This November, Toronto will become a hub for the sports business world, as the Toronto PrimeTime Sports Management Conference & Trade Show brings together leaders, innovators, and rising talent across all major leagues. Hosted November 2–4, 2025 at the Westin Harbour Castle, this event is shaping up to be Canada’s premier gathering for the sports industry. 

As a proud partner of PrimeTime, Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) is playing a central role in guiding the next generation of sports professionals. Below, let’s explore what attendees can expect and how SMWW is helping make this conference more than a networking event — but a real launching pad for careers.

Why Toronto PrimeTime Matters

PrimeTime brings together a who's-who of the sports business world:

• Executives from NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS, CFL, and governing bodies

• Media leaders, agency heads, legal and marketing professionals

• Team decision-makers and scouts

• Thought leaders across analytics, sponsorship, player development, and operations 

It offers a rare chance for rising professionals to sit in on panels, engage with industry insiders, and gain real-world perspective on the business of sports. Whether you're early in your career or looking to make a next-level jump, PrimeTime allows you to interact with leaders shaping the sports world today.

SMWW’s Role: More Than Just a Partner

SMWW’s involvement in PrimeTime is deep and strategic. Here’s how SMWW is helping shape the experience:

1. Thought Leadership & Speaking Presence

SMWW’s leadership will contribute insights on panels and sessions. In 2025, Dr. Lynn Lashbrook (President & Founder), Mike Oke (Peterborough Petes GM), and Liz Lashbrook (Executive Director) will engage attendees directly — sharing expertise, trends, and strategies. 

2. Exclusive Workshop – “Careers in Sport”

On Monday night, SMWW is hosting a Careers in Sport Workshop, exclusive to PrimeTime attendees. This session is designed to connect aspiring professionals with real decision-makers — from scouts to team executives. Attendees can ask questions, learn what teams are looking for, and get direction on how to break into or advance in the industry. 

3. Networking & Career Access

SMWW enables students and alumni to access discounted tickets and preferential entry to networking events. This is a direct pathway to meeting executives, agents, and key players in sports organizations. The connections made can lead to internships, job opportunities, or mentorships. 

4. Reinforcing SMWW’s Mission

By partnering with PrimeTime, SMWW reaffirms its position as a global leader in sports education and career development. The organization bridges the gap between learning and real-world access, helping its participants not just learn theory, but build relationships and credibility in the industry. 

What You Can Gain by Attending (Especially with SMWW)

If you’re considering attending or already planning to go, here are the compelling benefits — especially for SMWW students, alumni, or prospective members:

• Direct access to top executives — instead of cold outreach, you can engage face-to-face

• Career roadmap insights — hear directly from those who've climbed the ladder

• Strategic networking — make contacts across leagues, agencies, and media

• Real-world exposure — panels address the actual challenges and opportunities in sports business

• Guided career advising — SMWW’s workshop helps translate conference learnings into actionable next steps

Final Thoughts

The Toronto PrimeTime Sports Conference isn’t just another event on the calendar. It’s a powerful engineering of opportunity — bringing together the people who run sports and those who want to run them one day. SMWW’s involvement enhances every layer of that value: education, access, and real career trajectory.

If you’re serious about a career in sports — whether in management, operations, media, analytics, or marketing — PrimeTime with SMWW is not to be missed.

Register now and take advantage of the connections, insights, and momentum that could define your next career leap.

https://www.sportsmanagementworldwide.com/conferences/prime-time-sports-entertainment-conference

If you're serious about a career in professional sports — whether in front office operations, contract negotiation, player representation, or analytics — the 8-week Salary Cap & Contract Negotiation course from Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) offers the industry knowledge, practical tools, and insider mentorship that can truly set you apart.

Taught by NFL salary cap expert and CBS Sports business analyst Joel Corry, this course goes beyond theory. You’ll gain an advanced understanding of how contracts are structured, how teams manage cap space across major sports leagues, and how player value is calculated and negotiated in today’s highly complex sports economy.

Whether you're aiming to become a sports agent, general manager, arbitrator, or team executive, this course is a powerful stepping stone.

What You’ll Learn

Salary Cap Fundamentals:
Understand the structure, rules, and nuances of salary caps across the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB — including how they differ and why that matters.

