The Texas National Guard

This weekend I traveled to Houston to visit one my best and brightest clients, Chester Pitts, starting left guard for the Texans.

Chester has one of the best stories in all of football. He was bagging groceries while attending San Diego State as a freshman, when he decided to try out for the football team.  Here’s the catch: he had never played organized football and actually attended a math and science high school.  So imagine a 300 pound kid who never played football, going out to one on one drills in the spring against the likes of KGB (formally of the Packers).  Needless to say, he did well, earned a scholarship, and got drafted in the second round by the Texans.  What’s even more remarkable is that Chester has played in 105 straight games for Houston!

Not to mention the NFL network did a Super Bowl commercial about Chester last year that was viewed by over 90 million people.

Chester was a great pick up for me because I beat out all the big firms to get him.  He saw through all the smoke and mirrors and had the self confidence to hire an independent agent like myself.  You see, Chester is known as being extremely frugal and smart with his money.  When he saw all the hidden extra costs associated with the big firms (accounting, PR, etc..) he decided I was a better fit because he wanted someone who was very sensitive to his long term financial security.  The fact that I did well with my own money and had an investment background put me over the top in his decision making process in choosing an agent.

Chester is one of the smartest and most dedicated guys in football.  He doesn’t drink, doesn’t party, and rarely goes out.  He’s an awesome dad and is very active in the Houston community. He has investments in MRI centers, a productive oil well, a rim shop, real estate and banking.  Fortune or Forbes should do an article on him titled “how Pro Athletes should manage their money”.  Furthermore, he is directly involved with his investments and is surrounded by a great team of professionals.

On the football front, I had renegotiated Chester’s contract in the 4^th and final year of his rookie deal.  His new contract, at the time, made him the 4^th highest paid guard in the league. The reason Chester was rewarded with such a great contract was because when he played left tackle, he was able to consistently shut down the NFL’s best pass rusher, Dwight Freeney.  Currently playing guard, he goes against the very best and highest paid DTs in the business, like  Albert Haynesworth and Kevin Williams, both of whom he has shut down this year and last.  Unfortunately, he gave up his first and only sack of the season this week against the Ravens’ killer D.

There are several Guards in the League making over 6 million dollars per year.  Some as high as 7 and 8 Million per year. If you are wondering why guards are getting paid so much, just take a look at the guys they have to block.  A dominating DT can put your whole offense out of sync, just like how Haynesworth and the Titans do on a weekly basis.  Also keep in mind that the shortest distance to your QB is through the guards.

What I noticed in the Great state of Texas and Reliant Stadium:

-Rookie QB Joe Flacco keeps getting better and the Ravens are gaining confidence and momentum

-The Ravens have two great coordinators: Rex Ryan and Cam Cameron

-The Texans need help on defense

-Reliant stadium has sold out for 70 consecutive games.  Great fans!

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