Chicago Bears second-round pick Alshon Jeffery initially declined an invitation to attend the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event to be held in Los Angeles from May 17-20 because he was reluctant to skip portions of the club's offseason workout program following last weekend's rookie minicamp.

But Jeffery altered his plans when informed of a provision in Article 21 of the 2011 CBA which addresses the necessity for clubs to permit the absence of rookies to participate in the event. In addition, players are not able to work out with their respective teams if they turn down the chance to attend the Rookie Premiere, according to an NFLPA spokesperson.

The 35 rookies in attendance at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere, which will include Jeffery, will be photographed at the Rose Bowl in their respective professional jerseys by trading card companies Panini America and Topps. The 2012 rookies will also be the first class to don the NFL's new Nike uniforms.

Other rookies to receive an invite with local ties include: former Notre Dame and current Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Floyd, San Francisco 49ers first-round choice and ex-Illinois wideout A.J. Jenkins and Joliet Catholic Academy product and Indianapolis Colts second-round selection tight end Coby Fleener.