I spent eight years as an NFL Agent, and went through the application process twice, passing the certification test both times I took it. This has lead many people to ask how I became a sports agent. My answer is always very simple. While I was in college, I researched the process and then applied to the NFLPA shortly after I graduated.
There are a lot of people interested in becoming a sports agent. Every agent I know could write a book with their own experiences. Most are vastly different than what is portrayed in the media and by the movies that have been made. That said, I thought I’d share what it takes to become an NFL agent for those that are interested.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) regulates and governs all NFL Agents. If you want to be an NFL Agent, the first thing you need to do to is send in an application to the NFLPA. Once a year, the NFL Players Association opens up its application process for people to apply to become a certified NFL Contract Advisor (Agent). This time period to apply is always in January each year. The deadline to apply this year is no later than February 4th, which is about 4 days later than what it usually is. Below are the required steps and how you can apply.
WHAT’S REQUIRED:
- A Non-refundable Application fee of $2,500.00
- Undergraduate AND Post Graduate degree (Masters or Law) from an accredited college/university (see FAQs)
- Authorization to perform a background investigation
- Mandatory attendance at a 2019 two (2) day seminar in Washington, D.C.
- Successful completion of written multiple choice proctored examination
- Valid email address
SEMINAR
The seminar and examination will be held July 18 – July 19, 2019
in Washington, D.C.
Hotel location and other pertinent information will be provided when your application has been approved.
EXAMINATION
The examination will cover the CBA, the Salary Cap, NFL Player Benefits, NFLPA Regulations Governing Contract Advisors, Substances of Abuse & Performance Enhancing Substances Policies and other issues relevant to player representation. It is a 60 question multiple-choice examination and has a time limit of three (3) hours. It is also open book and you may use your prepared notes while taking the exam. Testing will be on the second day of the seminar immediately after lunch.
Source documents needed for the seminar/lecture and examination will be mailed several weeks after the application period closes. Do not contact the NFLPA to get the documents earlier.
Examination results will be available eight (8) weeks after testing. A passing score is a scaled score of 70 or higher. As per the Regulations, you are prohibited from recruiting or representing any players until you have been notified that you have passed the exam, paid the required annual fee and obtained the required liability insurance.
CERTIFICATION
Continued compliance with the Regulations is required in order to maintain certification. Compliance includes but is not limited to paying an annual fee immediately following:
- Successfully passing the exam
- Obtaining professional liability insurance from an approved carrier, and
- Attending one of three NFLPA seminars held each year.
Additionally, you are required to notify the NFLPA of any and all changes to your submitted application, and to negotiate at least one player contract within a three-year period (Practice Squad not included).
APPLY TO BECOME AN AGENT
The period for filing is now open and will close February 4, 2019. Absolutely no early or late filing. You can apply to become an NFL Agent now through February 4th, 2019 through this link.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following link has additional information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