Contract Negotiation Tactics:
Learn how real-world agents and front offices approach negotiations, incentive structures, bonuses, and long-term deals.

Cap Management Strategies:
Gain insight into how teams plan short- and long-term roster construction while staying compliant and competitive.

League & CBA Knowledge:
Explore Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and how they influence team-building decisions and contract frameworks.

Hands-On Application:
Participate in live cap management exercises and mock negotiations that simulate real-world scenarios used by teams and agents.

Resume & Career Development:
Receive SMWW's career services, including a professionally rebranded resume, certificate of completion, and personal branding tips to help you stand out to employers.

Who Benefits Most

• Aspiring Sports Agents & GMs – Understand contract language, salary trends, and league rules to represent players or build teams more effectively.
• Front Office Hopefuls – Gain the salary cap fluency that team executives look for in operations, analytics, and finance roles.
• Analytics Professionals – Add another layer of expertise to your toolkit by understanding how analytics feed into player value and contract decisions.
• Law & Business Students – Connect your academic knowledge to real-world sports contracts and salary frameworks.
• Current Professionals – Already in the sports ecosystem? This course will sharpen your financial understanding and make you more versatile and promotable.

How This Helps You Break Into the Sports Industry

• Direct Access to Joel Corry – Ask your questions live and get advice from one of the most respected capologists and insiders in professional sports.
• Hands-On Experience – Walk away with cap sheets, mock negotiation exercises, and real-world knowledge applicable in interviews and jobs.
• Professional Networking – Connect with your peers, SMWW mentors, and special guests from the agent and team side of the business.
• Recognized Credential – A certificate from SMWW and Joel Corry tells employers and clients that you’re not just interested — you’re prepared.

What Others Say

Vassili Cremanzidis
Head of Analysis and Assistant Director of Player Personnel
"Sports Capology was a great experience. The chats were excellent and taught me so much. The instructor treats you like a friend instead of a student, which really enhances the learning. He takes the time to explain everything and listens to your perspective. If you're interested in the salary cap in any sport, this is the course that will teach you all about it."

Simon Boisvert
Hockey Analyst, TSN1260 – The Lowdown
"The course makes students go through a very thorough analysis of the salary cap rules of all major sports. The reading material covers everything you need to know, and I even learned a few things from fellow students in the discussion board."

Why Joel Corry?

Joel Corry is a former NFL agent turned nationally recognized salary cap expert, featured regularly on CBS Sports, The Athletic, and major radio networks across the country. He has negotiated real NFL contracts, advised front offices, and taught countless professionals how to understand the business side of sports.

His deep experience, clear teaching style, and real-time knowledge of what’s happening in the NFL and beyond make this course uniquely valuable for anyone who wants to work in the salary cap or player representation space.

Ready to Launch Your Career in the Business of Sports?

If you're looking to break into the sports industry — or grow your existing role — SMWW’s Salary Cap & Contract Negotiation course with Joel Corry offers real-world learning, mentorship, and connections that make a difference.

You’ll leave this course with more than just knowledge — you’ll gain a clear understanding of how sports contracts are created, how teams manage their budgets, and how you can fit into the financial and operational side of a professional sports organization.

SMWW Agency is proud to highlight the continued success of Michael Collier, Director of the SMWW Hockey Agency, whose dedication to athlete development and international placement has once again delivered results—this time for standout Canadian Forward Aimee O’Neil.

During the winter season, Collier attended several AUS Women's Hockey games in Halifax, including matchups featuring St. Thomas University, where Aimee O’Neil’s skill and presence on the ice stood out immediately. Impressed by her performance, he initiated contact, leading to an initial consultation.

Through ongoing conversations and strategic career discussions, Collier and O’Neil developed a clear vision: to pursue professional hockey opportunities in Europe for the 2025-2026 season Leveraging his extensive network, Collier quickly generated interest from three European clubs, including two in Sweden’s NDHL and one in Austria’s EWHL.

After careful evaluation, Aimee O’Neil officially signed with Hammarby IF in the NDHL—an exciting step forward in her professional hockey career and a testament to her talent and work ethic.

