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Raymond Lester "Trace" Armstrong III (born October 5, 1965) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for fifteen seasons from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils and Florida Gators, and was recognized as an All-American. A first-round (12th overall) pick in the 1989 NFL draft, he played for the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders. He was formerly the president of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), and he currently works as a sports agent.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Armstrong was born in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1965.[1] He attended John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, Alabama,[2] where he played high school football and lettered three years as an outside linebacker and defensive end for the John Carroll Cavaliers. Armstrong was an all-state selection and was named one of The Birmingham News' top twelve players in Alabama as a high school senior.

College career

[edit]

Armstrong accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, where he began his college career as a defensive tackle for the Arizona State Sun Devils football team. He red-shirted in 1984, and as a freshman in 1985 he played in ten games with three starts, totaling thirty-two tackles (two for a loss).

As a sophomore in 1986, Armstrong was a back-up with two starts on the 10–1–1 Sun Devils that finished fourth in the AP poll and defeated the Michigan Wolverines in the Rose Bowl. He recovered a key fumble in the Sun Devils' defeat of the USC Trojans that sealed the Devils' Rose Bowl bid. He finished the 1986 season with twenty-six tackles (one for a loss—a quarterback sack), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

As a junior starter in 1987, Armstrong had a key role in the defeat of the Oregon State Beavers, when he sacked Erik Wilhelm in the end zone for a safety that began an 11–0 scoring run by the Sun Devils in sealing a 30–21 win. The 1987 Sun Devils finished No. 20 in the final AP poll after defeating Air Force in the 1987 Freedom Bowl. Armstrong ended the 1987 season with fifty-one tackles (ten for-a-loss including a team-leading seven sacks). He was an honorable mention All-American by both the AP and UPI.

Armstrong was denied a final year of eligibility by the NCAA due to an "academic mix-up," which he could only recoup if he transferred to another school. However, he was granted immediate eligibility after the NCAA waived its transfer rule in an unusual academic status case from high school which allowed the transfer.

As a result, Armstrong transferred to the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, and played his final college season for coach Galen Hall's Florida Gators football team in 1988.[3] He was recognized as a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection and a first-team All-American at defensive tackle.[3] He set a new Gators single-season record for most tackles for a loss with nineteen, including seven sacks.[3] In all, Armstrong recorded fifty-nine tackles with forty-one of those solo.[3] He finished his college career on the sidelines in the Gators' 14–10 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini in the All American Bowl on December 29, 1988. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair his left knee two weeks before the bowl game and could not play.

Armstrong ended his college career with 169 tackles, including thirty-two tackles for losses and fifteen quarterback sacks. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts in 1989, and returned to earn a master's degree in business administration in 2006. As part of a fan poll conducted by The Gainesville Sun in 2006, he was voted to the Florida Gators 100th Anniversary Team as a defensive lineman together with other Gators like Jack Youngblood, Wilber Marshall and Kevin Carter. Armstrong was also inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a "Gator Great" in 2000.[4][5]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Bench press
6 ft 3+1⁄2 in
(1.92 m)		 256 lb
(116 kg)		 20 reps

Chicago Bears

[edit]

The Chicago Bears selected Armstrong in the first round (12th overall pick) of the 1989 NFL Draft.[6] He played for the Bears for six seasons from 1989 to 1994.[7] He signed with the Bears on August 18, 1989; his total package was a reported $2.2 million over four years.

After the Bears' 47–27 victory at Detroit on September 27, 1989, Armstrong perhaps made his first NFL mark. After reporting late to training camp because of a contract dispute, and then struggling through the first two games of the season, Armstrong finally found his niche at left defensive end against the Lions, making five solo tackles, defending a pass and getting his first pro sack by dumping Lions quarterback Bob Gagliano. Armstrong finished his rookie season with five sacks and was voted All-Rookie. His teammates voted him the winner of the Brian Piccolo Award for "courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication, and sense of humor."

The following season, 1990, Armstrong notched ten sacks, the first of five seasons he reached double-digits. He was NFC Defensive Player of the Month in September 1990, in which he totaled twenty-five tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass defended.

