NFL Business Academy hopes to be a problem-solving solution (The Associated Press)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- The NFL, hoping to help current and former players transition to life after football, is kicking off its first business academy on Monday at the University of Michigan.

''When you leave something you've been doing your entire life, especially if it's a high-profile job, it's a challenge when you retire,'' said Charles Way, vice president of NFL player engagement and former New York Giants fullback. ''We're just trying to make that time in players' lives a little smoother.''

Green Bay Packers linebacker Julius Peppers is among the 30-plus active players who are expected to attend five-day program that will include instruction and hand-on experiences with management,…