This signing underscores SMWW's commitment to providing personalized support and international career pathways for emerging athletes. With Michael Collier as a director, SMWW continues to be a trusted agency for hockey players looking to make their mark on the global stage.

If you’re serious about building a career in baseball — whether as a coach, in player development or front office operations — this 8‑week Baseball Player Development & Strategy course from Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), taught by three‑time MLB Executive of the Year and Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Dan Duquette, offers rare insider access, proven learning, and real career value. 

Here’s what you’ll gain, who benefits most, and how this course can help you break into or move up in the baseball world.

What You’ll Learn

• Player Development Fundamentals: Understand how MLB organizations build, evaluate, and improve talent from the minor leagues up. 

• Organizational Strategy & Culture: Learn how scouting, analytics, coaching, and front office strategy are aligned in winning organizations. 

• Leadership & Communication: Gain tools for managing relationships at all levels — with players, coaches, management, and ownership. 

• Resume & Branding Skills: SMWW includes resume redesign, certificate, and guidance so you can present yourself professionally to employers. 

• Networking & Mentorship: Weekly live Zoom chats with Dan Duquette, SMWW mentors, agents, guest speakers, and peers — a chance to ask questions live and build industry connections. 

Who Benefits Most

• Aspiring Front Office Professionals — scouts, player development roles, analytics, or management looking for a leg up.

• Coaches at All Levels — youth, high school, collegiate — who want to understand how player development works at the professional level and apply those lessons locally.

• Program Directors & Organizers — running youth or high school baseball programs and wanting to create better development pipelines and prepare athletes for higher levels.

• Current Professionals — people already in the baseball ecosystem who want to deepen their strategic understanding, strengthen their resume, or make a transition (e.g., from coaching to front office or analytics).

How This Helps You Get a Job in Baseball

• You’ll learn real-world practices used by MLB clubs and get exposure to what these organizations expect.

• The certificate and revamped resume will help recruiters and front offices recognize you’re not just passionate, but prepared.

• Networking through SMWW can introduce you to people who make hiring decisions: Dan Duquette himself, other executives, and industry peers.

• You’ll be better able to speak intelligently about player development, analytics, and organizational strategy — skills that differentiate candidates in interviews.

• The knowledge gained is directly applicable: designing training programs, evaluating farm systems, using metrics to guide player growth, aligning roles across departments.

What Others Say

Oscar Suarez, MLB Player Agent
“Dan is the real deal. He’s worked in affiliated and independent baseball, has handled international signings, and understands every aspect of the business side of a baseball operation. He has run three MLB clubs, overseen scouting and player development, and knows how to communicate with every level of a sports organization. Dan’s best attribute is his deep understanding of a baseball organization and how to engage with ownership. Students will learn theory, yes—but more importantly, Dan will prepare you for what really happens in the sports world!” 

Mario Phillips
“Dan Duquette’s Player Development course is a brilliant addition to SMWW’s baseball operations suite. His four decades in baseball, primarily as a general manager, offer insights into player development few others can match. This course complements the GM & Scouting and Analytics offerings beautifully — a must if you want a complete picture of what it takes to succeed in baseball.” 

Ryan Gold, Texas Rangers Catcher
“I won’t lie—I was skeptical walking in. But in eight weeks I was blown away. Even with my professional playing experience, this course taught me from the ground up. The inside look at player development, and the tools I now use, make me far more confident about building and working within a well‑run organization.” 

Camilo Gutierrez, Player Development Specialist
“I waited years to join this course. Finally doing so was life‑changing: the specific knowledge, the direct connections, the clarity about what major league organizations look for. SMWW made the world feel much smaller — with dedication, opportunity is accessible. I now see how I can help a Major League team reach championship levels.” 

Nick Prater, Director of Youth Programs for a Local Baseball Organization
“After completing the Baseball Analytics course with Ari Kaplan, Dan Duquette’s Player Development course was the natural next step. I learned how to apply analytics across a full organization with a shared culture, from scouting to player growth. Player Development helped me understand how departments work together to maximize strengths, improve weaknesses, and build teams that win. Whether you're involved in youth programs, high school teams, college ball, or aspiring to work in professional front offices, if you want a realistic, in‑depth understanding of how professional baseball organizations are built, this course is essential.”

