What Is An NFL Agent and What Do They Do?

An NFL agent represents professional football players and helps them make decisions about their career. Find out more about what an NFL agent does and how they can help you.

What is an NFL agent?

An NFL agent is a person who represents football players in negotiations with teams. They help to facilitate contract negotiations and can also provide advice on other matters such as endorsement deals and financial planning.

Agents are typically paid a percentage of the player’s contract, which means they only make money if the player signs a deal. For this reason, agents often work on commission and are very motivated to get their clients the best possible contracts.

The role of an NFL agent has come under scrutiny in recent years, with some believing that they have too much power and influence over players and teams. Nonetheless, they remain an important part of the sport and are likely to continue to be so for the foreseeable future.

What do NFL agents do?

NFL agents are responsible for negotiating player contracts, managing finances, and advising on marketing and endorsement opportunities. They also represent players in disciplinary hearings and negotiate with teams on behalf of their clients. In short, NFL agents wear many hats and play a vital role in the business of professional football.

Recruit and negotiate contracts for NFL players

An NFL agent is a certified professional who represents NFL players and advises them on contractual, financial and personal matters. Agents are responsible for recruiting new NFL players and negotiating contracts for their clients.

Most agents are former NFL players themselves, and have a close understanding of the game and the business of football. They use this knowledge to negotiate the best possible contracts for their clients, as well as advise them on financial matters such as investments, endorsements and marketing opportunities.

In addition to their work with NFL players, agents also represent coaches, front office personnel and other football-related professionals.

Advise NFL players on financial planning

An NFL agent is responsible for advising NFL players on financial planning and contract negotiation. They are also responsible for marketing their clients to potential NFL teams. NFL agents typically work for a sports agency that represents multiple clients.

How do NFL agents get paid?

Commission
Most NFL agents are paid on a commission basis, which means they only get paid if their client signs a contract with a team. The agent’s commission is typically a percentage of the player’s total signing bonus and/or annual salary. For example, if an agent represents a player who signs a four-year, $40 million contract with a $10 million signing bonus, the agent would likely receive 3% of the signing bonus ($300,000) and 3% of the player’s annual salary ($1.2 million), for a total of $4.5 million over the life of the contract.

Contingency Fees
In some cases, NFL agents may work on contingency fees, which means they only get paid if their client signs a contract with a team. Contingency fees are typically lower than commission-based compensation, so agents only use this method when they are fairly confident their client will sign a contract. For example, an agent may charge a 10% contingency fee, which would be $400,000 in the above example.

What are the benefits of having an NFL agent?

An NFL agent can be extremely beneficial for players. They can help with contract negotiations, endorsement deals, and marketing opportunities. Agents also have relationships with team personnel and can help their clients get tryouts and coaches’ recommendations.