In 1991, he recorded only 1.5 sacks, in part because although he was the starting left defensive end he moved to defensive tackle in the Bears "nickel defense," perhaps cutting down on his pass-rush opportunities. He was slated to play that spot again in 1992, however, the development of Alonzo Spellman allowed Armstrong to play end in all situations. As a result, his sack total was a 6.5.

On March 16, 1993, Armstrong re-signed a three-year $3 million deal with the Bears which was reported to make him one of the five highest-paid players on the team. In 1993, Armstrong notched 11.5 sacks and forced three fumbles. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for three tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and two sacks in a Thanksgiving Day win over Detroit. He also had six tackles and two sacks at Philadelphia on October 10, 1993, and then career-best 2.5 sacks at Kansas City on November 21, 1993.

In 1994, his last in Chicago, he had 7.5 sacks. In the playoffs that season, against the Minnesota Vikings, January 1, 1995, Armstrong recorded both of the Bears' sacks in a 35–18 win over the Vikings for which he was awarded the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award.

Miami Dolphins

[edit]

On April 4, 1995, the Dolphins traded a second and third-round draft pick for Armstrong. He was acquired to fill a role as a designated pass rusher, a player who comes into the game in likely passing downs in an effort to give the team's pass rush a boost. This is a role Armstrong filled the rest of his career; however, in five seasons, injuries to the starting ends forced Armstrong into a starting role. On October 12, 1995, Armstrong signed a five-year $8.9 million contract extension with the Dolphins.

In 1996, Armstrong started nine games and recorded twelve sacks. He remained the starter in 1997 and returned to the "designated rusher" role in 1998.

He was named as the NFL's Defensive Player of the Week for postseason games played January 8–9, 2000. In the Dolphins 20–17 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, January 9, 2000, Armstrong helped a defense which limited Seattle to 32 total yards in the second half. He registered five tackles, three sacks and one quarterback hurry on the day.

He led the AFC in quarterback sacks (16.5) in 2000 with the Miami Dolphins while recording 7 forced fumbles, also a career-high. He also made the Pro Bowl for the only time in his career. He did this despite not starting a single game, making him the first so-called designated pass rusher to go to the Pro Bowl since Fred Dean was voted to the 1983 post-season all-star game.

Oakland Raiders

[edit]

Armstrong signed a free-agent contract with the Raiders in 2001. The Raiders offered him a six-year deal worth approximately $18.5 million. However, the first two years were to pay approximately $8 million, including a $5 million signing bonus. In his three years with the Raiders, Armstrong earned $9 million.

Armstrong sustained an Achilles tendon injury on September 30, 2001, causing him to miss the final thirteen games of the 2001 season. In 2002 and 2003, Armstrong was pressed into a starting role due to injuries of the so-called "run down defense" of the Raiders. He started eight games at right defensive end in 2002 after Tony Bryant was hurt, and he started seven games at left defensive end when Lorenzo Bromell was injured in 2003.

Armstrong suffered his own injuries in 2002 and 2003. In 2002 it was a groin injury that put him in the injured-reserve list and in 2003, he injured a shoulder in November which ended his 2003 season after ten games.

While in Oakland, he was the twentieth player in NFL history to record 100 career quarterback sacks, and finished his career with a total of 106.5. (When he retired, he was sixteenth in the all-time sack leader list.) Following the 2003 season, he was released from the Oakland Raiders after failing a physical due to several substantial injuries incurred while in Oakland and retired from the NFL afterwards. According to NFLPA records, in his fifteen NFL seasons Armstrong earned approximately $23 million in salary and bonuses.

NFL Players Association

[edit]

While playing in the NFL, Armstrong served as the president of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) for eight years (1996–2003). In 2009, Armstrong stood for election to become the full-time executive director of the NFLPA, a position left vacant by the death of Gene Upshaw. Although he was considered a favorite for the job, he lost the election to Washington, D.C.–based attorney DeMaurice Smith.[8]

Life after the NFL

[edit]

Armstrong formerly served as the agent for Penn State Nittany Lions coach James Franklin, former NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer, former Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, former Tennessee head coach Butch Jones, former Kansas Jayhawks head coach Les Miles, former Texas Longhorns head coach Tom Herman, and Houston Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen, among others. He is also the agent for several broadcasters such as Peter Gammons, Chris Mortensen, Dan Le Batard, and Stugotz (John Weiner). Armstrong currently lives in his former college hometown, Gainesville, Florida, with his wife Tami and three sons.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Trace Armstrong

