University of Akron Cleveland Browns Chalk Talk event headlined by Assistant General Manager and Vice President Glenn Cook and Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees

The University of Akron (UA), in partnership with the Cleveland Browns, will host an exclusive Chalk Talk focused on the role of analytics in football. Held at the Jean Hower Taber Student Union’s Gardner Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 5-7 p.m., the event will feature Glenn Cook, assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel, and Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator. Moderated by Ken Carman, ’09, one of Cleveland’s leading radio voices and a sports anchor on Fox 8 News, the panelists will offer unique insights into how analytics influence their respective roles.

Featuring key voices from the Browns organization, this engaging discussion will provide an inside look at how data driven decision making shapes the game at every level – from player acquisition to game time strategy and individual performance optimization.“Unique opportunities like this are at the core of our strategic partnership,” said UA President R.J. Nemer. “We are excited to host some of the Browns’ leading personnel and are grateful for their willingness to share insider information with our students and campus community.”

The “insider” perspective will allow attendees to hear a variety of angles covering how data is used to evaluate and acquire top talent, make real-time coaching decisions on game day and help players optimize training, recovery and preparation through biometric and performance insights.

About the panel:

-Cook is in his third season as the Browns’ assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel, overseeing roster decisions, player personnel operations, free agency, and the draft. Now in his 14th NFL season, he also acts as the liaison between the Browns' football and business operations.

-Rees joined the Browns in 2024 as the tight ends coach/pass game specialist and now plays a key role in developing the team’s offensive system as he was recently named the Browns offensive coordinator. Rees brings experience as an offensive coordinator from the collegiate level, a position he held both at Alabama and Notre Dame.

-Panel moderator Ken Carman is a University of Akron alumnus and veteran broadcaster. With experience covering the Browns, Cavs, Guardians (formerly the Indians), Buckeyes, and more, Carman is now on the Cleveland Browns Radio Network Preview Show and Coach’s Show on 92.3 FM The Fan during the football season. He also serves as sports anchor on Fox 8 News.

The Chalk Talk will offer a deeper understanding of the analytical strategies behind professional football and the Cleveland Browns franchise.

Student registration is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited seating in the Gardner Theatre.

Media Contact: Cristine Boyd; cboyd@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476