Wide receiver Cornell Powell representing Chiefs in NFLPA’s ‘Rookie Premiere’ class of 2021

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Cornell Powell was named to the NFL Players Association’s (NFLPA) “rookie premiere” class of 2021. The “rookie premiere” is the first major business and marketing event featuring NFL players since becoming professionals.

Normally a four-day, face-to-face summit, the NFLPA hosted a private, virtual player-only program to welcome Powell and the other rookies into the league in this year’s installment. The players heard from current and former NFL stars in Emmitt Smith, Ryan Clark, Dak Prescott and Tyler Lockett.

The 60 rookies (full roster here) also have the opportunity to “jumpstart their endorsement careers” by getting in front of some big-name brands. The players chosen to go are mostly early-round selections who play offense, so it is good to see the NFLPA include Powell, the Clemson product who did not go off the board to the Chiefs until the fifth round.

Former recent Chiefs representatives of the “rookie premiere” include running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, wide receiver Mecole Hardman and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes discussed Powell at his most recent Zoom presser.

“He’s a beast, how big he is out there,” said the quarterback. “He’s running across the field making some big catches in some big contested spots.”

Given the fact that he has already caught Mahomes’ attention, it was likely a good idea for the NFLPA to include him.