In this insightful episode of the Blue Chip Academy Podcast, former NFL players and sports industry leaders Ryan Mundy and Justin King dive deep into the broken model of athlete representation and the increasingly early commodification of young athletes in the NIL era.

From middle school NIL deals and high school athlete branding to the flawed incentive structures of sports agents, this episode is a must-listen for sports parents, student-athletes, coaches, and anyone serious about navigating the evolving sports business ecosystem.

Justin King, founder of L.I.G. Sports Group, breaks down the truth about what certified agents actually do, the development gap most families overlook, and how to build a strong athlete support system before money ever enters the picture. The conversation unpacks how today’s athletes must think like independent contractors, build personal brands, and approach their career with a CEO mindset.

If you're looking to understand how to support your athlete in the NIL landscape, why sports asset management is the future, and how to transition from chasing offers to building real value—this episode gives you the blueprint.

NIL, athlete representation, sports asset management, youth athlete development, building athlete brand, NIL for middle school, student-athlete support system, CEO mindset for athletes, Blue Chip Academy, Justin King, Ryan Mundy, LIG Sports Group, youth sports business, navigating the NIL era

Episode 57: Redefining Athlete Representation: Builders vs. Chasers

In today’s episode of Blue Chip Academy, Ryan Mundy and Justin King discuss:

• The commodification of young athletes in the NIL era
• Why the current model of representation is broken
• The myth of the all-in-one agent
• Developing a true support ecosystem
• How parents and coaches can be the difference
• The CEO mindset every athlete must adopt

🚨 Whether you’re a sports parent, athlete, or coach—this episode will change the way you think about athlete development and the business behind the game.

📩 Learn more about building real value at ligsports.com

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Episode Summary: In this powerful and honest episode of the Blue Chip Academy podcast, former NFL athletes and sports business experts Justin King and Ryan Mundy pull back the curtain on the most overlooked force in athlete development: parents. From NIL to college recruiting to youth sports, they explore how a parent's involvement can either position their child for greatness or unknowingly hinder long-term success.

The conversation dives into:

• Archetypes of sports parents (good & bad): Helicopter Parents, Investor Parents, Coaches from the Stands, and more
• How to empower your child without overstepping
• When living through your child crosses the line
• The critical value of family assets in a world that commodifies young athletes
• Lessons learned from their own parents are now being passed down to their daughters
• Why support doesn’t stop at a scholarship or NFL draft night—it just begins

Key Themes:

• Becoming a "Blue Chip Parent"
• Dual-lane athlete branding (on-field performance + off-field development)
• Preparing your athlete to navigate the business, not just play the game
• Recognizing when you need to step back vs when you need to step up

Don't guess your way through your child's athletic journey. Tap into LIG Sports Group and get the guidance, strategy, and education to help your athlete grow into a trustworthy, high-value asset in today’s chaotic sports ecosystem. Enroll in the Recruiting Business Masterclass, available now at LIG Sports, and subscribe to the Blue Chip Academy newsletter for weekly insights.

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Character Counts: Building Value On and Off the Field

Overview:
In this episode of the Blue Chip Academy Podcast, hosts Justin King and Ryan Mundy deliver a raw, real conversation around one of the most misunderstood and high-stakes factors in sports: character. They explore how elite athletes are evaluated for their performance and identity, mindset, and behavior off the field. From Shaduer Sanders’ intentional early NFL steps to George Pickens’ trade and the case of Chase Claypool, this episode breaks down how character—and how it’s perceived—can define or derail a career.

Core Themes & Insights:

• Execution & Growth: Justin’s personal focus in year 38 is execution. The duo reflects on growth, legacy, and what it means to stay sharp while building something meaningful beyond sports.
• Father Figures & Development: A powerful sidebar around Jalen Brunson’s success sparks a call for a future episode about the role of fathers in athlete development—and the difference between a supportive asset and a controlling liability in the parenting dynamic.
• Shaduer’s Transition: Shedeur Sanders is entering the league with a strong, intentional approach. Justin and Ryan unpack the difference between valuation (pre-draft narrative) and operation (what you do in the building). His character off the field is being tested and reshaped, and his moves reflect a playbook built for longevity—not just flash.
• Character ≠ Politeness: Justin challenges the conventional definition of “character,” distinguishing between humanistic character and elite sports character. Using examples like Michael Jordan, Micah Parsons, and Antonio Brown, they show how traits that make you elite in competition might contradict traits praised in everyday society—but both matter in the business of sports.
• Talent vs. Tolerance: A recurring lesson—"Talent equals tolerance." If your talent is undeniable, teams will tolerate a lot. But the moment your value dips, everything changes. They discuss how players must be aware of the thresholds—like Pickens being moved from Pittsburgh—and the implications for athletes watching.
• Commodification Process: Athletes are developed in systems that prize production over humanity. Justin shares how athletes are often unaware of what they’re being judged on outside of stats. He offers a breakdown: exposure metrics (40, bench, etc.), internal value (coachability, accountability, awareness), and how those are evaluated through trust.
• