In 2020, Jalen Hurts wrapped up his collegiate career.
He was going to the NFL, and his excitement was palpable.
Then along came Nicole Lynn.
Lynn sent him a DM and asked if he already had an agent–if not, she offered her services.
Fast-forward to 2023, and the NFL star has an all-female management team shattering glass ceilings.
So, how did this happen?
How Lynn Won Over Jalen Hurts
Lynn had an impressive management career with several NCAA players.
She also followed Hurts’ collegiate football career and saw his potential.
After his NFL draft, Lynn sent him a DM even though she knew it was a long shot–most NFL draftees already had agents by that point.
To her surprise, Jalen Hurts replied and even accepted a meeting.
Because of her skills and passion, Lynn impressed Hurts and his dad.
Unlike many players, Hurts ignored his so-called friends’ warnings that Lynn couldn’t hack it because she was a woman.
He gave her a chance because her grit, passion, hunger, and knowledge mirrored his, and he was ecstatic with his decision to hire her.
Thanks to her unrivaled determination, Lynn became his manager.
Shattering Glass Ceilings
Zippia has interesting (and somewhat disturbing) statistics about the state of sports representation:
- White folks make up 68% of sports agents
- Women make up 23% of American NFL agents, with only 10% of that percentage being Black
With stats like that, it’s unsurprising that Lynn faces constant underestimation and discrimination in the sport.
In fact, the insanity started when Lynn became Hurts’ manager.
A male agent called her “sweet” and told Hurts and his dad to reach out to him if things didn’t work out with Lynn.
This comment rubbed him the wrong way–as it should–and Hurts defied those naysayers by hiring more women on his management team.
Meet The Other Agents
Shakeemah Simmons-Winter is a senior publicist who specializes in the FIBA and NFL.
She was the New York Knicks’ PR Coordinator and is among the most qualified professionals you can have on your side.
Jenna Malphrus handles client management and media relations alongside Simmons-Winter.
Meanwhile, Rachel Everett, who owns Everett Sports Marketing, handles the NFL star’s marketing.
With such a talented and strong team, it’s no wonder Jalen Hurts is rising to the top of the NFL world.
After his success, we’re confident more NFL players will look to gifted, determined women like Hurts’ management team to represent them.