If you want to break into baseball operations or strengthen your role within any part of the game — from coaching, scouting, analytics, youth or high school programs, or front office leadership — Dan Duquette’s Baseball Player Development & Strategy course offers unmatched knowledge, mentorship, and credibility.

Registering for this course can turn your passion into a career, and give you the skills to not only understand the baseball business but to shape it. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the game’s most respected executives and to position yourself for success in a highly competitive field.

As the NFL season gets underway this weekend, we’re excited to spotlight one of the incredible success stories to come out of Sports Management Worldwide. This is more than a feel-good story—it’s a real example of how education, mentorship, and opportunity can launch a dream career in professional football.

Meet Ray Haija: a former SMWW student and intern who now part of the representation team that represents Travis Hunter, the #2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

From SMWW Intern to NFL Agent

Ray began his journey with SMWW through the Athlete Management Course, learning the ins and outs of athlete representation, negotiations, and player development. His drive and talent earned him an internship with SMWW, where he built practical skills and relationships that would later open doors in the professional football world.

“Lynn changed my life. He gave me the tools, the confidence, and the belief that I could do this — and now I'm working in the field I love.”
— Ray Haija, SMWW Graduate & NFL Agent

Representing a Historic Draft Pick

In 2025, Ray helped guide Travis Hunter through one of the biggest moments in draft history. Selected #2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hunter signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $46.65 million, including a $30.57 million signing bonus—the first non-quarterback to receive his full bonus up front.

Ray’s role in the deal put him on the map as one of the most promising young agents in football today.

Proof That SMWW Produces Results

Ray’s journey is proof that SMWW is more than a course provider—it’s a launchpad. From student to intern to NFL agent, Ray leveraged every opportunity SMWW offered to build a meaningful, high-impact career.

Ray Haija’s story is proof that with the right mentorship, training, and work ethic, you can go from learning the industry to leading in it. Whether you want to become a sports agent, work in front offices, or build a career around your passion for sports—SMWW gives you the tools to get there.

Some other notable clients represented by SMWW and SMWW Alumni include:

• Brian Dawkins

• KaVontae Turpin

• Blake Brandel

• Matt Moore

• Alex Van Dyke

Breaking into football operations is no easy task.

It’s a competitive field that demands both football IQ and technical expertise. Front offices, agencies, and media outlets are relying more than ever on data-driven insights to make informed decisions. Whether it’s evaluating talent, adjusting strategy, or preparing for the draft, modern football professionals must speak the language of analytics.

This raises an important question: should you focus on learning Football Analytics or mastering Pro Football Focus (PFF) Premium tools?

The most effective professionals choose both.

Understanding the distinction between these two areas—and how they complement each other—is key to developing a skill set that will get you noticed in a crowded industry.

What Is Football Analytics?

Football analytics is the foundation of data-driven decision-making in the sport.

In SMWW’s Football Analytics course, you’ll learn how to evaluate players, teams, and strategies through customized statistical models. The course covers:

• Identifying patterns and trends that impact outcomes

• Creating player evaluation models that go beyond box scores

• Understanding key metrics that matter for each position

• Translating data into actionable insights for scouting and coaching

This course is ideal for aspiring scouts, analysts, agents, and team executives who want to understand how analytics inform decisions at every level of the game.

Football analytics teaches you how to think critically about the numbers and what they reveal about player performance and game strategy.

What Is PFF—and How Is It Different?

Pro Football Focus (PFF) is one of the most widely used and respected platforms in football today.

Through SMWW’s Proficiency in PFF Premium course, you will gain access to the same tools used by NFL, NCAA, and CFL teams. This course provides hands-on instruction in how to:

• Navigate PFF’s advanced statistics and player grades

• Build scouting reports using proprietary data

• Analyze player efficiency, matchup performance, and positional value

• Create visualizations and dashboards to support decision-making

Unlike traditional analytics, PFF provides a ready-made, data-rich environment designed specifically for football professionals. Learning to use it efficiently shows that you can operate within the same systems trusted by elite teams and agencies.

Why Taking Both Courses Sets You Apart

Successful professionals understand both the why and the how behind performance data.

