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Neil's brief primer:
Thomas is a longtime high school football coach at Ansonia (Conn.) High School. He had an interest in becoming a sports agent for years, and given his football interests, decided to take the exam last summer. He passed on the first try.
Active NFL clients:
Ohio OH A.J. Ouellette, who excelled at the 2019 College Gridiron Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Saints.
Why did he become an agent?
"I became an agent because it keeps  you around the game of football, and I enjoy working with people as well, most of all seeing these athletes reach their goals and be successful both on and off the field. That's what drove me to become an agent."
Day job:
Head football coach at Ansonia High School in Connecticut.
His take on the NFLPA exam:
"You have to prepare for the NFLPA exam. You cannot walk in blind and pass."
Hardest part of being an agent:
"It's how hard it is for players to make it in the NFL. There are challenges staying healthy, and the right fit for a player is key. Then, the financial side of the business can be challenging. Being an agent and a player making an active roster looks a lot easier on the outside looking in."
He felt like he'd had a successful first year as a contract advisor when:
"No success is final. There is a new challenge every day. Not one thing is going to define success or failure."
Lesson he learned that he wished he'd known last summer:
"I really have not been overly shocked with anything. I have had a great mentor with Joe Linta of JL Sports, who has really prepared me for this opportunity."
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Neil Stratton
