2021 National Scouting Combine Featured Sports Agent Jobeth Bowers from 1st Down Sports

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Jobeth Bowers | 1st Down Sports | Sports Agent 

Twitter: @1stDownBowers | Instagram: @1stDownBowers


Q: What qualities do you look for in representing an athlete?

A: First and foremost, the measurable traits for the given position, speed, agility and skill. Will there be interest from teams and scouts. Outside of that, I’m looking to represent players who are interested in being part of an agency that runs like a family. We’re here to help our players with more than just the on-field contract negotiation, but goals off the field and after the game of football. We know every player is going to eventually play their last professional game, and need to be invested in a plan for that next day.

 

Q: What motivated you to become an Agent?

A: I became an NFL Certified agent initially as a favor to a client of my law firm who’s son was a player at a D1 school looking for eventual representation in the league.

 

Q: How did 2020 and the pandemic affect your professional opportunities?

A: The pandemic was a game changer for so many people in so many ways. We invested a lot of time and capital into players who’s dreams were halted with the shutdowns, but it also served as an opportunity to refine how we run our agency, and provide a better level of service for our clients.

Q: What are some of the benefits you provide to the clients and perspective clients?

A: We have an arsenal of off-field opportunities and relationships with brands that are lined up and ready to plug and play for the right players. For players who may not have an active social media presence, we will assist in building that presence and provide guidance as to best practices to help leverage that growing social media presence.

 

Q: What characteristics make an athlete attractive to represent?

A: Outside of the obvious measurable and testing scores, a player who is interested in being more than just an athlete. Someone who’s wants to build toward that larger future and the next steps, and utilize our resources and guidance to make that happen.

 

Q: How can attending the National Scouting Combine improve an athlete’s stock value?

A: Any chance a player who may not be a top 100 draft prospect has an opportunity to be seen by scouts of professional teams it’s a plus. There are plenty of cash grab events out there that do not have scouts present from any pro teams. I regularly advise players, whether I represent them or not, to avoid those types of opportunities, because without the scouts, they’re not going to be the attention you want.

 

Q: What are the benefits to the athlete for having an agent?

A: Any top 100 or top 150 prospect is going to be on a team the following fall, but no one is guaranteed to make a team. The true test of an agent is their ability to pivot and find a new home for a player once they get cut down out of camp. We’re constantly keeping tabs on the depth charts in camps of the teams who have expressed interest in our players, so that we’re making the right calls right away if our players get cut to find them a home as quickly as possible.

 

Q: How long have you been an agent, what certifications do you uphold?

A: The NFLPA maintains the criteria for certification of all NFL agents. I’ve been certified for 2 years.

 

Q: What can a player do to make themselves more attractive to pro organizations?

A: Be humble, work hard, and test well. Teams don’t want problems, no matter how good a player is. No matter how good you are, there are great teams that will pass on you or mark you off their draft board if you do not fit into their culture or are a potential problem.

 

Q: Do you believe scouting has evolved for better or worse due to the 2020 pandemic?

A: I honestly think it’s too soon to tell. I believe there have been some quality changes that have positively impacted access and efficiency in the process, but at the same time, there’s nothing like being face to face with players more than we’ve been able to do over the past year or so.

 

Q: What do you enjoy most about being an agent?

A: The travel and the interaction with new people on a regular basis.

 

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you have received?

A: No matter where you are, remember that someone is always watching. Act professionally no matter what. You never know who is around you, who they know, or who they report back to. Also, the internet is forever, anything you post, even privately, cannot be taken back or deleted.

2024 National Scouting Combine

February 18-22 held at Grand Park Events Center in Westifled, IN. Accepting draft eligible nominations now!
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