Brinkman Makes Most of Extra Playing Time to Earn MBA And Pursue Athletics Career
By Joey Johnston, Special to USF Athletics
USF tight end Mitchell Brinkman, a graduate transfer, was supposed to be done after the 2020 season. But COVID-19 granted him another year of eligibility and he's taking advantage of that opportunity.
On the football field.
And in the classroom.
Brinkman, who caught 15 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown last season, might leave USF with not one, but two MBA degrees. Even more meaningfully, he's getting plenty of real-world experience in athletic administration, which has become a passion.
"When Mitchell was coming to USF, he mentioned he was interested in athletic administration,'' said Michael Kelly, USF's vice president of athletics. "I told him we had the Super Bowl coming to Tampa. We have a great staff here at USF. There were plenty of chances for him to get experience and learn some things.
"Sometimes, a student will just say some things during the process because it sounds good, but Mitchell followed up. He wants to do this. He wants to learn. He has been like a gym rat in the business side of athletics. It's great to see that kind of enthusiasm. That's where it starts. If you're enthusiastic, ready to learn and willing to work, that's what it takes.''
Brinkman, who played four seasons at Northern Illinois before transferring to USF, worked on the social media committee at Super Bowl LV, where the Bucs defeated the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium. In the weeks before the game, Brinkman helped to compile information for the Super Bowl Host Committee's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. He answered questions from fans. He attended the NFL Experience, taking some photos and interviewing the Community Ambassadors to build some online content.
At USF, he has served as Kelly's intern while gaining exposure to all aspects of the athletic department. He has shadowed members of Kelly's cabinet, learning about academic support, compliance, fundraising, communications and event management. He worked in operations during USF volleyball matches and baseball games.
"People don't realize how much of a different world exists behind the scenes of a college athletic event,'' Brinkman said. "Most college athletes don't realize it. They show up and play. But there's a reason why everything is set up properly and everything runs on time. You've got lots of people working behind the scenes to make that happen.
"Mr. Kelly has gotten me involved with some of the day-to-day workings in the department. I've put together some spreadsheets and helped with various projects. He has given me a lot of readings on all sorts of topics because he believes you need to know about all aspects of the business. I've learned a lot about the fundraising portion, how you've got to get the university president, the athletic director, the coach, the boosters and the support staff aligned for one common goal when you're building new facilities. It has been eye-opening and interesting.''
One day, Brinkman said he can visualize himself wearing a suit to the office and working in a college athletic department.
Before then, though, he wants to play football as long as possible.
When Brinkman was being recruited as a graduate transfer, he said "it took about two minutes on the phone'' with Coach Jeff Scott before he knew that USF was his ideal destination. Even while weathering a difficult year with the coronavirus, Brinkman said his decision was validated.
"Coach Scott is someone you want to model your life after,'' Brinkman said. "I wish I had several more years to play for him. And Mr. Kelly has been incredible through this whole process. His position is what I aspire to do. He has given me a tremendous foundation and a real appreciation for everything that goes on in USF athletics. I couldn't ask for a better educational experience.''
On the field, Brinkman said he wants to be viewed as a leader.
"I'd like to be the guy someone else can look to when times get tough,'' Brinkman said. "They can come find me for help. I want my voice to be heard. And whatever the coaches need — catching passes, lining up as a receiver, blocking, mentoring — I want to be like a quarterback in terms of my knowledge of the game. I pride myself on being able to do it all.''
Right now, those skills are evident on the football field.
One day, they might be displayed in the office of an athletic department.
"It has been invigorating for me to see someone like Mitchell showing an interest in the business side of what we do,'' Kelly said. "He's on the path for success beyond his days on the playing field. Our mission is to help our student-athletes reach their goals. He came into this with an open mind and I think he has learned a lot. It's gratifying to see that.''
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