Skip to main content
michigan-state logo

Michigan State hires Kurt Richardson as director of player engagement

On3 imageby:Noah Sprunger•08/22/23•

On3Noah

Richardson
Image via Michigan State Athletics

East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State football has announced the addition of Kurt Richardson to its off-field support staff. Richardson will join the program as director of player engagement, a role previously held by Darien Harris.

Harris was promoted to assistant athletic director for name, image, and likeness, and special advisor to the athletic director this offseason.

As the Spartans’ director of player engagement, Richardson will work closely with current and former players. His roles will include career training and networking, community outreach, alumni relations, and more.

“Kurt has extensive experience and a proven track record of success helping athletes across all levels, from NFL to college, in their development off the field,” Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker said in a press release on Tuesday. “He will be an incredible asset to our program and our players during their time at Michigan State.”

Richardson comes to Michigan State with over a decade of experience working in player development and engagement. His company, Encore Athletix, has consulted with over 500 professional athletes and over 1,000 student athletes, aiding in their off-the-field development.

Richardson has also worked with the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Los Angeles Rams as part of their rookie success transition programs.

“I’ve known a lot of the players for a long time, but I’m really looking forward to getting to know everyone and getting them involved in our programming,” Richardson said. “My goal is to get everyone to understand how to leverage this time as a football player to set up your life to be successful after you’re able to play. All of us are going to be Monday-through-Friday guys at some point, whether we turn this Saturday experience into a Sunday experience or not, and we’ll all be judged from the neck up. I’m extremely fortunate to be in this position and I can’t wait to start working with the players.”

Richardson, a Lansing, Mich., native, is currently completing his Master’s Degree in strategic communications at Michigan State. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in management from Thomas Edison State University, located in Trenton, New Jersey.

In addition to his experience in player engagement and development, Richardson was elected to the Lansing Board of Education in 2022.

You may also like