The 2024 NFL Draft took place in Detroit, Michigan, which, among other things, is the home of Pensole Lewis College Detroit. Also known as PLC, the college is the only design-focused HBCU in Detroit. The NFL collaborated with the students at PLC to come up with opportunities to showcase their artwork.

“We are excited to collaborate with the NFL and provide artists within our network with this incredible platform to showcase their talent,” said PLC Director of Partnerships Dion Walcott before the Draft. “This partnership not only highlights the artistic diversity within our community but also supports our mission of empowering aspiring designers and promoting the creative arts in Detroit.”

“The NFL has collaborated with PLC Detroit to ensure the true spirit of the city is reflected in the various Draft programming,” said NFL Senior Director of Events Nikki Ewell. “PLC Detroit is one of several local stakeholders that provided feedback on how the NFL could leave a legacy on the city of Detroit – including direction on the aesthetic of hospitality spaces and how to infuse local artists’ works into our footprint. We are honored to give artists within the PLC network this opportunity at NFL Draft Experience.”

The collaboration with PLC seemed to be the only connection the NFL had with HBCUs during the draft process, however, as no HBCU players heard their names called through the weekend. This is the second time in the 2020s that an entire NFL Draft proceeded with no HBCU players selected. That does not mean, however, that HBCU talent hasn’t found its way onto NFL rosters. Multiple players participated in rookie camps and have secured deals and roster spots on the summer 90-man roster before the major cuts begin closer to the start of the season. Most recently, former Florida A&M running back Terrell Jennings signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots worth almost $3 million.

Former @FAMU_FB running back is inking a new deal with the #NewEnglandPatriots@23_dreamz Terrell Jennings on Monday signed what his agent says is a contract worth nearly $3 million.#famu https://t.co/yyVLtGs4e5

— Adrian Andrews Jr. (@AdrianAndrewsJr) May 14, 2024

Across his four-year career with Florida A&M, Jennings played 45 games and rushed 381 times for 1,754 yards and 24 touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry. He was exceptionally effective in 2023, rushing for a career-best 673 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 60 yards. Jennings’ deal is just another piece of evidence that HBCU players are just as capable and are just as deserving of being drafted as their PWI counterparts.