• Loading stock data...
Sunday, December 15, 2024

Player Turned Agent EJ Scott Follows A Different NFL Career Path

  • EJ Scott helped his first client, cornerback Kevin Johnson, secure a deal worth up to $6 million with the Cleveland Browns during free agency this offseason.
  • The 27-year-old agent recognizes it will take lots of patience to build out his clientele as he focuses on deep personal relationships.

As a new class of NFL rookies start their professional football careers following the 2020 NFL Draft, another former collegiate player is getting a life in the game off the ground.

Ex- Virginia and Wake Forest receiver EJ Scott started his second act in football in October, founding The Sports Group, a full-service boutique agency. Last month, Scott helped his first client, cornerback Kevin Johnson, the 2015 No. 16 overall pick, secure a deal with the Cleveland Browns worth up to $6 million.

Once the NFLPA certified him in October 2019, Scott jumped right into his agency in hopes of starting to build something with a lasting impact. 

“A lot of times, at my age, someone else might go work with someone else, but I wanted to be growing this thing for myself,” the 27-year-old Scott said. “Why wait? I know I’m younger than a typical agent, but I felt I could build something now that will be around with an impact that reaches well beyond the field.”

Scott knows it will take time to build up his business. That’s among his biggest messages to other athletes making the transition away from whatever sport they play into the working world. 

Virtual Draft and NFL Rules Help Forge Unique Brand Integrations

Entering the 2020 NFL Draft representing the marketing interests of three projected…
April 23, 2020

“Patience in business is a big thing; as athletes we’re used to instant results,” he said. “We come out in the real world, and things don’t happen as quickly. I know I need to have the patience to build, whether that takes three, five years, or longer. It’ll be fulfilling whenever it does happen.”

That message, and managing the general transition from college, are among the reasons Scott believes he’ll be able to court a solid clientele to his practice. He believes his age and playing experience put him in a unique position to relate to clients. After graduating early from Virginia, the receiver transferred to Wake Forest in 2014 and finished up a master’s degree from the school’s liberal studies program.

He played at a high enough level in college to earn a short stint at the Buffalo Bills rookie minicamp. While he didn’t ultimately stick in the NFL, Scott said he understands the in-season and offseason needs of an athlete and is still at an age where he connects on a personal level with them.

“I want to take a more hands-on role and have a deep connection with my clients,” he said. “I feel I can go out and meet a need for players in a different way than the current landscape.”

Player Agencies See Draft Deep in Obstacles and Marketing Opportunities

Athlete representatives heading into the 2020 NFL Draft aren’t fully sold that…
April 22, 2020

The focus on relationships is how he landed Johnson as his first client. The pair were roommates during Scott’s season at Wake Forest, where he learned all about Johnson’s processes and personality. While future clients may not be former roommates, that template of personal connection will be a driving factor in how Scott operates.

He also knows it will be a slow process building up a roster of clients – in football or other sports. Scott plans to offer a full-service slate to his clients, outsourcing for help when needed.

“I want to avoid rushing into things, I like quality relationships with a quality approach to everything they want to do,” Scott said. “The big thing for me is building a company with the values I believe in with guys who are a good fit. We’ll meet naturally, and it’ll grow slowly with them.

“I’m not rushing to chase numbers; I just want to make sure I’m doing the best job I can for the clients that demand full attention,” he said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Top-Secret Operation to Create the Army-Navy Football Uniforms

The two-year process includes dozens of employees, NDAs, and military historians.
Mina Kimes and Ryan Clark at NFL draft

ESPN Talent Turns Its Fire on Aaron Rodgers

The network’s NFL talent ripped the QB as ‘hypocritical’ this week.
De'Vondre Campbell

49ers Set to Cut Starter for Refusing to Enter Game: ‘Stupid’ and..

De’Vondre Campbell refused to re-enter the game Thursday night.
opinion

Why Bill Belichick’s Media Stint Could Help Him at UNC

Belichick became a media fixture during his year away from coaching.

Featured Today

Michigan signee Bryce Underwood smiles during national signing day at Belleville High School in Belleville on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

Reader Mailbag: Is the NIL Era Out of Control?

Readers had a lot to say about Ellison and the NIL era.
Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena
December 9, 2024

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Jul 24, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) flips his bat after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the third inning at Yankee Stadium.

The Biggest Athlete Contracts Signed in 2024

Juan Soto and Jayson Tatum inked the biggest deals.
Caitlin Clark
December 10, 2024

Caitlin Clark Is Next Up for Taylor Swift With the Eras Tour..

Swift told Clark she and Travis Kelce want to watch the Fever.
Dec 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to pass against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half at Kaseya Center.
December 11, 2024

Heat Open to Jimmy Butler Trades, but Here’s Why Deal Will Be..

The Heat are reportedly “open” to hearing trade offers for Butler.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Aaron Rodgers
December 9, 2024

A Jets–Aaron Rodgers Divorce Could Get Expensive

The Jets could end up with $49 million or more in dead money.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto Agrees to Groundbreaking $765 Million Mets Deal

Unlike Ohtani’s Dodgers deal, the Soto contract reportedly contains no deferred money.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto’s $700M Question Looms Over MLB Winter Meetings

Soto, Hall of Fame picks, and the draft lottery highlight the gathering.
Luis Severino
December 5, 2024

Mere $67 Million for Pitcher Is Largest Deal in A’s History 

Severino had a strong season with the Mets after a tough 2023.