Take The Vow

Playing high school football, college football, and then in the NFL will definitely take a toll on your body. The most pain may be felt after retirement, however.

The “glamor” of being a Sports Agent is felt by few, and the few who ever become the top of the trade, often experience the feeling in short bursts. The reason is that most likely, your stable (big or small) of clients will be composed of the 99% of players who do not make the national papers every day. This is a thankless industry, and if you truly want to succeed (I said succeed…not make money), you will spend a lot of time helping your clients survive during their playing days, and once their initial careers are over.

It is too well known that many players bank on their abilities on the field to make money and do not prepare themselves for life after football. It is our job as agents, to change this trend.

If your client is lucky enough to make an NFL roster, he is likely to play under four years of professional football. Is that enough for him to live the rest of his life on? Here is an interesting figure: 78% of all NFL players are divorced, bankrupt or unemployed two years after leaving the game, according to Ken Ruettgers, a current advocate for NFL players transitioning from professional sports [Life after the NFL: Typically a struggle].

I want all of us future, progressive agents to take a vow. Promise that you will never give up on your clients, even the ones who turn out to be busts by the media’s standards. There is more to life than playing for a couple of years. There are families that need to be cared for. If you do not personally have the time to help your clients with their retirement planning, outsource the job to a company like GamesOver.org, which is run by Ken Ruettgers. Just promise to do everything in your power to give your clients the happiest life possible.

-Darren Heitner