Sport Management Grad Begins Career with New York Jets

When Eddie Whitman ’21 M.S. had decided to pursue his master’s degree in sport management, he chose the University of New Haven because of the program’s excellent reputation, believing it could help set him up for success in his career. Thanks in part to the support he received from his fellow Chargers, he landed his current position with the New York Jets of the National Football League.

As he got closer to completing his degree, Whitman approached Ceyda Mumcu, Ph.D., chair of the University’s Sport Management Department to ask for assistance with his job search. She connected him with several alumni who worked in the field of professional sports, including Kenny Maley ’18. A group sales account executive for the Jets, Maley became a source of mentorship and support for Whitman.

“He gave me great advice throughout my interview process with the Jets,” said Whitman. “Kenny has been rising up the ranks of professional sports, and he provided me with great advice as I was beginning my career. During my time at the University, the professors and alumni were eager to help me in any way possible. It meant the world to have the support of a recent alumnus who was in my exact shoes just a few years ago.”

A sales associate for the New York Jets, Whitman sells season and group tickets, as well as suites for Jets games. His position enables him to interact with fans each day as he gauges their interest in ticket packages. He also hosts clients at MetLife Stadium, taking them on tours and showing them seats for which they can purchase tickets.

“It is a unique experience because I am not in a specialized department early in my career,” he said. “Therefore, I am able to gain experience in our season ticket department, group sales department, and suites department. I am fortunate to have a well-rounded position that allows me to learn so much in my first job in professional sports.”

‘My vision of a career in professional sports’

Since beginning his position earlier this year, Whitman has come to enjoy the fast-paced environment. He describes the business opportunities as “endless,” and he says they have already offered a variety of learning opportunities as well as an exciting work environment.

“Being able to sell for an NFL team in the largest market in the United States is a really unique opportunity that I am not taking lightly,” he said. “Hard work is recognized in the Jets organization, and there is an energy in the building on a daily basis that I have never witnessed before.”

Whitman says that as a Charger, he also learned about the importance of hard work and of “going the extra mile.” He says the experiences he had learning about the business side of sports prepared him for his current role.

“My time at the University helped me shape my vision of a career in professional sports,” he explains. “I learned real-world skills that made me attractive to hiring managers at the professional sports level. My professors stressed hard work, being detail-oriented, and being a team player, which have been the three most important things in my time with the Jets so far. Working in professional sports isn’t about where you work or who you work for. It is about the constant effort you give and how great of a teammate you are.”