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Raymond Lester "Trace" Armstrong III (born October 5, 1965) is an American former professional football and . Armstrong played at the after transferring from Arizona State, where he earned first-team All-American recognition as a senior in 1988. Selected by the in the first round (12th overall) of the , he appeared in 211 games over 15 seasons with the Bears (1989–1994), (1995–2000), and (2001–2003), recording 106 sacks, 619 tackles, and 23 forced fumbles. During his playing career, Armstrong also served as president of the NFL Players Association from 1996 to 2004, overseeing initiatives such as the league's first nutritional supplements program to help players comply with banned substance rules. After retiring, Armstrong joined Athletes First as an agent, building a roster that includes prominent college football coaches such as Urban Meyer and Kevin Sumlin, as well as NFL executives and coaches. His representation of multiple Chicago Bears personnel—including general manager Ryan Poles, former head coach Matt Eberflus, and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron—has fueled concerns about undue agent influence in team hiring processes, prompting scrutiny from NFL officials and reports highlighting patterns of client placements within the organization.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and High School

Armstrong was born on October 5, 1965, in Bethesda, Maryland, and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, where he played football as an offensive lineman. As a senior in 1983, measuring 6 feet 5 inches and 220 pounds, Armstrong received second-team all-state recognition in Class 3A from The Birmingham News.

College Career

Armstrong began his career at , where he played as a defensive lineman during his early years. He transferred to the prior to his senior season in , reportedly due to academic or eligibility issues at Arizona State that necessitated the move. In his lone season with the , Armstrong excelled as a , starting all 11 games and registering 59 tackles, including 7 sacks for a loss of 53 yards. His performance earned him first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors and consensus first-team All-American recognition from the , , and . These accolades highlighted Armstrong's disruptive presence on the Gators' defensive line, contributing to a unit that allowed just 14.5 points per game that year, and positioned him as a top NFL prospect, leading to his selection in the first round of the 1989 draft.

NFL Playing Career

Chicago Bears

Armstrong was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round (12th overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida. He signed a four-year contract worth a reported $2.2 million on August 19, 1989. As a rookie defensive end, Armstrong started 14 of 15 games, recording 5.0 sacks and contributing to the Bears' defensive line alongside veterans like Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael. Over his six seasons with the Bears from 1989 to 1994, Armstrong established himself as a consistent pass rusher, amassing 42.0 sacks in 88 regular-season games, all but one of which he started. His breakout year came in 1990 with 10.0 sacks, followed by a career-high 11.5 sacks in 1993, during which he also forced a league-leading 4 fumbles for the Bears. In the postseason, he appeared in 5 games (all starts), notching 4.0 sacks as the Bears reached the multiple times, including NFC Championship appearances in 1988 (pre-his tenure) and divisional rounds in later years.
SeasonGames PlayedGames StartedSacksCombined TacklesForced FumblesFumbles Recovered
198915145.08011
1990161610.08222
199112121.55600
199214146.57511
1993161611.55843
199415157.54120
Armstrong's tenure ended when the Bears traded him to the on April 4, 1995, in exchange for a second-round pick (56th overall, used on ) and a third-round pick (87th overall, used on Evan Pilgrim). His 42.0 sacks rank him among the Bears' historical defensive leaders, though below franchise icons like .

