Aston Walter, a running backs coach at Kennesaw State, has been named a fellow of the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, a program that pairs emerging minority assistants with NFL teams for an intensive summer experience.
A Rising Coach in the NFL's Diversity Initiative
The fellowship, which runs through the summer and culminates with the Hall of Fame Game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers on August 6, gives Walter a chance to work directly with Cardinals coaches and players while gaining exposure to league operations, player development and advanced play‑calling concepts.
At Kennesaw State, Walter’s unit produced 1,603 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last season, a performance that helped running back Coleman Bennett earn a free‑agent contract with the Chicago Bears.
Walter’s selection underscores the fellowship’s mission to broaden minority representation in NFL coaching staffs, a goal that the league pursues by engaging all 32 clubs each year and providing mentorship from senior staff.
Beyond the on‑field work, fellows receive constructive feedback, attend strategy sessions and observe practice organization, tools that Walter says will sharpen his ability to develop talent at the collegiate level and beyond.