Going Pro: Widener Communication Studies Alum Lands Full-time Position in the NFL

Andrew Proctor ’19 is the game entertainment producer for the Washington Commanders. His impressive résumé includes work for the Philadelphia Eagles, 76ers, Flyers, and Wings.

Alumnus Andrew Proctor stands on the field at the Washington Commanders football stadium
Andrew Proctor
Class of 2019
Undergraduate
|
Bachelors in Communication Studies
  • College of Arts & Sciences
Career: NFL Game Entertainment Producer

As an incoming communication studies major, Andrew Proctor ‘19 never dreamed he could turn his love of sports and interest in video production into a career.

“I didn’t have a clue about the people behind the games and on TV,” said Andrew. “Widener opened my eyes to the professional positions out there and helped me see that it was achievable. And understanding this world from a different side… I’m such a fan so it’s cool to see behind the curtain.”

Thanks to the skills learned on campus, connections made through professors, and his own pure talent and drive, Andrew began working for professional sports teams just a few weeks after graduation and has never looked back. 

His résumé is an impressive list. Philadelphia Eagles football (including during last season’s Super Bowl run), 76ers basketball, Flyers hockey, and Wings lacrosse. 

Now this Philly native is taking his talents to D.C., trading the green and black of the Birds for the burgundy and gold of the Commanders. He recently started as producer for game entertainment for Washington’s football team, and will oversee all video content for LED boards and video in the stadium, moving from the studio to the field on gamedays.

Introduction to the Field

Andrew first encountered the world of sports production when Tim Scepansky, assistant teaching professor of communications, took his first-year class on a tour of the nearby Philadelphia Union soccer stadium and its control room.

Andrew honed his video filming and production skills in Freedom Hall’s television studio, where he encountered industry-standard equipment. His initial experiences with sports broadcasting came through the university, livestreaming Pride football, basketball, and volleyball games.

After graduation, Andrew landed a post-graduate internship with the Eagles, working in digital production in the studio. It was a position Associate Professor Angie Corbo, chair of communication studies, had sent along to students.

Always in the Game

For the last four years, Andrew has worked as a video editor for Bowstring Studios, whose clients represent a range of industries, from pharmaceutical to higher education. “As an editor, I touched a lot of projects, including spots that aired on Sunday Night Football,” he said.

All the while, Andrew kept his foot in the sports world, freelancing for the Eagles as a camera operator (for live studio shows) and videographer for Eagles Entertainment, helping film community relations events and the annual Eagles’ Autism Challenge.

Andrew was working for the Birds during their 2022-23 run for Super Bowl glory. Being part of a playoff team is surreal, he said. “You feel you are part of the team, and every win extended my employment.”

A connection with fellow communication studies alumnus Hunter McGinnis ’17 led to a freelance position at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, where Andrew produced in-game entertainment graphics for the 76ers, Flyers, and Wings, using systems similar to those in Freedom Hall. 

“It was a high-intensity, fast-paced environment. It really gave me the game and arena experience I needed,” said Andrew.

The Playbook

Andrew had been eyeing a full-time position with a pro team and the Commanders presented the perfect opportunity — even if it means working for an NFC East division rival. 

“It’s the next step in my career,” he said.

Andrew’s advice for students interested in sports communication and production is to follow the same tried-and-tested playbook he used. 

“Take the initiative. You have the tools at your fingertips. Lean on the connections you make and develop, especially with alumni and all the people you meet. Those are really important relationships.”

Career: NFL Game Entertainment Producer

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