The Modern-Day Playbook to Reach an NFL Front Office
On SSRN you can find an academic paper detailing every aspect of an NFL general manager’s role. The in-depth research mentions salary cap management, roster management, overseeing the scouting department, coach and personnel selection, and representing the club.
This seminal paper concludes by saying “bottom line, no skill is as important to NFL GMs as the ability to evaluate talent and make player personnel decisions.” Pushing back on this sentiment, what if playing to the strengths of people is more important than strictly evaluating talent?
After taking stock of my efforts to reach an NFL front office position, I’ve decided to compile all the supplementary educational materials that have been of immense use. The following are the podcasts where I make sure to never miss an episode, sorted by subject matter. I don’t subscribe to the notion that there are significant barriers of entry due to nepotism or not having played football competitively, and these resources are just one way that the playing field has been leveled.
General
Nothing Personal with David Samson - David Samson, former Marlins President, is very forthcoming regarding everything that goes on in the front office of professional sports teams. He’s not only encountered every scenario that makes the news today, but he pulls back the curtain on what the true thought process is of a team executive.
Recommended episode - Mailbag Bonus Episode (8/1)
EconTalk - A true educational podcast, EconTalk talks about the economics behind nearly all aspects of life. Conversations with renowned thinkers center around health care, the design of supermarkets, education, finance, sports, and everything in-between. No other podcast has shaped my thinking to this degree.
Recommended episode - Roger Noll on the Economics of Sports
The Boardroom: Out of Office - Still in its early days, Rich Kleiman speaks to people working across all aspects of sports business more candidly than in a typical interview.
Recommended episode - Doc Rivers
Analytics
Wharton Moneyball - A weekly sports analytics radio show hosted by several Wharton professors, Wharton Moneyball provides an analytical view of all aspects of sports. Whether it’s the impact of NFL playoff changes or how many hot dogs Joey Chestnut could possibly eat on July 4th, they’ll provide data to support their hypotheses.
Recommended episode - 9/16/2020: COVID, Sports, Hermsmeyer
Counterpoints - All of these episodes are required listening. MIT Sloan Management Review produced a podcast interviewing a premier sports analytics expert each week debating an analytical issue within sports. Issues include the possibility of disentangling individual from team success in the NFL, optimal draft pick trading strategies, and whether analytics become less important in the NBA postseason.
Recommended episode - Is It Possible to Judge Individual Talent in the NFL?
Off the Charts - Matt Manocherian of Sports Info Solutions and Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders provide statistical analysis of all things NFL. Focusing mostly on in-game production, the metrics discussed shed a light on advanced analysis for people without a rigorous statistical background.
Recommended episode - Neil Stratton Talks “Scout Speak”
Salary Cap and Negotiations
Business of Sports: NFL Business Podcast - Andrew Brandt spent many years as both a player agent and as a team Vice President in the NFL. Learning from someone with his experience is invaluable. Brandt explains the inner workings of all aspects of the NFL, partly by having insightful discussions with fellow team executives, agents, lawyers, and other professionals.
Recommended episode - Brandt’s Rants - Covid-19 & the NFL
Spotrac Podcast - Nothing fascinates me more than the salary cap. If you read the SSRN article on the responsibilities of NFL GM’s, perhaps nothing has changed the skill sets required in the NFL than the implementation of the salary cap. Episodes cover everything related to salaries, contracts, and salary caps across all professional sports.
Recommended episode - NFL Cutdowns, Extensions, & Financial Futures
Inside the Cap with Joel Corry - Joel Corry, former NFL agent, walks you through all aspects of negotiating an NFL contract. From the actual negotiations, to specific contract terms, to the impact on a team’s salary cap. His insights are informative and enlightening.
Recommended episode - Hopkins Gets an Amazing Deal, for Himself
Organizational Culture
GM Shuffle - After having spent three decades as an executive in the NFL amongst many legendary figures, Michael Lombardi is breaking down everything regarding players, coaches, teams, free agency, and more. I’ve written more about lessons learned from Lombardi here.
Recommended episode - Week 1 Recap
NFL: Move the Sticks - Former NFL scouts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks provide their perspective on the latest news and transactions in the NFL. They also interview several prominent NFL personnel executives.
Recommended episode - Brandon Beane on Building the Bills
Patriots Player & Team Audio - What better way to learn from a front office and coaching staff than hearing from them firsthand? I make sure I never miss an interview from Coach Belichick. Interspersed among wry answers are glimpses into the mind of the best to ever do it.
Recommended episodes - everything from Coach Belichick
Suiting Up with Paul Rabil - Perhaps known best for his lacrosse career, Paul Rabil is equally adept in the business world. He conducts interviews designed to uncover tools and skills required for success across all levels of sports and business.
Recommended episode - Bill Belichick: New England Patriots Head Coach
Please feel free to reach out and share what you’ve found helpful. There are undoubtedly many of us trying to forge a similar path, whether it’s in football or any other sport.