Penn State's Sean Clifford wants to make a difference for college athletes
Jul. 27—Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford declined Wednesday to elaborate on the statement he tweeted last week regarding his talks with College Football Players' Association executive director Jason Stahl earlier this month.
Speaking at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis, Clifford said he's talked with conference commissioner Kevin Warren, Penn State director of athletics Pat Kraft and Nittany Lions coach Franklin regarding player issues, possibly including revenue sharing.
"To say that I want to make a difference for college athletes moving forward, of course," Clifford said during a Big Ten Network interview. "It's not about me. It's not about us. It's about everybody.
"To be in a conference with a commissioner who's so open to change and to talking and to have a coach and an AD who are so willing to have those conversations, it's just a blessing."
Clifford gave similar answers during a breakdown session with reporters. He said he wants to keep the focus on the start of Penn State's preseason camp Monday.
"First and foremost, it's all about football right now," he said. "It's the only focus for us. We're a week away from camp. That's the main thing. But I'm proud of all the conversations that we've had."
Clifford said last week that he did not speak with Warren, Kraft or Franklin on behalf of a union or as a union member.
"I'm very proud of the relationships we have with our players at Penn State," Franklin said. "It's something I truly believe in. Having those open discussions and dialog with your players is important.
"There have been more changes in college football over the last three years than probably the previous 25. ... At the end of the day, our players, specifically Sean, want what's best for college athletics, for Penn State and for the Big Ten. I couldn't be prouder of them."
Franklin was later asked on BTN how he advises players when it comes to Name, Image and Likeness. Clifford became the first college athlete to start his own NIL firm, Limitless NIL, in the spring.
"At Penn State, we're trying to prepare our guys who want to play the game for as long as they can," Franklin said. "But there's going to be a plan for you when you're done. For a guy like Sean, who has taken advantage of the extra year and who has looked at the NIL opportunities, something he's passionate about, he has run with it and is doing extremely well.
"Now he's gotta be disciplined enough. We gotta be disciplined enough that during the fall this isn't a priority anymore and that this becomes secondary to football and school."
