Pro athletics are very important to Nate Boudreaux ('96). So much so he's made his career in them. Boudreaux majored in public relations at the School of Mass Communication (SMC). After leaving Loyola, Boudreaux worked in media relations with the New Orleans Zephyrs and Arena Football League teams, the Carolina Cobras and the Florida Bobcats.

In 2002, Boudreaux broke into the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, where he was the media relations coordinator. In Cleveland he coordinated interviews with TV, print and media. He got to work closely with coaches, players and media personalities.

After three years with the Browns, Boudreaux joined USA Football as its strategic communications manager. USA Football is a non-profit organization dedicated to growing youth football. The organization teaches youngsters how to tackle correctly ans well as instructing coaches and parents on other aspects of the game and its safety. Now USA Football's Senior Manager of Sponsorship Services and Grants, Boudreaux's chief responsibilities are partnership relations, sponsorship fulfillment and business development. Boudreaux also facilities USA Football’s $1 million equipment grant program. 

Boudreaux says the public relations lessons he learned at SMC and his relationships with the faculty have proved invaluable in his career. He remains in close contact with his most influential professor, Dr. Cathy Rodgers, who teaches public relations. He still keeps in close touch with the friends he made in New Orleans and is in a 12-man fantasy football league with his best friends from Loyola.

He has several thoughts for current students and seniors looking ahead to graduation.

“I would recommend that you volunteer within your industry as much as possible,” says Boudreaux. “Networking is extremely important when it comes to getting a job. Someone once told me that it’s not about who you know but who knows you. That has really stuck with me. Enjoy your time while your there and take advantage of your opportunities.”