By combining Football Analytics with Proficiency in PFF Premium, you will be able to:

• Build custom metrics and models from the ground up

• Use industry-standard tools to generate real-time insights

• Support decisions with both independent analysis and platform-based data

• Create polished reports that resonate with scouts, executives, and agents

• Demonstrate versatility in interviews and professional settings

Professionals who know how to analyze from scratch—and also how to interpret PFF’s structured data—bring added value to any organization.

Hiring managers notice candidates who have a complete toolkit.

Learn Directly from Industry Experts

Both courses are taught by respected leaders in football analytics with real-world experience.

The Football Analytics course is led by Aaron Schatz, FTN Network’s Chief Analytics Officer and widely known as the Godfather of DVOA. As a pioneer in modern football analysis, Aaron’s work helped shape the foundation of how advanced metrics are used to evaluate teams and players across the NFL.

The Proficiency in PFF Premium course is taught by Steve Palazzolo, one of the original six who helped launch PFF and grow it into the industry-leading platform it is today. Steve also serves as the host of The 33rd Team’s “Check the Mic” and brings deep expertise on how data is used in real-world scouting, evaluation, and team strategy.

This is not textbook learning. These are practical, job-focused skills that help you deliver value from day one.

Build a Career Without Hitting Pause

Many SMWW students are working full-time, raising families, or transitioning careers. These courses are built to fit your life.

With live mentorship, eight-week online learning modules, and real-world assignments, you can begin building your resume in football analytics and scouting without quitting your job or moving cities.

Each course provides not only knowledge, but a clear pathway to opportunities in scouting, analytics, player representation, and media.

Your Next Move Starts Here

Choosing between Football Analytics and PFF is no longer necessary. Mastering both gives you a strategic edge.

One course teaches you how to build the models. The other shows you how to use the tools the pros already trust. Together, they form a complete foundation for a career in one of the most competitive industries in the world.

You do not need to figure this out alone. SMWW’s expert advisors and mentors are ready to help you create a personalized game plan for breaking into football.

This is your opportunity to stand out. Make it count.

Explore the Courses:

Football Analytics

Proficiency in PFF Premium

Breaking into the sports industry isn’t easy.

It’s competitive. It’s fast-moving. And for many, it feels impossible without years of internships, insider connections, or being in the “right place at the right time.”

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to figure it out alone.

At Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), our team of Sports Career Advisors has spent decades helping people—teachers, engineers, retail managers, service members, recent grads, and corporate professionals—map out their path into sports. They’ve seen every background, every roadblock, and every success story.

And after working with thousands of aspiring sports professionals, they know something most people don’t: there’s always a way in—if you have the right plan.

Meet the Team Behind the Playbook

Our Sports Career Advisors aren’t just here to answer questions. They’re experienced insiders who know what it takes to get noticed in one of the most competitive industries in the world.

Jeff Brodie – 17 Years at SMWW, NFLPA Certified Agent

Jeff has spent nearly two decades helping people pivot into sports careers they never thought possible. As an NFLPA-certified agent with real-world experience representing athletes, Jeff brings an insider’s perspective on how contracts, negotiations, and front-office decisions are made.

Whether you’re dreaming of becoming an agent, working in team operations, or breaking into scouting, Jeff knows what it takes to get you there—and he’ll help you build a roadmap that fits your life.

Adam Klimek – 13 Years at SMWW, Agent Advisor Director

Adam has years of experience representing athletes and mentoring aspiring agents through SMWW’s Agent Advisor Program. He’s helped hundreds of students learn how to co-represent athletes, negotiate deals, and work directly alongside professionals in the field.

If your dream is to work with athletes, Adam gives you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make it happen.

Jon LaForce – 12 Years at SMWW

Jon is a connector. He knows the sports industry is built on relationships, and he helps you create them. From networking strategies to leveraging SMWW’s global alumni base, Jon shows you how to make yourself visible in a crowded field.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your foot in the door without “knowing someone,” Jon’s your guy.

Maikel Tsuji – 3 Years as Advisor, SMWW Soccer Agency Director, FIFA-Certified Agent

When it comes to the global game, Maikel is your go-to guide. As a FIFA-certified agent with hands-on experience representing athletes, Maikel helps aspiring soccer agents and scouts break into one of the world’s most competitive markets.

