Dwayne Michael Carter, or “Lil Wayne” has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of athlete representation. The rap icon has used his unique swagger and intelligence to develop Young Money APAA into a dominant force within the sports agency industry. After the firm’s acquisition of former competitor PlayersRep Sports Management in 2017, Wayne’s company began to take off. Behind the impressive work of agents Ken Sarnoff, David Lee, and Nicole Lynn, among others, Young Money continues to land prominent NFL clients. The firm recently announced possibly its most extraordinary accomplishment to date, with the signing of former Alabama superstar Quinnen Williams.
The 6’ 4”, 295-pound defensive tackle is coming off an incredible season with the Crimson Tide. Williams tormented opposing SEC offenses, recording 8 sacks and 66 tackles, with 18 coming from behind the line of scrimmage. Quinnen’s dominance earned him an Outland Trophy, awarded to the country’s most outstanding interior lineman. Williams will be represented by Nicole Lynn, who has been a trailblazer for the emergence of women in the industry. When discussing his decision, Quinnen explained, “I wanted to sign with someone who had my best interest in mind and was going to go hard for me. I knew Nicole and Young Money would do that, and that is why I knew I wanted her to be my agent.” In Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, Williams is projected to be drafted third overall by the New York Jets.
Wayne and Young Money wasted little time before acquiring their next potential super star client. Former University of Georgia cornerback Deandre Baker has become the next highly sought-after prospect to jump on board with Carter’s agency. Baker served as a lock down corner for the Bulldogs throughout his career, blanketing some of the SEC’s best receivers on a weekly basis. The cornerback showcased his unique talent during last season’s highly anticipated matchup with South Carolina’s Deebo Samuel. Baker stifled the Gamecocks’ most explosive weapon, allowing only 33 yards in a dominant 41-17 Bulldogs victory. The Miami native racked up several accolades in 2018, earning All-American Honors and the Jim Thorpe award, given to college football’s best defensive back. Deandre will be represented by veteran agent Andy Simms and is projected to be the highest cornerback selected in the 2019 NFL Draft.