Show Me The Money - Drew Rosenhaus

Everyone is familiar with the famous line from the 1996 Cameron Crowe comedy-drama movie Jerry McGuire – “Show me the money!” in which Tom Cruise portrays a struggling sports agent who is trying to sign a reluctant, yet charismatic and confident football player – played by Cuba Gooding, Jr. – who will bring McGuire the fame and fortune he so desperately seeks.

What many people may no t realize is Jerry McGuire’s nemesis; Bob Sugar – played by Jay Mohr – was based on real life NFL sports agent Drew Rosenhaus, one of the franchises most antagonistic sports agents.

Often criticized for his unethical practices and blatant disregard for NFL rules, Rosenhaus will approach NFL players who are represented by other sports agents and try to ‘steal’ them away or persuade them into joining his firm Rosenhaus Sports Representation which he began when he was merely 22 years old. Rosenhaus is a topnotch tough negotiator and is known for his aggressively securing large contracts for his clients. He currently represents over 100 of some of the best players in the NFL. Several players have spoken out against his practices which clearly violate the NFL Player’s Association (NFLPA) rules and practices, although there are no charges pending against Rosenhaus by the NFLPA despite repeat complaints from players and coaches. Rosenhaus often used NFL players, mainly University of Miami Alumni, his alma Mata, to talk with other NFL players who maybe under contract with other agencies. This is also a violation of the NFLPA rules.

Being an NFL sports agent is an extremely lucrative business for Rosenhaus who also parlayed his success into several ‘on air’ opportunities for himself. He has appeared in several movies, including a cameo in Jerry McGuire, several television commercials including one for Burger King and has a weekly scheduled appearance on WSVN’s Sunday night weekly sports wrap-up talk show. It is rumored that Rosenhaus generates an income of 10 percent, of their total salary signed for, so from every player he represents, if you multiply that out by the over 100 players, well, that’s just a lot of money.

Rosenhaus represented four New Orleans Saints and two of the Indianapolis Colts in the 2010 Super Bowl. The Saints Rosenhaus represents include Bobby McCray, defensive end; Buck Ortega, tight end; Jeremy Shockey, tight end and Paul Spicer, defensive end. On the other end of the field at Sunday’s big game, Rosenhaus represented Indianapolis Colts Keiwan Ratliff, cornerback and Chad Simpson, running back.

Rosenhaus, who was born in New Jersey but moved to Tampa Bay, Florida when he was very young, hosted several different Super Bowl parties on Sunday.