Services

Contract Negotiations

We prepare extensively prior to every contract negotiation. Whether negotiating a rookie deal or a long-term veteran contract, we conduct meticulous research before ever making the first proposal. We strive to maximize signing bonuses, roster bonuses, and guaranteed salaries, while using escalators, incentives, and voidable years as icing on the cake.

Our track record in this area is excellent. Most of our rookie deals have exceeded the “slot” number. Keeping a reasonable client load gives us the extra time to focus on, research, and negotiate each individual client’s contract much more effectively.

Pre-Combine Training and Pre-Draft Preparation

Once a player and his family choose our agency, we immediately set up his pre-combine training. We have found a few particular combine training facilities to be the very best. However, we have always been open to using the facility our new client prefers instead.

Within a few days, we set up the training site, nutritionist, flights, and lodging for the entire training period. We also work with clients one-on-one in the areas of interview techniques and test taking prior to Combines to ensure each client makes the best impression possible with NFL teams.

While our newly signed clients are preparing for Combines, we are busy marketing them around the NFL. Again, since we keep a more reasonably sized client list, we have more time to create and execute a strategy to keep each of our clients’ portfolios front and center with each NFL team. This includes regularly scheduled updates with coaches and scouting directors regarding our clients. We also schedule in-person meetings with coaches and directors at all-star games, Combines, and Pro Days. Simultaneously, each team receives solid highlight links to each client’s film.

Marketing, PR, Post-Career Planning

During his career, we strive to increase our clients’ visibility through marketing, endorsements, and public relations. We pursue endorsement options on the local and national levels. These events vary based on the position and projection of a rookie client. They also vary based on the position, starting status, and local market for veteran clients. The opportunities include personal appearances, signings, endorsements, shows, and interviews. Besides providing additional income to the client, it also provides more exposure in the market and around the league. We have negotiated deals for players with Nike, Visa, Dodge, Tide, Upper Deck, Topps, Panini, Walmart, Kwik Trip, and many other companies. If you are interested in a player appearance or promotion click here.

During his career, we typically find times to discuss post-career planning with a client. After their playing days are over, some players prefer to go back to school, go into business, teach, coach, or broadcast. We want to know that our guys are planning their futures well ahead of time, and are happy to assist. Sometimes, this includes ensuring the client is budgeting and investing now to ensure security later.

We also prefer to represent young men who believe in giving back to their communities and great causes. While some people focus on a few negative issues in sports, we like our guys to show all the good which athletes can do for those less fortunate. We not only encourage our clients to be involved in their communities, we also assist them in doing so with existing charitable organizations, or in setting up their own foundations.

Relocation Assistance

Whenever asked, we are happy to assist our clients in relocating to their new city once drafted. For veteran players, we are equally as happy to assist when signed to a new team. Initially, the NFL team provides lodging and per diem to rookie players.

The player will then begin to assess the area to decide where he will live. We have often flown into a client’s new city and helped him find the most suitable area to live. We also utilize team contacts to evaluate the best options.

Legal Guidance

In addition to his role as president of Optimum Sports Management, Ken Harris is also an attorney with more than twenty years of experience. Given this, Ken is always available to provide legal guidance, valuable perspective and his interpretations to his clients in various areas of expertise.

If more specialized assistance or legal counsel is needed, Ken has a wealth of relationships with trusted peers and colleagues that he can call on to assist clients when necessary.

Ken has never charged any clients for such legal guidance.