Published on October 23, 2024 by Catherine Smith  
Noah Haworth TN Titans

Noah Haworth, a 2024 graduate of Samford University's sports analytics program in Brock School of Business, has landed a role in the business intelligence department of the NFL's Tennessee Titans, turning his childhood passion into a career.

From Fan to Professional: A Dream Realized

Growing up in Tennessee, Haworth spent his Sundays cheering for the Titans. Now, he will be playing a role in the team's success from within.

“Being in the program at Samford, I was always asked if I had a dream team I could work for. The answer was always easy for me: the Tennessee Titans,” Haworth said. “Growing up in Tennessee, I would spend most of my Sunday afternoons watching the Titans. They have shown me the impact that sports can have on a community and ultimately led me to pursue this dream. It still feels surreal that I am in this position working with the team now, and it is something that I have God to thank for."

Samford's Real-World Preparation

Haworth's journey to the NFL was paved with hands-on experiences and real-world projects at Samford, including:

  • Three years of first-hand experience with Samford's football team, applying advanced analytics to team strategy;
  • A post-graduate business intelligence internship with the Dallas Stars NHL team;
  • A business intelligence internship with the United Soccer League, sharpening data analysis skills;
  • A summer internship with Fox Sports in Los Angeles, creating statistical content for the Women's World Cup;
  • Participation in the prestigious National Sports Forum Case Competition, developing solutions for Angel City Football Club;
  • A capstone project for the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, maximizing partnership value;
  • A research project on the impact of yellow cards on winning in European soccer.

Darin White, executive director of the Center for Sports Analytics, emphasized the importance of these experiences.

“At Samford, we're committed to providing our students with real-world experiences in the sports industry. These hands-on opportunities make all the difference in getting our graduates hired,” he said. “It's why we've achieved such a high job placement rate across our sports analytics, sports business and sports marketing programs in Brock School of Business. Our extensive alumni network working in the industry, coupled with our world-class Sports Industry Advisory Board, creates unparalleled opportunities for our students."

Pioneering Sports Business Education

Samford University has established itself as a significant leader in sports business education, as it is the first school in the South to launch a sports marketing program within an AACSB-accredited business school, and the first in the nation to establish a Center for Sports Analytics. This commitment to innovation in sports business education has resulted in a 100% internship and job placement rate.

"Any students thinking about a career in the sports industry should consider Samford because all the opportunities for a future in the industry," Haworth said.

Haworth's success is a testament to Samford being ranked No. 8 in the nation for career preparation and No. 10 in the nation for most recommended colleges in the U.S. by The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse (2025). These rankings demonstrate Samford's commitment to preparing graduates for impactful careers, particularly in the competitive field of sports business.

"We invite aspiring sports business professionals to explore our programs," White said. "Whether you're interested in analytics, marketing or the broader business of sports, we have a pathway designed to help you achieve your goals and make your mark in the industry."

Learn more about Samford University's sports industry programs at samford.edu/go/sportsbiz or contact Darin White.

 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.