Miami Dolphins

Armstrong joined the through a trade from the Chicago Bears on April 5, 1995, in exchange for the Dolphins' second- and third-round picks in the upcoming NFL draft. The acquisition aimed to strengthen Miami's , positioning him primarily as a wearing number 93. Over six seasons from 1995 to 2000, he appeared in 95 games, amassing 56.5 sacks, 190 combined tackles (130 solo, 60 assisted), and 17 forced fumbles, establishing himself as a key rotational contributor on the defensive line despite variable starting roles. His performance peaked in 2000, when he recorded a career-high 16.5 sacks—leading the AFC—along with 34 combined tackles and a league-high 7 forced fumbles for , earning his sole selection and Second-Team honors that year. This standout campaign highlighted his effectiveness as a situational pass rusher, often deployed in pass-heavy packages alongside teammate Jason Taylor, who recorded 14.5 sacks that season. Armstrong's Dolphins tenure ended after the 2000 season, as he signed with the as an unrestricted on March 5, 2001.
YearGames PlayedSacksCombined Tackles (Solo/Assisted)Forced Fumbles
1995154.526 (21/5)2
19961612.033 (22/11)3
1997165.547 (25/22)3
19981610.522 (20/2)1
1999167.528 (18/10)1
20001616.534 (24/10)7
Totals (1995–2000): 95 games, 56.5 sacks, 190 combined tackles (130/60), 17 forced fumbles.

Oakland Raiders

Armstrong signed with the as an unrestricted on March 5, 2001, agreeing to a six-year contract reported to be worth approximately $18.5 million, aimed at bolstering the team's following his productive tenure with the . In 2001, his debut season with the Raiders, Armstrong appeared in just three games without a start, limited by depth chart position or minor issues, and recorded 0.5 sacks along with four combined tackles. He saw expanded action in 2002, playing 15 regular-season games with eight starts and contributing 4.0 sacks, 20 combined tackles, one —his career high, achieved in a 28-16 victory over the on December 22—one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery; he also appeared in one postseason game. During the 2003 season, Armstrong started seven of ten games, posting 3.0 sacks and 16 combined tackles before sustaining a injury that led to placement on injured reserve on January 15, followed by an injury on November 19 that ended his year. Across three seasons (2001–2003), he participated in 28 games with 15 starts, accumulating 7.5 sacks—including his 100th career sack—one , and one fumble recovery, providing veteran depth to the rotation amid the Raiders' competitive playoff pushes. The Raiders released him on March 2, 2004, as he approached age 37.

NFL Players Association Involvement

Presidency and Key Negotiations

Trace Armstrong was elected president of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) on March 16, 1996, and served four consecutive two-year terms until March 29, 2004. During his tenure, which overlapped with executive director Gene Upshaw's leadership, the union focused on enhancing player welfare programs amid a period of relative labor stability, avoiding major work stoppages while the NFL's revenue grew significantly from television deals and expansion. Armstrong, who had previously served as a player representative for the Chicago Bears and on the NFLPA Executive Committee, collaborated closely with Upshaw in negotiations, drawing on his experience as an active player to advocate for contract terms and benefits. A key initiative under Armstrong's presidency was the implementation of the NFLPA's first nutritional supplements program, designed to educate and test players on substances that could lead to positive results under the league's banned drug policies, thereby reducing inadvertent violations. In 2001, he spearheaded the launch of the NFLPA Financial Advisors Program, which provided players with vetted financial guidance to manage earnings and avoid common post-career pitfalls like , addressing data showing that a significant portion of players faced financial distress within years of . These programs reflected a proactive shift toward preventive player support rather than reactive litigation. Armstrong also played a role in labor negotiations during this era, including the 1998 extension of the agreement (CBA), which adjusted the mechanism and incorporated revenue from deals, ensuring continued without disruption to the season. The extension, ratified amid rising league valuations, maintained the 's tie to designated gross revenue while introducing flexibility for player contracts, contributing to labor peace through 2003. His efforts emphasized long-term financial security and health protections, setting precedents for future union priorities.

Post-Retirement Career

Founding of Sports Agency

After retiring from the following the 2003 season with the , Trace Armstrong transitioned into sports agency work, initially representing coaches rather than players. His entry into the field occurred informally when a former coach, whom he declined to name, sought his assistance in negotiating a , leading Armstrong to describe the development as happening "by accident." This experience, built on his prior leadership as NFL Players Association president from 1996 to 2004, positioned him to advise on labor and contract matters. Armstrong formally began building a coaching client roster in late 2009, starting with coach , who contacted him while Armstrong was driving to . By focusing on relationship-driven representation rather than high-volume player deals, Armstrong differentiated his practice, emphasizing character and long-term advisory roles over transactional negotiations. He initially operated independently before affiliating with established firms, representing coaches in contract extensions and hires at programs like and . In the mid-2010s, Armstrong joined (CAA) Sports to expand his operations, handling negotiations for prominent college coaches. This affiliation provided resources for scaling, though he maintained a selective clientele centered on football coaches and executives. In September 2016, he moved to Athletes First as and director of coaching, where he contributed to launching and growing the agency's coaches division amid a reported dispute with CAA over his status. This shift marked a consolidation of his practice within one of the NFL's leading agencies, which had been founded in 2001 by Brian Murphy and .

