Neil's brief primer:
Peter, 25, obtained a degree from the University of Miami in broadcast journalism, which he used to co-found canesinsight.com. In fact, he covered the Hurricanes dating back to his high school days, and the website is still running to this  day and managed by his co-founder. The site allowed Peter to keep up with recruiting while making radio appearances and podcasts. Last January, he decided to become an agent, something he had not planned on doing. However, he wanted something different, and becoming a sports agent was the next step.
Active NFL clients:
Alabama State OT Tytus Howard was the No. 23 pick in the draft by the Texans. Also, Maryland OB Tre Watson signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dolphins.
Why did he become an agent?
"The athlete needs to understand that (he) can portray the image of (himself) in the media. This is what I call the power of the athlete's command. I wanted to show athletes that there is a way to be in control of your public image and not dictated by the media, and there is a way you can do it in a proper manner that is not so defensive."
Day job:
NFLPA-licensed contract advisor at First-Round Management.
His take on the NFLPA exam:
"The exam was pretty reasonable, and I was lucky enough to have really good mentors. If you familiarize yourself with the book and open it up a few months before the exam, you should be fine. Then at the seminar, pinpoint the important parts of the exam."
Hardest part of being an agent:
"Being an agent is not tough. You have to realize you are protecting the player and (his) best interests. But sometimes, that includes putting yourself between a franchise and your player, which is not always easy, but you must stand firm, even if there is pressure. As an agent, you must always do what the players want."
He felt like he'd had a successful first year as a contract advisor when . . .:
"The first year was a huge success just because of everything I learned about the industry. In the first two years, take everything in. Don't let the results let you become too up or down within the first two years."
Lesson he learned that he wished he'd known last summer:
"Being an agent is not all glitz and glamour. This is a real office job with a lot of paperwork involved. This is not a job where you are hanging out with players all day, every day. There is a business side you and have meetings and appointments."
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Neil Stratton
