Sometimes it is in the players’ best interest to have separate, independent people providing services beyond contract negotiation. By doing so, players can create a system of checks and balances with one professional reviewing the work of the others- NFLPA Director of Salary Cap and Agent Administration Mark Levin.

- NFLPA Director of Salary Cap and Agent Administration Mark Levin.

Prior to meeting with agents, players should determine what services they want an agent to provide: Do they want just a contract negotiator? Do they want someone who may also provide marketing/endorsement services? Or do they want someone who can also provide financial advice?

-- NFLPA Director of Salary Cap and Agent Administration Mark Levin.

“Players need someone they can trust and who they have forged a strong relationship with,” Levin said. “At the same time, players must always remember that this is a business relationship and that they are the boss in that relationship.”

 

“Just because an agent is less experienced or works at a smaller firm does not necessarily mean he or she can’t provide the same level of service or expertise in contract negotiations,”

 

-- NFLPA Director of Salary Cap and Agent Administration Mark Levin.

At least 78 players were defrauded of $42 million dollars within a three-year period. As a result, the NFLPA Board of Player, Representatives voted in 2000 to create the Financial Advisors Program.

-- Finance and Asset Management/NFLPA website

The idea for a” Personal Financial Advisor” came from the players themselves. Players unfortunately, have become victims – not just from poor financial advice, but also from outright fraud.   The need for a qualified financial advisor to protect the players is clear.

 

-- Finance and Asset Management/NFLPA website