Representation of Players and Coaches

Armstrong established himself as a prominent specializing in the representation of football coaches and executives following his retirement in 2003. Initially affiliated with CAA Sports, he built a roster of elite college head coaches, including of Ohio State, of Texas A&M, of West Virginia, and Brian Kelly of Notre Dame, negotiating contracts that reflected their market value amid competitive hiring cycles. In September 2016, Armstrong transitioned to Athletes First as and director of , expanding his practice to include personnel. At Athletes First, he has represented head coaches such as (formerly ), (formerly ), and Kevin O'Connell ( Vikings), as well as general managers including (Bears), John Schneider (), and (). His client list also encompasses offensive coordinators and other coaching staff, such as former Bears assistants Mark Helfrich, , and , alongside continued college representation like Penn State's James Franklin and former coach . Armstrong's approach emphasizes long-term advisory roles, leveraging his PA experience to secure deals with performance incentives and stability clauses, though his portfolio shows no prominent NFL player representations, focusing instead on and front-office talent.

Influence and Controversies in NFL Hiring

Role in Coaching and Executive Placements

Trace Armstrong serves as a partner and director of coaching at Athletes First, where he represents a roster of NFL coaches and executives, negotiating contracts and advising on career moves that have led to numerous high-profile placements. His clients include head coaches Matt Nagy, hired by the Chicago Bears in 2018; Matt Eberflus, hired by the Bears in 2022; and Kevin O’Connell, hired by the Minnesota Vikings as head coach. Armstrong has also facilitated executive hires, such as Ryan Poles as Bears general manager in 2022, John Schneider as Seattle Seahawks general manager, and Terry Fontenot as Atlanta Falcons general manager. His influence is particularly pronounced with the Bears, stemming from his history as a former player for the team and established relationships with ownership, including chairman and ex-president , enabling consultations on hiring beyond mere representation. Since 2018, Athletes First clients under Armstrong have filled multiple Bears roles, including offensive coordinators Mark Helfrich (2018), (2022), and (2024), often through coordinated "package deals" pairing coaches with executives, as seen with Poles and Eberflus in 2022. In December 2021, Armstrong explored a top management position with the Bears, potentially bundling it with State head coach Ryan Day as a package hire, though the arrangement did not materialize. Armstrong's portfolio extends to other active candidates, such as offensive coordinator Joe Brady, positioned for head coaching opportunities, and historically includes during his 2006 hiring. His approach emphasizes long-term program support in negotiations, drawing from his NFL Players Association background to prioritize structural needs alongside compensation.

Criticisms of Conflicts of Interest and

Criticisms of Trace Armstrong's influence in hiring processes have centered on perceived conflicts of interest arising from his agency's representation of multiple executives and coaches within the same organizations, particularly the . Athletes First, where Armstrong serves as vice president and director of coaching, represented Bears general manager , head coach , offensive coordinator , and former offensive coordinator , among others, leading to accusations that hiring decisions prioritized personal networks over merit. These placements, including the 2022 hires of Poles and Eberflus who met at an Athletes First summit prior to their selections, have been cited as examples of "package deals" where agents bundle candidates to secure multiple commissions, potentially compromising independent evaluation. League officials and rival agents have highlighted risks of , arguing that shared representation creates incentives for general managers to retain underperforming coaches to preserve agent relationships, as seen in the Bears' extension of Eberflus despite mediocre results. One anonymous coaching agent remarked, "I’ve never seen one agent have so much influence on one team and had so little success," pointing to the Bears' ongoing struggles despite heavy reliance on Armstrong's clients since 2018. Commissioner expressed concerns about such agent-driven dynamics in a 2023 meeting with agents, noting they obscure transparent hiring and exacerbate diversity issues, with only 16.6% of package-deal candidates in 2023 being people of color. Broader critiques portray the practice as fostering an "old boys' club" within the league, where super-agencies like Athletes First—representing 20 head coaches and 20 general managers entering the 2024 season—dominate placements across teams like the Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns, limiting competition and fresh perspectives. Agent Brian Fletcher described the business as "completely contaminated" by relationship-driven hires, while Fritz Pollard Alliance executive Brian Graves attributed agents' outsized role to teams' lack of sophisticated internal processes. These patterns have drawn repeated scrutiny over the past several years, with the Bears identified as a prime example of over-dependence on one agent's network, potentially undermining the Rooney Rule's intent to broaden candidate pools.

