Today, I found out that an ACC running back was added to the East-West Shrine Bowl roster and it almost made me laugh out loud. Here’s why.

In September, we started pitching members of the 2025 NFL agent class on the idea of working with veteran contract advisors as mentors during the 2026 draft cycle. The pitch was easy: pitch in a significant part of training fees, and in return, you’d not only be placed on the player’s SRA, but you’d also be counseled through the all-star process, on pro day, and most importantly, on Day 3 of the draft. It was a chance for the kind of growth and professional enhancement that almost no independent rookie agents ever get to experience. It looked like a win all around, and the initial response from new agents was impressive. Again, this was in September. We had about 30 who expressed interest.

By October/November, when I asked again, we were down to about 20-25.

By the time we got to December, and the time to actually write the check, the number had fallen even more. We actually wound up with less than half the original number who actually proceeded with the program. The reason I laughed is because the running back I mentioned earlier was presented as a potential fit with 2-3 agents who all passed on him for various reasons. Too risky. Well, that guy is in the No. 2 all-star game and is almost a lock for an NFL roster this summer.

The lesson here is that risk is part of the job. If it’s January, and you haven’t spent more money than you’re comfortable spending on a player who you feel confident will make an NFL roster — but who you are far from certain will make it in the league — than you’re probably not really an agent. That risk, that uncertainty, are just part of the game. That feeling in the pit of your stomach is what tells you you’re actually in the game. If you don’t feel it, it’s either because you have so little money and/or time invested that you have nothing to lose, or it’s because you don’t have a good enough handle on the business to know the odds you face.

You may be considering registering for the agent exam this summer. You may have already done it. Either way, please accept this unsolicited advice: you’re going to have to make a significant financial investment (probably $15,000 minimum), and you’re going to have to take a risk on a player who’s anything but a sure bet. That’s just part of the game. I take no joy in telling you this, but I still think it bears saying.

Best of luck, and I hope we get to work together. But whether we do or not, investment and risk will be part of your experience. Make sure that’s something you’ve accepted, and that you can handle.