He’s also the instructor for SMWW’s FIFA Certification Prep Course and Soccer Agent Course, giving you insider strategies straight from someone actively working in the field. From building scouting portfolios to navigating international player representation, Maikel equips you with the insights and tools to stand out—whether your goal is MLS, EPL, La Liga, or beyond.

A Personalized Game Plan—Built for You

The biggest mistake people make when trying to break into sports? Thinking there’s a one-size-fits-all approach.

Your background, your goals, and your available time are unique. That’s why our Sports Career Advisors start by listening. Then, together, you’ll build a customized plan of action:

• Which SMWW courses fit your career goals

• How to leverage mentorship and networking opportunities

• What deliverables to prioritize to showcase your skills

• How to connect with teams, agencies, and organizations hiring right now

• Where to focus your energy for maximum impact

This isn’t guesswork—it’s a proven system that’s helped thousands of SMWW alumni land roles with the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, NCAA, global sports agencies, media companies, and international organizations.

Progress in the Sports World—Without Pressing Pause on Your Life

Maybe you’re working a full-time job. Maybe you’ve got a family. Maybe you’ve been told you “missed your shot.”

Our advisors know better.

Because they’ve watched it happen—again and again—for people just like you. Through SMWW’s eight-week online courses, live mentorship, and exclusive programs like the Agent Advisor Program and SMWW Scouting Services, you’ll start building experience while you work your current job.

No quitting. No moving cities. No going back to school for years.

Just real progress, one smart step at a time.

Your Sports Career Starts with One Conversation

The hardest part isn’t learning the industry—it’s knowing where to start.

That’s where SMWW’s Sports Career Advisors come in. With decades of combined experience—and real-world expertise representing athletes—they’ll help you design a plan, avoid common mistakes, and move with purpose toward the sports career you’ve been dreaming about.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. You just need someone who knows the playbook.

This is your next move. Let’s make it count.

If your goal is to become a professional baseball scout, you need more than just a good eye for talent—you need the right training, tools, and connections. The Baseball GM & Scouting Course from Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) was built with aspiring scouts in mind and is the ideal first step toward a career in professional baseball.

Taught by seasoned MLB veterans—Dan Evans (former GM of the Los Angeles Dodgers, current SABR President) and Hank Jones (40-year scout for the Dodgers)—this online course takes you inside the world of scouting and player evaluation at the pro level.

What You’ll Learn

• How to Scout Like the Pros: Learn the 5-tool evaluation system, grading scales, and what separates good players from big-league talent.

• Writing Professional Scouting Reports: Build reports that mirror what MLB teams require, and get feedback from experienced evaluators.

• Talent Identification at All Levels: Understand how to assess high school, college, and international prospects—plus how to project player development over time.

• Using Analytics in Scouting: Learn which metrics matter most in modern scouting and how to combine data with the eye test.

• How to Break into the Industry: Get real-world strategies for networking, gaining field experience, and landing your first scouting opportunity with a team.

Through live weekly Zoom sessions, interactive assignments, and access to a global network of SMWW alumni, you'll develop the practical skills to pursue scouting opportunities in MLB, MiLB, college baseball, or international organizations.

Whether you're a former player, coach, or lifelong fan ready to turn your passion into a career, this course gives you the scouting foundation and professional edge needed to get noticed.

Start your journey to becoming a baseball scout today.
Enroll now in the SMWW Baseball GM & Scouting Course

We are excited to congratulate Blake Brandel, the versatile offensive lineman, for securing a spot on the Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster for his fifth consecutive year. Brandel's commitment, resilience, and hard work have been key to his continued success in the NFL, and his journey is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to thrive at the highest level of professional football.

Blake Brandel’s Journey to Success

Since being drafted by the Vikings in 2020, Blake Brandel has consistently demonstrated his ability to step up when needed, contributing to the team’s offensive line with flexibility and skill. Over the years, Brandel has proven his value, stepping up as a full-time starter last season and earning the trust of both his coaches and teammates. His athleticism, football IQ, and dedication to his craft have allowed him to consistently earn a place on the Vikings' roster, becoming a key asset to their offensive line depth.

