Arkeem Byrd is in his second season as assistant director of player engagement with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, having most recently served as the director of player development at Temple University from 2022-24.
In his role, Byrd assists the team's efforts in continuing education, family assistance and career internships. He also plays a critical role assisting rookies in their transition to life in the NFL and lends his expertise to the team during the NFL combine and during free agency period.
During his time with the Owls, Byrd developed the football program's first internship program and created a transition program to help new football student-athletes adjust to college both on and off the field. He also assisted with official and unofficial visits, planned community service opportunities and served as the liaison between football student-athletes and Temple's academic support staff.
Bryd came to Temple from Oregon where he was a coordinator of student-athlete development. Prior to his time with the Ducks, he served as a graduate assistant for student-athlete development at Arizona State. Byrd joined the Sun Devils by way of Penn State, where he was an academic support assistant.
A native of Savannah, Ga., Byrd played both running back and defensive back at Wake Forest. He transitioned to be a student coach for the Demon Deacons after suffering a career-ending injury in 2018. Byrd graduated from Wake Forest with his degree in communications in 2020.
