The On the Field Podcast is back for 2025, kicking off with an inside look at the world of pro sports agents, college recruitment, and the evolving NIL landscape. Our guest, Tay Hawker, a professional sports agent and former U.S. student-athlete, shares his journey, the reality of working in sports, and what aspiring college athletes need to know.
Whether you’re navigating recruitment, planning for life after college sports, or exploring NIL opportunities, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
Tay’s path started in Whanganui, New Zealand, but his ambition to work in sports led him to the U.S. collegiate system. After competing in rugby and earning a Bachelor’s in Sports Management, he pursued a Master’s in Sports Law at Arizona State University. From there, he worked in NCAA student-athlete development before launching his own sports agency.
His story highlights a key lesson for student-athletes: Use sport as a vehicle for bigger opportunities.
His college experience provided a global network, a career path, and long-term opportunities beyond the field.
Tay breaks down the reality of being a sports agent, far from the Hollywood version of “Jerry Maguire.”
A pro agent negotiates playing contracts and endorsement deals for athletes. But the job goes beyond that, including:
Each sport has different requirements for agents. Some leagues, like the NFL and FIFA, require exams and certifications, while others have fewer restrictions, leading to an increase in unqualified agents.
Tay’s decision to play rugby in the U.S. wasn’t just about competition—it was a strategic career move.
In New Zealand, the professional rugby pathway is extremely competitive, and opportunities can be limited. The U.S. gave him a chance to:
For student-athletes weighing their options, the takeaway is clear:
A U.S. college scholarship isn’t just about sport—it’s an investment in your future.
The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era is reshaping college sports, allowing student-athletes to earn money through sponsorships and endorsements.
But what does this mean for international athletes?
At the moment, F1 visa restrictions prevent most international student-athletes from profiting off NIL deals while in the U.S. However, there are ways to work within the rules, including:
With potential revenue-sharing models on the horizon, international student-athletes need to understand both the opportunities and the limitations of NIL.
Tay emphasizes that building a strong personal brand is no longer optional—it’s a career advantage.
Why does branding matter?
How to build an authentic brand:
A common challenge for young athletes is fear of peer judgment. Tay’s advice:
If you’re worried about what others think, ask yourself, ‘Will these people matter in five years?’
With more athletes being contacted by self-proclaimed agents online, it’s crucial to spot the legitimate ones. Tay shares key warning signs:
Do your research, speak to athletes they’ve worked with, and check their history. A bad agent can end a career before it even starts.
Tay’s biggest takeaways for those looking to take their sport to the next level:
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