Nicole Kotler, the head of marketing and talent representation at Grady Sports Agency, has been inspired by Nicole Lynn, who currently works as Jalen Hurts‘ agent, and is now hoping to join the list of NFL agents.
The Tulane University graduate is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead on her journey to achieve this lifelong goal, but she believes she can overcome them.
The 26-year-old is resolute in her determination to follow in the footsteps of industry giants such as Nicole Lynn, Caitlin Aoki, Kim Miale, and Kelli Masters.
In 2023, Lynn made headlines by negotiating a five-year, $255 million deal for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, making him the highest-paid player in the league at the time.
Raised in South Florida, Kotler pursued a double major in finance and management at Tulane, graduating in 2019. She then relocated to Washington, DC, where she secured a position in financial consulting.
However, after realizing that her passion lay elsewhere, she transitioned into sports representation in 2021.
“I was working in finance for about two-and-a-half years out of college. I was making really good money but ultimately, I wasn’t happy and it wasn’t fulfilling,” Kotler told the U.S. Sun.
“I woke up one day in 2021 and I was like, ‘I want to quit my job.’ I had no backup plan or anything to fall back on for that matter so it was a huge risk.
“I was smart with my money so I was able to save up money thankfully and be able to keep myself afloat for a little bit.”
Kotler, who recently obtained a master’s of law degree from American University, credits NFL agent and entertainment lawyer Tabetha Plummer for her advice and inspiration.
“She is the person who really empowered me and motivated me and showed that this is possible,” Kotler said.
“I would say the advice she gave me was be confident, don’t take any BS from anyone and believe in yourself.”
Kotler is now preparing for the NFL Draft, where her agency has signed three college stars who are hoping to be selected.
These are Braden Fiske, Reddy Steward, and Donovan Jennings.
