In this episode of the Athletes First Family Podcast, we sit down with David Mulugheta, the powerhouse agent behind NFL quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Jordan Love. Joined by Brian Murphy and AJ Stevens, we explore David’s path from Dallas, Texas, to becoming one of the most influential agents in the game.

David shares how family, resilience, and strategic career moves shaped his journey. Growing up with immigrant parents who prioritized education and hard work, he developed the mindset that would later propel him to success. From recognizing the importance of representing quarterbacks to negotiating record-breaking deals, David’s story is one of vision, self-belief, and determination.

We also dive into representation and diversity, as David sheds light on the lack of African American agents in the quarterback space and his commitment to changing that narrative. Hear how he signed Deshaun Watson after a national championship win, the career-defining moments that followed, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that breaks down what it takes to become a top sports agent, the power of betting on yourself, and the future of athlete representation.

#nfl #nflpodcast #deshaunwatson

Learn More About Athletes First:
https://athletesfirst.net

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https://www.instagram.com/athletesfirst

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https://www.youtube.com/@AthletesFirstNetwork

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In this episode of the Athletes First Family Podcast, we dive into an inspiring conversation between Brian Murphy, CEO of Athletes First, and Ryan Williams, a leading NFL agent. This discussion reveals the critical role of relationships, the journey from intern to super agent, and the innovative marketing strategies that set Athletes First apart in the competitive sports agency landscape.

From Ryan’s humble beginnings at UCLA, where he washed uniforms and built relationships that paved the way for his career, to securing groundbreaking marketing deals, we explore the perseverance and strategy behind his rise to success. Hear the inside story of how the Campbell’s Soup deal for John Lynch came to life and how a last-minute decision on Clay Matthews’ draft day shirt turned into a viral branding opportunity.

With a focus on trust, creativity, and execution, this episode breaks down key concepts like the Most Favored Nations Clause and what it truly means to be a super agent. Join us as we uncover the strategies that have helped Athletes First dominate the industry and redefine athlete representation at the highest level. #nfl #sportspodcast #podcast

Learn More About Athletes First: https://athletesfirst.net

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athletesfirst

Subscribe To Our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthletesFirstNetwork

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In this episode of the Athletes First Family Podcast, we dive into the intricate world of NFL contract negotiations, breaking down the strategy behind Justin Herbert’s historic $262.5 million extension with the Los Angeles Chargers. Join us as we uncover the key factors that shaped this groundbreaking contract and the cooperative approach that helped close the deal.

From the client-first strategy that prioritized Herbert’s long-term security to the in-depth education process on contract structures and market trends, we explore the meticulous planning behind one of the biggest deals in NFL history. With a record-setting $100 million in new money in the first new year and $218.7 million guaranteed, this negotiation redefined the market.

With a focus on collaboration, trust, and strategic execution, learn how Athletes First continues to push the boundaries of athlete representation at the highest level.

Learn More About Athletes First:
https://athletesfirst.net

Follow Us On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/athletesfirst

Subscribe To Our YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AthletesFirstNetwork

Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Justin Herbert's Contract Negotiation
00:01:16 - Overview of Record-Breaking Deals
00:03:49 - Initial Meeting with Justin Herbert's Family
00:07:24 - First Impressions of Justin Herbert
00:09:54 - Draft Surprise and Initial Reactions
00:12:13 - Justin's Rookie Season and Early Expectations
00:14:35 - Negotiating Justin's Contract After Year Three
00:19:07 - Educating Justin on Contract Details
00:21:35 - Salary Cap Growth and Market Timing
00:24:18 - Team's Funding Rules and Negotiation Strategies
00:27:06 - Overview of Justin Herbert's Contract Deal
00:29:39 - Importance of Cash Flow in Contracts
00:33:16 - Guarantees in Justin's Contract
00:36:11 - Lessons Learned from the Negotiation Process
00:38:40 - Congratulations on the Deal and Career
00:39:11 - Closing Remarks

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What does it take to become the leading football agency in the NFL? In this episode of the Athletes First Family Podcast, we dive into the story of Athletes First—from its humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse representing the league’s top players.

Join CEO Brian Murphy, VP AJ Stevens, and equity partner Justin Schulman as they reveal the secrets behind groundbreaking deals, innovative negotiation strategies, and the teamwork that drives their success. From Justin Schulman’s inspiring journey from the NBA to Athletes First to the creative contract adjustment for Nick Foles after his Super Bowl win, we explore the unique skill sets and bold strategies that have set Athletes First apart. With adaptability, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to players’ success, learn how the agency continues to redefine what’s possible in the sports world.

