As I write this, we have just one more session left (tonight, 8 p.m. ET) in our NFL Agent Basics series of Zooms for members of the 2024 class. So far, though I was hoping each session would be about an hour long, we’ve provided five hours of content over three Zooms (two last week, one this week). 

Tuesday of last week, we focused on all things money and finances. Wednesday, it was recruiting and finding your first client. Last night was all about combine prep and deciding on the best way to train your client(s). Tonight, we’ll discuss scouting and how to build a network. 

Since our session last night on combine prep, there are a few things I wish I’d emphasized more. Rather than call everyone back for more (we went 100+ minutes last night), I thought it better to just put them in today’s blog.

Here goes:

  • Recognize that your training relationships will be some of the most important ones you build in the industry, so find reputable trainers and trust them (or at least give them the benefit of the doubt). If you feel you are getting a raw deal, try not to burn a bridge. The football world is a very small one and you don’t want a reputation for volatility. Not sure if your trainer is reputable? Let’s talk.
  • Look at your relationship with a trainer as collaborative more so than service provider/customer. This is why it’s very important to build a good rapport so there are no surprises at the NFL Combine or pro day. You want your client’s trainer to be comfortable sharing bad news.
  • Don’t put anything in a training rider that you aren’t willing to enforce.
  • Your client may not be comfortable in the first training facility he chooses, and might want to transfer. If this is the case, explain what restrictions, if any, you place on his next training choice, and how quickly he must come to this decision.
  • Understand that the player usually comes to see his trainer as his advocate, and often will choose the trainer over you. It’s not fair, but it’s true. 
  • Sometimes, players get hurt when training. Work out all the issues beforehand on insurance policies, who pays in the instance of injury, etc. I promise you won’t be sorry later if you do this.
  • There are times when players don’t take good care of where they stay. Find a way to diplomatically set expectations on how your client leaves his residence post-training, as well as how he maintains it during training. If he breaks something, or trashes the place, do you pick up the tab? 
  • If you choose to rent a car for your client (and we discussed several things we recommend as alternatives), make sure to opt into the insurance plan.
  • There is always a lot of shock when we discuss the cost and value of combine prep, and this is the area where every new agent thinks he’s gonna save money. OK, but understand that, generally speaking, you get what you pay for when it comes to combine prep. Don’t believe me? Check this out. 

Want more? All of our sessions so far have been recorded, as will tonight’s session. All four are available for $350, and it’s not too late to join us tonight as former Falcons and Titans scout Rodrik David joins me as we break down all you need to know about the NFL scouting industry at 8 p.m. ET. I hope you can join us.