As many readers know, from time to time, we attempt to connect with different people who have affiliations with college sports. Over the years, this has allowed us to talk to athletic directors, SIDs, broadcasters, equipment managers, consultants, and even conference commissioners. Recently, we had the opportunity to connect with a football agent. Deen Agustin was kind enough to answer some questions and give us some insight into the world of a sports agent.

MWCConnection: Please introduce yourself. What is your background in the college sports world? Did you play sports at all and what did you do prior to your current job?

Agustin: My name is Deen Agustin, I’m 25 years old. I did not play collegiate sports, but I played multiple sports throughout high school. Before I became an agent, I did sales for a sports marketing and social media company while attending graduate school to get a Master’s degree in Sport Management.

MWCConnection: How did you become a sports agent and how long have you been in that position?

Agustin: I’ve wanted to be a sports agent since I was 16 years old. I’m 25 now and have been an agent for 2 years. In order to be eligible to take the NFLPA exam, you have to have a law or master’s degree. I completed graduate school at the University of San Francisco in May 2023 and took the exam in July 2023.

MWCConnection: What does the process look like as far as having a player sign on with you? Who initiates contact?

Agustin: Oftentimes, I will get introduced to players through my other clients, or they will find out about me through social media. There’s also a lot of Instagram or Twitter DMs that go into it as well. Being Polynesian, I typically recruit players from the same ethnic background as me. The Polynesian community is very tight-knit, so my name gets passed along through word of mouth that way.

MWCConnection: What are your responsibilities from the time a player signs through the NFL draft? How often are you communicating with teams? What is the balance between your recommendations to your clients and their preferences as far as which drills to participate in or when to sit out of something?

Agustin: My responsibilities include gauging the market out there for them, setting them up for training and IQ sessions, and making sure they are good physically and mentally. Communication with teams varies as the process picks up. I’d say it ranges from weekly to daily. I typically want my clients to participate in everything unless there is something specific that could be an issue. It’s all just about communication and working together.

MWCConnection: During the NFL draft, it’s probably safe to assume you are likely on your phone nonstop. Can you explain what that process looks like for you over those three days?

Agustin: Probably the most hectic time of my life. It’s nonstop phone calls and texts with teams, clients, coaches, business partners, etc.

MWCConnection: Do you also represent current college players with their NIL deals? How is that similar or different from post-college players?

Agustin: Yes, my company does both NIL and NFL negotiations. NIL negotiations vary a ton just based on the ranking/position of the players. Transfer portal negotiations are also much different. Colleges/NIL Collectives can also offer different sorts of things that NFL teams cannot. Also, in the NFL, there is a rookie scale for the incoming rookies, so there really isn’t a ton of negotiations with a player’s first contract.

MWCConnection: How has your job changed over the past few years, and how do you think it will change going forward?

Agustin: I can’t speak too much on how it has changed in the last two years since I entered the business essentially the same time as NIL. Going forward, I expect that NIL negotiations will look more and more like the NFL, especially with revenue sharing around the corner.

MWCConnection: What aspects of being an agent do you really enjoy?

Agustin: It is incredibly fulfilling to be a small part of these young men’s dreams. Getting to be a part of their journey and helping them along the way is something I’ve always wanted to do. Also, as the first Polynesian agent to have a client drafted, it’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to represent my culture on the big stage.

MWCConnection: On the flip side, what are some of the most challenging parts?

Agustin: People don’t see the really late nights and early mornings. There is constant travel and oftentimes you’re missing out on birthdays, weddings, holidays, etc, and have to drop what you are doing at the drop of a hat.

MWCConnection: What is one part of your job that people wouldn’t know unless they are an agent themselves?

Agustin: In the beginning of this career, it is incredibly far from glamorous..

MWCConnection: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is considering becoming a sports agent?

Agustin: Really do your research on whether this is something you want to do. There is a ton of sacrifice that comes with the job, and you have to be ready for it. Also, find your niche. You need something that is able to make you stand out from the rest of the agents.

Follow Deen on Twitter: @deen_agustin.