michael and Jose.
They work together at Bread & Cie.
Jose leads the delivery department. Michael is part of his team.
Michael roots for the Cowboys.
Jose stands with the Eagles.
They don’t always talk about football, but at times — especially early in the week while loading trucks — there’s a quick recap of games, big plays, and tough losses. It’s a small moment of connection in the rhythm of the workday.
But the real teamwork shows up before kickoff.
Michael and Jose both describe themselves as people who like to work hard and enjoy what they do. They both bring a down-to-earth attitude to the job and get along easily with others. That shared approach helps create an environment where work feels collaborative and steady.
What stands out most in their partnership is consistency.
Jose describes both of them as dependable — always completing their duties and willing to take on new tasks when needed. Michael points to communication as a key part of what makes someone a strong teammate. For him, it’s simple: respect others and work hard.
Jose sees it in action every day. Being a team player, he says, means stepping in without being asked — helping other drivers, taking on extra responsibilities, and making sure the job gets done.
Michael puts it just as clearly: show up, do the work, and support the team.
They work hard.
They communicate.
They step up when it matters.
One of them is justice-impacted.
The other is not.
What matters most is how they show up today.
Michael believes in fair chances because people grow from their mistakes. “We all make mistakes and learn from them,” he says. “That’s why it’s important to give someone a fair chance.”
Jose shares that same belief from a leadership perspective. “We are all the same,” he says. “We all have the right to prove ourselves.”
At Bread & Cie, that belief shows up in the way the team operates — through respect, reliability, and a willingness to help each other succeed.
What Michael and Jose share matters more than what separates them.
Dependability.
Consistency.
A team-first mindset.
When leaders believe in fair chance hiring, teams don’t just function — they grow stronger.
And stronger teams build stronger 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
