Athletes First Family: Quarterback Series

Join us for Episode 10 of the Athletes First Family Podcast as we dive into how Dak Prescott became the highest-paid NFL player! This episode is packed with insights on leadership, teamwork, and resilience—essential lessons for athletes and professionals alike.
We explore the power of a strong support system, effective communication, and trust-building in achieving success. Plus, we break down the importance of goal setting, mentorship, and learning from setbacks to reach the top. From overcoming challenges to navigating the future of work, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their game—on and off the field. #NFL #DakPrescott #Cowboys
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Support System Matters – Why a strong support system is crucial for success.
00:02:30 - Recognizing Your Team – The power of appreciation in fostering collaboration.
00:05:00 - Episode 10 Reflections – Growth, leadership, and key lessons from the series.
00:08:00 - Overcoming Challenges – Personal stories and lessons from tough times.
00:11:00 - Leadership Styles – How different approaches impact team success.
00:14:00 - Power of Communication – Why clear communication drives better teamwork.
00:17:00 - Building Trust – Strategies to strengthen team relationships.
00:20:00 - Feedback for Growth – How giving and receiving feedback fuels success.
00:23:00 - Goal Setting – Tips for setting and achieving meaningful goals.
00:26:00 - Celebrating Wins – The importance of acknowledging progress.
00:29:00 - Learning from Failure – Turning setbacks into stepping stones.
00:32:00 - The Value of Mentorship – How mentors accelerate personal and career growth.
00:35:00 - Work-Life Balance – Finding harmony between work and personal life.
00:38:00 - Innovation & Creativity – Creating environments that spark new ideas.
00:41:00 - Networking for Success – How connections open new opportunities.
00:44:00 - Resilience Matters – Navigating tough times with strength.
00:47:00 - Diversity & Inclusion – Building stronger teams through inclusion.
00:50:00 - Personal Branding – How to craft a standout professional identity.
00:53:00 - Lifelong Learning – Staying ahead through continuous growth.
00:56:00 - Future of Work – Trends shaping the next generation of workplaces.
00:59:00 - Final Takeaways – Key lessons and encouragement to take action.
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Join me, Brian Murphy, and AJ Stevens, as we welcome the legendary Todd France to the Athletes First Family Podcast! In this episode, we uncover Todd's incredible journey from his Chicago upbringing to becoming a Forbes-ranked super agent. Get ready for some unbelievable stories and insights! Todd has represented 83 Pro Bowlers, with multiple Pro Bowlers every year since 2011.
He’s negotiated record-breaking contracts, making players like Aaron Donald and Dak Prescott the highest-paid offensive and defensive players simultaneously. He’s also achieved the highest-paid status for players at every position—except kicker, punter, and long snapper (but he’s working on it!). Since 2018, Todd has consistently ranked #1 or #2 on Forbes’ list of top sports agents. #nfl #dakprescott #aarondonald
Learn More About Athletes First: https://athletesfirst.net
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Todd France
00:02:30 - Todd's Personality & Early Life
00:04:49 - Early Career Aspirations & Internship
00:07:45 - Career Sports Management & First Clients
00:11:40 - Creative Problem-Solving & Mental Health Awareness
00:15:27 - Breaking Into Football & Building a Roster
00:21:26 - Launching "Fame" & Early Success
00:29:53 - Selling Fame & The Sale Process
00:35:10 - Getting the Company Back & Joining CAA
00:41:56 - Joining Athletes First & Lessons Learned
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Join us as we welcome Andrew Kessler to his first Athletes First Family Podcast episode! Alongside David Mulugheta, we’re breaking down Jordan Love’s record-breaking contract and the unique journey that led to it.
In this episode, we sit down with Andrew "Kess" Kessler and David Mulugheta, two of the agents behind Jordan Love’s historic deal. We dive into Kess’s background, his early exposure to sports law through his father, Jeffrey Kessler, and how he developed a passion for representing athletes. We also explore how Kess and David worked together to recruit and represent Jordan Love, navigating the challenges and strategies that shaped his contract negotiations.
#nfl #nflpodcast #jordanlove

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:
00:00:28 - Introduction to the Quarterback Series
00:02:22 - Kess’s background and career influences
00:07:16 - Interning at the NBA and working with Tony Parker
00:11:46 - Transitioning from law school to sports representation
00:16:30 - Recruiting and signing Jordan Love
00:25:15 - Jordan Love was drafted by the Packers
00:29:17 - Extending Jordan Love’s contract
00:35:19 - New contract negotiations begin
00:43:59 - Stats on Jordan Love’s record-breaking deal
00:46:03 - Lessons learned from Jordan Love’s story
00:51:16 - Closing remarks and thank

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In this episode of the Athletes First Family Podcast, Brian Murphy, along with A.J. Stevens, sit down with David Mulugheta to discuss the intricacies of Deshaun Watson’s groundbreaking contracts. As a firm that has negotiated over $1.4 billion in quarterback deals, we bring firsthand experience in navigating high-stakes negotiations. Today, we’re breaking down both of Deshaun’s deals and the unique circumstances that shaped them.
Join us as we break down the challenges of negotiating with a head coach acting as a GM, the impact of the funding rule, and the key lessons we’ve learned along the way. From pushing boundaries to securing the best outcomes for our clients, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the business of sports.
#deshaunwatson #nfl #sportspodcast
Learn More About Athletes First: https://athletesfirst.net
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Timestamps:
00:00:27 - Today's Focus: Deshaun Watson's Deals
00:01:49 - Setting the Scene: Deshaun's Early Career and Contract Talks
00:02:56 - Patrick Mahomes' Deal and Its Influence on Negotiations
00:04:10 - Aiming to Surpass Mahomes' First Four-Year Cash Flow
00:04:29 - Texans' 10-Year Extension Offer and Why It Was Rejected
00:06:08 - David's Negotiation Strategy and Deshaun’s Value to the Texans
00:07:24 - Dealing with Bill O'Brien and Team Leadership
00:09:36 - Securing the Deal: Making Deshaun the Highest-Paid Quarterback
00:10:12 - Deshaun's Community Impact and Leadership
00:12:30 - Unique Aspects of Negotiating with a Coach-GM
00:14:07 - Decision to Leave Houston and Requesting a Trade
00:16:41 - Narrowing Down Potential Teams and Deshaun’s Priorities
00:19:27 - Negotiating the Cleveland Deal and Maintaining Leverage
00:22:51 - Surpassing Mahomes' $45 Million Contract Value
00:25:10 - Browns’ Perspective: Acquiring a Proven Commodity
00:28:38 - The 100% Guaranteed Contract and Its NFL Impact
00:30:00 - Understanding the Funding Rule and Team Wealth
00:32:40 - Fully Guaranteed: Skill, Injury, and Cap Protections
00:34:52 - Lessons Learned: Negotiation, Adversity, and Pushing Boundaries
00:37:49 - Teasing the Next Episode: Jordan Love's Deal
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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

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

Subscribe To Our YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AthletesFirstNetwork
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.