How Dak Prescott Became the Highest-Paid NFL Player | Athletes First Family Podcast Ep-10
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 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 - 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How Todd Became A Forbes List Top NFL Agent | Athletes First Family Podcast Ep-9
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 Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athletesfirst Subscribe To Our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthletesFirstNetwork 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 LearnedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Inside the Mind of an NFL Agent | Athletes First Family Podcast Ep-8
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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The Future of NFL Contracts | Athletes First Family Podcast Ep-7
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 Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athletesfirst Subscribe To Our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AthletesFirstNetwork 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 DealSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How I Negotiated Over $1 Billion in Player Contracts In a Year! | Athletes First Family Podcast Ep-6
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/@AthletesFirstNetworkSee 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.
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