Student-athletes work from a young age, some as far back as grade school, to reach that dream of one day making it to play in the big leagues. The draw of the lights, the cheering of the crowd, and playing the game at the highest level are often portrayed as flashy, and fancy, however, that is far from the reality of breaking into the NFL. Ali Siam, the founder of Siam Sports Management, is a seasoned NFL agent who has spent years working with NFL and prospective NFL players, and he has some advice when it comes to picking the right sports agent.

Tips To Remember When Choosing The Right Sports Agent

Pick Someone Who Matches Your Core Values and Feelings Behind the Decisions You Make – Siam does not wait until athletes are looking for a contract, he starts recruiting their junior year in college and gets to know athletes as people. It is so often the case that young athletes are viewed as investments, and not focused on as individuals. Siam stresses how vital it is to establish a true connection with an agent and to find someone to work with that is aligned with your core values.

The Right Agent Understands You Inside and Out – This goes back to building a strong bond and relationship with an agent. An agent needs to know their athlete inside and out. Many of Siam’s clients come from adversity, they need someone who is there to guide and mentor them in all aspects, not simply secure a large paycheck. Representing an athlete is a process of helping these young athletes set their lives up for success, on and off the football field.

Talk to Their Current Clients – Anytime an athlete is looking for an agent they should do their homework. Reach out to present clients to see how their experience has been. Find out if this person actually is going to deliver or is just full of empty promises.

Pick an Agent That Makes You Feel Like the Main Priority – Siam cannot express enough how important this is. His athletes are a top priority, all the time, for him, these people are family. An agent needs to make an athlete feel like they are the top and only priority. Siam makes a point to call all clients back in ten minutes, no matter the time of day and is always ready to stand up and fight for a client, no matter what they need.

Learn more about Siam, how he goes above and beyond for his clients, and check out what the athletes he works with are up to on Instagram.