Working for the NFL Network has been a dream come true for Seton Hall alumnus Samuel Gardner III (2011).
Gardner, who has just completed his second season with the NFL Network, is an assignment editor and the futures coverage planner.
As an assignment editor, Gardner works with reporters daily serving as the liaison between the network and the public relations department for all 32 NFL teams.
Gardner also helps plan meetings discussing potential players in his role as the futures coverage planner. Gardner said he hopes to continue to move up the management track with the NFL Network and transition into a more creative role regarding the network's cover- age decisions.
According to Gardner, working with the NFL Network has been a gratifying experience.
"My favorite part about working for the NFL Network is that I get to cover a sport that I have enjoyed all my life," he said.
Gardner's most memorable experience with the NFL Network happened during his first week when he was introduced to several Hall of Famers.
He said he also is fortunate to interact with current players from different NFL teams when they are guests in the studio.
Prior to working for the NFL Network, Gardner worked in television news media for 13 years in Atlanta for CNN and ABC News. He also worked at two ABC affiliates, in Charlotte, N.C., and in Atlanta.
Gardner graduated from Seton Hall in 2011 with his master's in strategic communication and leadership. He also earned the Spirit Leader Award for Learning Team 28. Although working for the NFL Network in Los Angeles distances Gardner from Seton Hall's New Jersey campus, Gardner remains involved with the Seton Hall community.
Currently, Gardner mentors a Seton Hall graduate student and a Seton Hall alumnus. He also serves as an ambassador for the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter.
"The love that the administration, faculty and staff gave me while at Seton Hall has contributed to me becoming a confident leader that always works to help others," Gardner said.
Leah Carton can be reached at leah.carton@ student.shu.edu.
