The People of Penn State
Welcome to the People of Penn State Podcast — the podcast from the Penn State Alumni Association that brings you the incredible stories of Nittany Lions making their mark on the world!
Each episode, a rotating cast of hosts sit down with Penn State alumni who are changing the game in business, science, sports, the arts, and beyond. You never know who you'll hear from next — but you do know it'll be a conversation worth tuning in for!
The People of Penn State
Episode 37 — Athlete Representation With NFL Player Agent Jim Ivler '90
Welcome to another episode of The People of Penn State! On today's show, we're joined by NFL Player Agent, Jim Ivler (1990 - History)!
He takes us inside the world of athlete representation, breaking down what it's like to work with NFL stars of the past and present.
Jim's clients include Penn State letterman Tamba Hali, Robbie Gould, and Brenton Strange, who was recently drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Since joining Sportstar, in 1997, Jim has been instrumental in building the company into one of the largest NFL Agencies in the country, and has distinguished himself as an expert contract negotiator, one who has an excellent understanding of the NFL and its policies, and as an agent who works diligently and tirelessly for the best interests of his clients.
After graduating from Penn State in 1990 with his Bachelors of Arts in History, and Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg in 1993 with his Juris Doctorate, Jim practiced for four years at the renowned law firm of Spadoro & Hilson in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
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Timestamps:
0:00 — Intro
2:07 — Becoming a Penn Stater
2:53 — Studying history
4:27 — Ad Read - LionLink
5:38 — Becoming a sports agent
6:53 — Practicing law
8:22 — What it was like that first year of pursuing clients to represent
11:15 — The accuracies and inaccuracies of the movie "Jerry Maguire"
12:43 — Representing Penn Staters such as Tamba Hali and Robbie Gould
18:19 — How Jim measures success for his clients
20:12 — The process of becoming a player's agent and working with Brenton Strange
24:35 — The influence of agent's for a player's NFL Draft stock
27:12 — Jim's advice for young professionals looking to work in the sports industry
32:20 — Lightning Round Q&A
37:28 — Outro
38:39 — Alma Mater
