Tom Condon - Trading Agent

Tom Condon is a legend in the professional sports industry, both for his work as an agent and for his time as a starting guard in the NFL. Condon played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1974- 1984 and moved to the New England Patriots in 1985. Showing impressive dedication, Condon studied law during his off-season time, eventually earning his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore. He began his career in sports management by negotiating better trades for his teammates while still a player in the NFL. He was honored by his peers when he was elected as president of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) in 1984, a distinction he held for 2 years.

After retiring from the NFL, Condon turned his passion for negotiating better trades into his full-time career. He joined IMG (International Management Group) in 1991. Under Condon’s leadership, IMG represented more first-round NFL drafts picks than any other agency since 1997. He recently moved to Creative Artists Agency to head up their Football Divison. Sporting News named him the world’s “most powerful agent in any sport” in 2006, a title that he earned by consistently achieving better trades for his clients.

Condon is well-known for arranging one of the most expensive deals in NFL history. He represented quarterback Peyton Manning during his negotiation with the Indiana Colts, securing the player $98 million including a $34 million signing bonus. Condon has also worked with Peyton’s brother Eli Manning helping to secure him a spot with New York Giants, Eli’s desired team. Other notables on Condon’s roster include Marvin Harrison, Simeon Rice, and Chad Pennington.

In the most recent NFL draft, Condon represented two of the top picks, Jake Long and Matt Ryan. Long signed a five-year $57.75 million contract with the Dolphins, making him the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL. Ryan also managed to secure a better trade under the guidance of Condon. Ryan became the highest paid rookie ever in the game when he signed a six-year, $72 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. With Condon’s outstanding reputation for earning better trades for his clients than other agents, it is likely that top picks will continue to flock to Condon for years to come.