Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers RB Oliver: 'It was a blessing' to advise 2015 rookies

Published Jun. 26, 2015 12:29 a.m. ET

foxsports

Branden Oliver stood in front of a group he wasn't invited to join last year, microphone in hand.

Then, he told some new NFL rookies some tough facts. At the NFL's Rookie Symposium, Oliver had the attention of his future football-playing peers.

“It was a blessing; it was a great experience,” the second-year running back told the team's official website. "Having not been a part of it last year, it was a blessing to be asked to do it this year. I’ve come a long way, and I’ve still got a long way to go.”

Only draft picks are asked to attend the annual rookie meeting in Canton, Ohio. Oliver was not selected, but he parlayed his talents into a breakout season -- and an invitation to the 2015 Symposium -- nonetheless.

The Buffalo product entered the league knowing what to do with the ball in his hand. But as Oliver addressed fresh faces, he focused on the matters he didn't know as a rookie in 2014.

“I shed some light on those guys on what I went through last year, and what they could expect," Oliver said. "I told them how different the media is. In college, you might do an interview once or twice every other week. But in the NFL, the media is in the locker room everyday throughout the week. So you always have to be ready. They’ll ask you."

Oliver also addressed the looming issues of financial difficulties, time management, and playbook retention.

He figured everything out on his own last year. But by speaking at the symposium, Oliver made sure other rookies aren't alone in their transition to pro ball.

(h/t San Diego Chargers)