About
Brad Clark is the Founder of NFL’s Future. The site was established on January 4, 2011 and has since been through two face lifts. In it’s short time of existence NFL’s future has seen a dramatic rise in popularity and is developing a devoted fan base.
NFL’s Future is an affiliate of the USA Today Sports Digital Properties. We are dedicated to giving fans the best NFL Draft information and forming the largest community of well informed readers on the internet. That goal is only achieved by reader feedback and dedicated members of the community willing to share ideas and debate issues. We have assembled a team of top professionals that have direct ties to the game of football. Here’s a look at our staff:
BRAD CLARK (Lead Writer/Editor)
I bring a unique perspective to my analysis of the game because of my experience playing and coaching the game. I have spent most of my life in one of those two respects. The passion you see for the game has been a result of intensive research, analysis of not only players but schemes and the future of the game.
My professional career began after graduating from Ohio University in the healthcare administration field. I quickly rose the ranks and became the Director of a behavioral health hospital for adolescents. After nearly ten years in the field, I opted to forgo my career to take on NFL’s Future full-time and haven’t looked back since.
“If your dreams don’t scare you, you haven’t dreamed big enough.” I have lived my life by that motto and hope that everyone gets an opportunity to not only realize but pursue their dreams.
Brad is available for interviews or just to talk anything NFL draft related via email at [email protected] or on Twitter Follow @nflfuture
JOHN MIDDLEKAUFF (West Coast Scout/Writer)
John Middlekauff has been an NFL scout for the last 3 years working for the Philadelphia Eagles. He joined the club in 2010 as a Player Personal Assistant. In 2011 he became a Pro Scout, taking on various roles such as: advance scouting reports, free agency, and covering both the CFL & AFL. In 2012 he became the west coast area scout. The area consisted of Arizona up to Washington and as far east as Colorado. He covered the largest geographical area in the country. Before joining the Eagles Front Office, John worked as a Graduate Assistant with the Fresno State Football Program (2008-2010) under Pat Hill. While earning his Masters Degree in Sports Admin, he also served as the Assistant Director of Recruiting & Football Operations for a team that produced the number 12 pick in the NFL Draft – Ryan Mathews. John graduated from Cal Poly in 2008 with a Business Degree, while also assisting the football program in recruiting & having a weekly sports article in the school news paper. John is single and lives in San Francisco, Ca.
Follow John on Twitter Follow @JohnMiddlekauff
MIKE KRUPKA (ACC, Big XII, Pac-12, and SEC Writer)
Mike was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and therefore it is safe to assume he bleeds Brown and Orange and barks in his sleep like most Browns fans. He earned a NCAA division I soccer scholarship to both George Mason and St. Bonaventure where he played goalkeeper. After graduating in 2004 with his BSB, he ventured to Hawaii to pursue surfing and a little taste of paradise. A taste turned into 9 years and during that time he’s surfed 20 foot waves, caught 400lb blue marlin, earned his MBA and met his fiancée. Mike is also a staff writer for DawgsByNature, focused on Browns film room analysis, player evaluation and NFL Draft related pieces.
Follow Mike on Twitter Follow @MikeKrupka
JEFF RISDON (Contributor)
Jeff graduated with a degree in History from Ohio University in 1996, with a senior thesis “Why the USFL Failed”. My football background includes a year with a national scouting service and two years as a contracted draft consultant for an NFL team. I have covered the NFL and the NFL Draft for RealGM.com since 2004 and have been a featured guest on numerous radio programs around the country. My work has been cited on numerous major sports websites and published in The Sporting News and several newspapers. I have also worked as a high school football official. Originally from the Cleveland area, I now reside in Houston with my wife and two children. I am an avid volleyball player and a long-suffering Detroit Lions fan. Additionally, Jeff has recently spearheaded detroitlionsdraft.com.
Jeff can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter Follow @JeffRisdon
MURF BALDWIN (Contributor)
Atlanta renaissance man and entertainer, Murf Baldwin, brings his talents to NFL’s Future. A quick Google search of “Uptown Murf” will reveal everything from Fitness Videos to Music Videos. A passionate personal trainer/nutrition coach – “Uptown” stays close to his athletic days by continuing to look like the fittest of athletes physically, and immersing himself into his favorite game which happens to be football. Being a football writer helps blend two of his most beloved passions – one of which being writing. Uptown can be seen writing anything from Rap and R&B songs, as well as fitness plans/nutrition plans for clients. His sports writing are quickly becoming something of note among the sports internet community. So whether it’s fitness modeling or acting , you will undoubtedly be entertained by Uptown Murf.
Cedric can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter Follow @UptownMurf
SHAWN BURNS (Contributor)
Shawn Burns has been a Football Operations staff member with FIU for the past four seasons under head coach Mario Cristobal. He joined the staff in 2009 as a Football Recruiting and Video Assistant. In 2010 he was named the Assistant Director of Football Operations, and before the 2012 season, he was promoted to the Director of Football Relations. During his tenure at FIU he was involved in all aspects of recruiting, team travel and budget management. He was also the NFL pro Liaison for scouts during their numerous visits on campus. He was a key member of one conference championship and two bowl appearances. Shawn was a part of a staff that sent four players to the NFL, the most by far of any staff in FIU history. The most notable was Eugene “T.Y.” Hilton (2012 third round pick- Indianapolis), and Johnathan Cyprien ( 2013 second round pick- Jacksonville). Before joining the FIU staff, Shawn worked with the Jacksonville Jaguars for five years in sales and marketing. He played collegiate football at Jacksonville University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. He is married, has a little guy on the way and lives in Philadelphia, PA.
Follow Shawn on Twitter Follow @sburns4597