Courtesy of Alabama A&M
Former Alabama A&M University quarterback Xavier Lankford is taking his Bulldog pride to the biggest stage in professional sports, spending Super Bowl week in San Francisco as one of a select group of students chosen nationwide for the NFL’s Super Bowl LX (SBLX) Select 25 Experienceship.
Lankford, now a graduate student at Alabama A&M, is among an elite cohort invited to gain behind-the-scenes exposure to the NFL during Super Bowl LX festivities, including access to panel discussions, industry leaders and immersive learning opportunities tied to one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
“I wouldn’t have known about this opportunity if it weren’t for Alabama A&M,” Lankford said. “Athletic director Dr. Paul Bryant told me about the program, encouraged me to apply, and a few weeks later I found out I’d been selected. That moment meant everything.”
The Select 25 Experienceship brings together students from colleges and universities nationwide for immersive, hands-on learning in sports entertainment, operations and branding during Super Bowl week. Designed for emerging leaders in sports operations and administration, the program has given Lankford access to major sports and technology partners, including EA Sports, as well as industry forums that spotlight career pathways within professional athletics.
It’s eye-opening,” he said. “You’re seeing how many moving parts go into the Super Bowl and how many careers exist behind the scenes. It’s not just football, it’s business, marketing, logistics and innovation all working together.”
Lankford’s journey to the Super Bowl stage has been defined by perseverance. A Pelham, Alabama, native, he walked on to the Alabama A&M football team, earned a scholarship his sophomore year and went on to serve as the Bulldogs’ quarterback from 2020 to 2024. He graduated with a degree in sports management and is now pursuing an MBA in logistics and supply chain management.
In addition to his graduate studies, Lankford has worked in game administration for Alabama A&M Athletics for three years, gaining practical experience in event operations and sponsorship execution.
“My role is making sure everything is in place for game day, from activations to presentation,” he said. “That attention to detail matters, and being here during Super Bowl week shows me how that work scales at the highest level.”
Balancing academics, professional responsibilities and travel has been demanding, but Lankford credits Alabama A&M for making it possible.
“As a grad student, I feel supported,” he said. “I can pursue opportunities like this, stay engaged in my classes and continue building my future without falling behind.”
Lankford, who graduates in May, hopes to build a career in athletics at either the professional or collegiate level. He said the Super Bowl LX Select 25 Experienceship has sharpened his vision and strengthened his confidence. He will be at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday for Super Bowl LX, cheering on the Seattle Seahawks as they face the New England Patriots and taking it all in as both a fan and an emerging professional in the sports industry.
“Five years ago, I walked on to this campus just hoping for a chance,” Lankford said. “Now I’m standing in Super Bowl spaces, learning from the best in the business and realizing that every step I took at Alabama A&M prepared me for moments like this.”
