Nicole Lynn defies the conventional image of a sports agent. She is a lawyer, a financial advisor, a TV producer, and most importantly, a history maker. Lynn is the first Black woman to represent a quarterback in the Super Bowl, as her client Jalen Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to a stunning victory over the San Francisco 49ers on January 29, 2023.
Lynn, who is the president of football operations at Klutch Sports Group, has been breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes in the male-dominated industry of sports representation. She was the first female agent at PlayersRep in 2015, the first Black woman to represent a top-three NFL draft pick in 2019 (Quinnen Williams), and the first Black woman to represent an NBA player in 2020 (Tyrese Maxey).
But her biggest achievement came in 2023, when she negotiated a record-breaking five-year, $255 million contract extension for Hurts, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL. The deal also included $150 million in guaranteed money and a no-trade clause, giving Hurts unprecedented security and control over his future.
Lynn’s success is not only a testament to her skills and expertise, but also to her passion and perseverance. She started her career as an intern at the NFL Players Association while studying law at Oklahoma. She then worked on Wall Street as a financial advisor before pursuing her dream of becoming a sports agent. She faced many challenges and rejections along the way, but she never gave up on her vision.
“I always knew I wanted to be an agent,” Lynn told Sports Illustrated in 2020. “I wanted to be someone who could teach these young men about finances and help them build generational wealth.”
Lynn’s approach to representation is holistic and comprehensive. She does not only focus on contracts and endorsements, but also on personal development and mentorship. She helps her clients with everything from finding homes and cars to hiring chefs and tutors. She also connects them with other successful athletes and business leaders who can inspire them and guide them.
One of Lynn’s most notable mentors is Rich Paul, the founder and CEO of Klutch Sports Group, who represents some of the biggest stars in the NBA, such as LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Ben Simmons. Paul hired Lynn in 2021 to lead his football division, and he has been instrumental in supporting her growth and vision.
“Rich has been amazing,” Lynn said in an interview with Yahoo Sports in 2021. “He’s given me so much autonomy and freedom to run the football division the way I see fit. He’s always there for advice and guidance, but he trusts me to make the best decisions for our clients.”
Lynn’s clients are not only grateful for her professional services, but also for her personal touch and genuine care. Hurts, who became the first player to hire an all-female team of agents in 2020, praised Lynn for being a trailblazer and a role model.
“I admire anyone who puts their head down and works for what they want,” Hurts told Sports Illustrated in 2022. “And I know women who do that daily, but they don’t get the same praise as men—they don’t get the praise that they deserve.”
Hurts added that he wanted to give Lynn “her flowers” for being a pioneer in the industry and for helping him achieve his goals on and off the field.
Lynn’s impact goes beyond her clients and colleagues. She is also an inspiration for millions of young girls and women who aspire to pursue careers in sports or other fields that are traditionally dominated by men. She is proof that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and faith.
Lynn’s story is so compelling that it caught the attention of 50 Cent, who is producing a drama series based on her life for Starz. The show, which is still untitled, will explore Lynn’s journey from being a young girl growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to becoming one of the most powerful agents in sports.
Lynn is excited about sharing her story with the world, but she is also humble and grateful for all the opportunities and blessings that have come her way.
“I’m just a girl from Oklahoma who had a dream,” Lynn said in an Instagram post in 2020. “I’m living proof that God can do anything.”