#nfl #quarterback #podcast

Learn More About Athletes First: https://athletesfirst.net

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athletesfirst

Subscribe To Our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthletesFirstNetwork

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Welcome to the Athletes First Family Podcast

00:00:16 - Purpose of the Podcast and Agency Overview

00:00:44 - Introduction of Justin Schulman

00:03:09 - Justin’s Journey: From NBA to Business School

00:05:25 - How Justin Joined Athletes First

00:09:12 - Early Challenges and Growth at Athletes First

00:12:32 - Developing Athlete Training Programs

00:15:50 - Evolution of the Company Culture and Structure

00:18:13 - The “Better Together” Philosophy

00:19:29 - Unique Relationship Between Co-Founders

00:21:08 - Transition to Agent Role and First Big Client

00:25:54 - Success with Mid-Round Draft Picks and Quarterback Clients

00:28:05 - Nick Foles’ Journey and Career Challenges

00:32:19 - Nick’s Super Bowl MVP and Innovative Contract Adjustments

00:36:14 - Nick’s Return to Lincoln Financial and Legacy

00:37:37 - Reflecting on Lessons from Victories in Sports

00:39:24 - Building a Successful Company with Hardworking Partners

00:41:08 - Purpose of the Podcast and Preview of Next Episode

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the real story behind the NFL’s most game-changing quarterback contracts? In this episode of the Athletes First Family Podcast, we uncover the journey of building a billion-dollar agency, the challenges of starting from scratch, and the record-breaking deals that define NFL history. From Drew Bledsoe’s groundbreaking contract to Justin Herbert’s $100M first-year cash flow, we explore the evolution of quarterback salaries and the personal values that drive Athletes First.

Join CEO Brian Murphy, VP AJ Stevens, and the team as they reflect on loyalty, family values, and the pivotal decisions that shaped their legacy. With $1.4 billion in active QB contracts, discover how persistence, relationships, and moral pillars create success on and off the field.

#nfl #quarterbacks #sportsbusiness

Learn More About Athletes First:
https://athletesfirst.net

Follow Us On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/athletesfirst

Subscribe To Our YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AthletesFirstNetwork

Timestamps

00:00:35 - Discussion on Landmark Quarterback Deals and Their Evolution

00:02:01 - Transition from SMD to Starting Athletes First

00:04:01 - Initial Panic Over Client Engagement

00:05:00 - The Search for Initial Funding and Investment Challenges

00:06:43 - The Struggles of Building a Client Base from Scratch

00:07:14 - Drew Bledsoe's Contract as the First Major Deal

00:09:40 - Dak Prescott's Contract Comparison

00:09:58 - Rise of Veteran NFL Player Salaries

00:10:36 - Justin Herbert's First-Year Cash Flow

00:12:59 - Tom Brady's Rise to Starting Quarterback

00:17:43 - Joey Harrington's Impact on the Agency

00:18:35 - Introduction to David Carr and the Draft

00:21:40 - Reflection on Passing Up the Number One Pick

00:24:25 - Carson Palmer Becomes Highest-Paid Quarterback

00:27:54 - Overview of Negotiation Strategies

00:28:27 - Importance of Persistence in Deal-Making

00:30:01 - Lessons Learned from Early Days of Athletes First

00:31:38 - The Role of Family Values in Sports

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens in the room when billion-dollar NFL quarterback contracts are negotiated? Athletes First agents take you behind closed doors, sharing never-before-heard stories of record-breaking deals for Justin Herbert, Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott and more. With $1.4 Billion in current QB contracts, these powerful agents reveal how relationships are built, negotiations unfold, and NFL history is made. Join VP AJ Stevens, CEO Brian Murphy and Athletes First’s team of super agents for unprecedented access to football’s biggest deals.

#nfl #dakprescott #football

Learn More About Athletes First:
https://athletesfirst.net

Follow Us On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/athletesfirst

Subscribe To Our YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AthletesFirstNetwork

Show Notes:
00:00:00 - Welcome to the Athletes First Family Podcast
00:00:29 - Overview of Athletes First Journey
00:01:34 - Record-Breaker: $2.9 Billion in Player Contracts
00:02:12 - Highlight of Top Quarterback Deals
00:05:20 - Reflection on 2024 Success and Client Stories
00:09:11 - Personal Background and Future Podcast Topics
00:10:50 - Founders of Athletes First and First Client
00:12:50 - First Interaction Between Brian and AJ
00:15:56 - Recruitment of Tom Brady to Tampa Bay
00:20:21 - Acknowledging Todd's Vision and AJ's Impact
00:24:48 - Introduction to the Quarterback Series
00:27:08 - Upcoming Topics and Questions for the Podcast
00:29:11 - Exploring Complexities of NFL Contracts
00:30:26 - Personal Growth Through Uncomfortable Situations
00:32:59 - Preview of Next Episode and Company Origins

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.