The Viking Visit

This weekend I was visiting my rookie client, 2^nd round draft pick and starting safety for the Vikings, Tyrell Johnson (Arkansas State) in Minneapolis.  In the meantime, I caught the sloppiest game of the week between the Vikings and the Lions.

As an agent, I truly believe in spending an exceptional amount of time, attention, and resources on my first year clients because of the daunting transition they face from college to the pros. For most rookies in the NFL, this transition can be overwhelming and stressful. In addition, my philosophy is that the more mentoring I provide to a young guy in the beginning of their careers, the less maintenance and reactionary trouble shooting I’ll have to put in later.

Fortunately for me, Tyrell is a hard working focused professional.  However, no young guys are immune to the stress of a massive and sudden change to their comfort zone.

Imagine going from a small town, or college environment, to a new city and state you never been to before– by yourself.  Then, in just a few weeks time, at the green age of 22, you have to buy a car, buy a house or rent apartment, find a mortgage broker, a bank, an insurance agent, a financial planner, buy furniture–decide whether to bring your girl friend out to live with you– get a respectable wardrobe, find places to eat that you like (or remind you of home), master your play book, accommodate the media, learn all your coaches names, and try to keep up with every friend and family that wants to talk to you (every day) about your new experience as a NFL player. Should I go on?  Many of us get 5 to 10 years to make these decisions.  In saying that, the next time you see a young pro do something that’s seems, well “stupid”, imagine what you would do at 22 (with fame and fortune) while living your dream.  I guarantee you will make some questionable mistakes as well. 

Back to the visit: It’s a great time to visit Minnesota as the trees are turning colors, and its proto-typical fall football weather. However, the game was indoors at the Metro Dome. This city badly needs a new venue.

After attending what was probably the worst game of week 5, I met Tyrell at my hotel restaurant after the game for a little bite to eat and to get caught up.  We chatted about getting settled in the area and went over some of his financial questions and some marketing opportunities. We met up again later that night and just hung out.

I’m really proud of Tyrell as he has made some good decisions.  It’s very important for young pros to develop good habits fiscally, socially, and professionally early in their careers. If they don’t, they will spend all their money, attract the wrong so-called friends, lose the trust of their coaches, and eventually shorten their careers.  Being a pro athlete basically promotes adolescents. Thus, it’s important to surround athletes with professionals who will tell them what they “need” to hear, not want they “want” to hear. Actually one of the conundrums of being an agent is that you risk losing a player– because when you tell them what they “need” to hear, while there are 3 other agents telling them what they may ‘want” to hear (simply just to get their business), it can make for a hard bargain. 

This is what I learned on my visit to at the metro dome:

1.     Adrian Peterson is going to re-write the Vikings’ record books!

 

2.     Tyrell is going to be a solid pro for a long time.

 

3.     Minnesota fans are sooo nice. 

 

4.     The brats are better in green bay.

 

5.     Lions DB ???? Bodden is going to the pro bowl if he keeps playing the way he did against the Vikes.