Today I wanted to discuss exactly what requirements must be completed in order to be a certified NFL agent.  First I would like to say congratulations on making this decision but remember anything great takes time, patient, resilience, and innovation.  The NFL is very stringent when it comes to applying to become an agent due to issues in the past and raising the bar for more qualified serious hopefuls.  Below are the requirements but I would like to go into further detail to clarify any questions you may have.  First a $2500 non-refundable fee which they use for the background investigation, seminar in D. C. and testing.  Agent hopefuls should be aware there is also an annual fee that ranges from $1200 - $1500 and professional liability insurance one must obtained to be fully certified.  The only time to apply for the agent exam is from January 15^th – February 10^th, if you miss the date you would have to wait another year to apply.  If you do not pass the test the NFLPA will give you the following year to retake it, and if you don’t pass then you would have to wait 5 years.  More importantly you need a Master’s or J.D. (Law Degree) in order to be eligible for the exam.  The test is held in mid July and if you pass the exam, continued certification is necessary by attending one of 3 agent summits offered throughout the year.  One being located in the west coast, second during the NFL Combine in February, and the third back east during a lawyer summit.  Upon submitting your application successfully you will hear back in Mid May and receive information as well as study materials in regards to the exam in July.  Upon completing the exam you will find out no later than October 1^st if you passed the exam. Now the hard part starts where you must land an internship or job with an agency learn the intricacies of the industry and start recruiting.  Many agents I have spoke to, followed, and interviewed state about 5 years to see some progress.  So I tell people it’s not for the faint of heart and a very long and grueling business.  But if you are passionate about this field, love the game of football, and feel you can help these young professionals go for it.

Following my dream of being an NFL and NBA agent I regularly follow various websites that are geared to give current and up and coming agents information about what agencies signed which athlete, and unfortunately which ones just left.  I can only imagine the feeling that the agent gets when receiving a termination letter from their client.  A feeling of anger, disbelief, shock, and asking oneself “What did I do wrong?”  Whether you have worked with a client for 6 months, a year, or 5 years it can be detrimental to the agent and his reputation.