• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, December 3, 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

Nov 2, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee leads SMU on to the field before the game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and the Pittsburgh Panthers at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

Every Power 4 Championship Game Will Have a Conference Newcomer

Oregon, SMU, Texas, and Arizona State will all play for titles.

Roger Goodell, Josh Harris Lobby Senate on Behalf of RFK Stadium Bill

The team wants a new home by 2030. Could it be D.C.?

Cowboys-Giants on Thanksgiving Draws 38.5M, Tops 2024 NFL Ratings

The Giants-Cowboys Thanksgiving afternoon game drew 38.5 million viewers on Fox.

Featured Today

Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Nov 1, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) leads the team onto the field prior to the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Albertsons Stadium.
November 29, 2024

Schools Are Scrambling to Prepare for the NCAA Revenue-Sharing Era

In the post–House v. NCAA world, “everyone’s kind of on their own.”
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Recording artist Taylor Swift arrives prior to a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 29, 2024

The PWHL Could Be Inviting a Date With Taylor Swift’s Legal Team

The Toronto Sceptres may have opened a Pandora’s box of trademark issues.
Oct 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives past New York Liberty forwards Kayla Thornton (5) and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) during game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center.

Kelsey Plum Backs Out of Unrivaled

She’s skipping the new league’s season, along with Caitlin Clark.
Juan Soto
November 26, 2024

Juan Soto Leads MLB’s Offseason Frenzy, Chasing $600M Deal

Soto reportedly has already received contract offers from five teams.
Conor McGregor speaks to press on the red carpet before the premiere of Road House at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas on the first day of South by Southwest, Friday, March 8, 2024. McGregor plays the character "Knox" in the movie.
November 26, 2024

Two Big Brands Drop Conor McGregor After Rape Civil Verdict

McGregor’s whisky brand won’t feature him going forward.
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.
November 25, 2024

Mo Salah–Liverpool Saga Puts Saudi Arabia Back in Soccer Spotlight

The striker’s upset he hasn’t received an offer for a contract extension.
November 24, 2024

Max Verstappen Wins Fourth Straight F1 Title Despite Red Bull’s Down Year

The driver clinched another championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Despondent Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
November 22, 2024

Giants Cut Daniel Jones Days After $23 Million Benching 

The Jones era in New Jersey is over.
Michele Kang
November 20, 2024

The Wealthy Booster Spending Millions to Turn U.S. Soccer European

Michele Kang says NWSL expansion requires more coaches and refs.