BGSU alumni secure success in the NFL

Graduates Terrance Thomas ’13 and Kaleigh Carson ’23 started their journeys to the Detroit Lions organization at BGSU

For two Bowling Green State University alumni, the fast-paced world of the NFL is home.

Terrance Thomas ’13 and Kaleigh Carson ’23 hold different roles within the Detroit Lions’ organization, but both used their time at BGSU to model their professional careers before graduation.

Now a membership services account executive with the Lions, Carson was a business major with a specialization in marketing. A native of Ottawa Hills adjacent to Toledo, Carson also had a deep interest in sports, and she used her time at the University to match her skills to the sports world.

Through working at Slater Family Ice Arena and as a member of the Screech Team, Carson saw all that went into athletics at a Division I university – from gameday operations to facility management to marketing – and knew she was on the right path for her.

“I went into college wanting to experience every aspect of sports,” Carson said. ““Honestly, getting those experiences opened up my eyes to all the possibilities within the industry. There are just so many avenues you can take, and no matter what major you picked, there’s probably a way you can apply it."

Thomas is now a program officer with the Detroit Lions Foundation, a charitable arm of the organization that focuses on aiding and empowering youth in the Detroit area.

Before making the jump to the NFL, Thomas was a BGSU student whose academic journey in psychology was enhanced by a study abroad experience.

A native of Cleveland, Thomas took a leap of faith and signed up for a trip to Italy on which he knew nobody – and said he had one of the most formative experiences of his life.

Prior to the trip, Thomas had never been out of the U.S., but said he came back with a sense of confidence from seeing a new country and meeting new people, including befriending two Indonesian monks during an Italian class.

“People might ask what a kid from Cleveland and two monks from Indonesia have in common, but you’d be surprised,” he said with a laugh. “That experience was probably the best decision I ever made in college. Being uncomfortable and going outside my realm of what I knew was so valuable at that stage because I came back with a totally different perspective on life.”  

Thomas further modeled what he wanted from a professional career with a post-grad internship with Akron RubberDucks, the AA affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians.

In minor league baseball, Thomas did a bit of everything – marketing, gameday operations, ticket sales and even served as the mascot handler – and saw the behind-the-scenes aspects of a sports organization.

“It shaped my vision where I could see what I wanted to be doing years down the road,” Thomas said. “I had never worked for a sports organization at that time, so it was all new to me, but at the same time, I was so comfortable. I had always played team sports and really liked the camaraderie, so I was drawn to everyone working toward a common goal.”

During her time at BGSU, Carson connected with the University’s extensive alumni network to help jumpstart her career.

Through the Schmidthorst College of Business, Carson was paired with an alumni mentor whom she said made a major difference for her as she prepared to navigate a competitive job market.

“I really wanted to build a network and grow professionally, and I still talk to my mentor to this day,” Carson said. “He really, really helped me with my interview skills, my resume, cover letters and always gave me good advice about the business world. I definitely am grateful for that.

“If you network with BGSU grads, I can’t say enough about how much everyone was willing to help.”

In her role with the Lions, Carson said she has the type of job she always hoped to have.

“Working in the NFL is very fast-paced and exciting," Carson said. "It’s nothing like your typical 9-to-5. The energy’s always high and I love being able to connect with my members. Whether it’s game day or just talking football, it’s always a great time.”

Thomas echoed the sentiment. The chance to combine sports and connecting with people is a dream career, he said.

“If you had told me this is what I would be doing 10 years ago, I probably wouldn’t have believed you,” he said. “I get to do so many cool things at the highest level while impacting people’s lives, so I certainly can’t complain.”