Legacy and Impact

Achievements in Labor Representation

During his tenure as president of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) from 1996 to 2003—the longest of any player president—Armstrong oversaw a period of labor stability, with no strikes, lockouts, or major antitrust lawsuits disrupting the league. This era emphasized proactive player protections rather than adversarial confrontations, including advocacy for stricter agent regulations to safeguard athletes from exploitative contracts and enhanced helmet safety standards to mitigate injury risks. As a member of the Joint NFL/NFLPA Safety Committee, he pushed for mandatory heat acclimation and conditioning protocols during training camps, contributing to improved player health protocols amid rising concerns over exertional heat illnesses. Armstrong spearheaded several innovative programs to bolster player welfare and performance. In 2001, he launched the NFLPA Financial Advisors Program, providing certified guidance to help players manage earnings and avoid common post-career financial pitfalls, an initiative that addressed the high bankruptcy rates among retired athletes documented in league studies. He also initiated the NFLPA's first nutritional supplements program, designed to educate players on avoiding substances banned under the NFL's performance-enhancing , thereby reducing inadvertent violations and supporting fair competition. These efforts reflected a focus on long-term player sustainability, extending labor representation beyond immediate contract disputes to preventive measures against health and financial vulnerabilities. In 2002, Armstrong contributed to the formation of the NFL Diversity Committee, which laid the groundwork for the requiring teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior executive positions, promoting equitable opportunities influenced by player advocacy for broader industry inclusion. Additionally, he prioritized educating younger players on union history and rights, fostering informed participation in labor matters and strengthening the NFLPA's internal cohesion. These accomplishments underscored his emphasis on player empowerment through education, safety, and systemic reforms, enhancing the union's role in negotiating holistic benefits within frameworks.

Evaluations of Agency Influence

Trace Armstrong's affiliation with Athletes First since 2016 has positioned the agency's coaching division as a significant force in executive and coaching placements, particularly through Armstrong's representation of high-profile clients. The agency has secured roles for clients including general manager and in a joint 2022 hiring, as well as former Bears offensive coordinators , , and Mark Helfrich, alongside . Other placements include Kevin O'Connell, general manager John Schneider, and general manager . This track record demonstrates the agency's leverage in bundling candidates, often leveraging Armstrong's personal ties from his playing career with the Bears. Evaluations of the agency's influence highlight both relational strengths and structural risks. Proponents credit Armstrong's approach with fostering long-term client loyalty through character-driven advocacy, enabling Athletes First to expand from fewer than 30 clients pre-2016 to a broader portfolio of and college figures. However, critics argue that concentrated placements, such as the Bears' reliance on Armstrong-represented personnel since 2018—including two dismissed head and multiple coordinators—have yielded suboptimal on-field results, with posting inconsistent records under these hires. An anonymous remarked, "I’ve never seen one agent have so much influence on one team and had so little success," underscoring perceptions of diminished merit-based competition. League-wide scrutiny has intensified, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressing concerns over agents engineering "package deals" that prioritize clusters of represented talent, potentially circumventing broader candidate pools and exacerbating underrepresentation of minority hires. Armstrong's outsized role with the Bears, described as greater than with any other team, exemplifies how individual agent networks can embed within front offices, raising questions about conflicts where agents advocate for their clients' subordinates or successors. While no formal rules prohibit such dynamics, the NFL has signaled intent to monitor and possibly regulate agent involvement in hiring to promote independence, viewing it as a threat to competitive integrity despite the absence of direct evidence of impropriety.

References

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