As Brandel enters his sixth season with the team, his commitment to improving and adapting to the ever-evolving NFL landscape continues to pay dividends. His journey is a model for perseverance and adaptability, both on and off the field. Making the 53-man roster is a significant achievement and a reflection of his growth as a player and his readiness to contribute to the Vikings' success this season.

Blake’s Trusted Agent: Jeff Brodie of SMWW

Behind every great athlete is a team of professionals guiding their path to success. Jeff Brodie, SMWW's Vice President of Operations and an NFLPA Certified Agent, has represented Blake Brandel throughout his NFL journey. Jeff’s expertise and strategic approach to player representation have been instrumental in navigating contract negotiations, key decisions, and all facets of Blake’s professional development.

With years of experience as an NFLPA Certified Agent, Jeff Brodie has built a reputation for advocating for his clients while maintaining a deep understanding of the NFL’s inner workings. His commitment to excellence, combined with a deep understanding of the business side of football, helps him secure opportunities and maximize his clients' potential in the NFL.

As VP of Operations at Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), Jeff also plays a crucial role in mentoring aspiring agents and athletes, helping them navigate the complexities of the sports industry. His guidance and mentorship are invaluable assets to the SMWW team and a reason why many of his clients trust him to guide their careers with integrity and professionalism.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Blake Brandel continues his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, the future looks bright. With the support of a skilled agent like Jeff Brodie, who continually advocates for his best interests, Blake is poised to make an even greater impact on the field. We are excited to watch Blake’s journey unfold this season and beyond, knowing that his dedication, skill, and passion for the game will continue to shine.

We also commend Jeff Brodie for his outstanding work as an agent and his unwavering commitment to the athletes he represents. His success in managing Blake’s career highlights his expertise and the strength of the SMWW Agency in nurturing talent and fostering long-lasting relationships with clients.

Here’s to a successful season ahead for Blake Brandel and his continued success with the Minnesota Vikings! We look forward to seeing what this remarkable athlete will accomplish in the years to come.

Leading as an SMWW Agent Advisor

Leon Clarke is currently making a significant impact as an Agent Advisor with Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW). In this role, he leverages over two decades of experience in player development to guide athletes through the complex world of football—from recruitment and training to career strategy and personal branding. His deep understanding of the game, combined with a player-first mindset, makes him a trusted advocate for athletes at every stage of their journey.

With SMWW, Clarke is focused on helping athletes not only reach the next level but also thrive beyond the field. His mentorship and strategic insight provide the foundation for players looking to transition into college and professional football with confidence and clarity.

Pioneering Football Training in New Jersey

In 2002, Clarke founded Clarke Sports, becoming a trailblazer by launching New Jersey’s first football-specific training academy. At a time when focused football development was rare, Clarke saw an opportunity to fill the gap—and he delivered. His reputation for excellence quickly attracted high-level high school talent from across the tri-state area, and his training programs became synonymous with elite preparation and accountability.

A Track Record of NFL Talent

Clarke’s client roster includes several athletes who’ve reached the game’s highest level. Notable names include David Njoku (Cleveland Browns), Will Levis (Tennessee Titans), and Tommy DeVito (New York Giants). His comprehensive approach—balancing skill development, mental toughness, and personal growth—has helped young athletes transition successfully to top college programs and the NFL.

Giants Huddle Interview: A Closer Look at Tommy DeVito

Last year, Clarke was featured on the Giants Huddle Podcast, where he discussed his longtime work with quarterback Tommy DeVito, whom he began training at just six years old. In his conversation with host Lance Medow, Clarke detailed DeVito’s path to the NFL and the relentless commitment it took to reach that level. The interview highlighted not only DeVito’s growth but also Clarke’s unique influence as a mentor and coach. 

Watch the interview here

Vision for the Future

With a degree in Sports Management and an unwavering passion for athlete success, Leon Clarke is now preparing for the next step in his professional journey: becoming a certified NFL agent. His mission remains the same—empower athletes to reach their full potential, represent them with integrity, and help them find their place in the football world.

Leon Clarke is more than a trainer—he’s a trusted partner in the development of future football champions. His work continues to impact the game at every level.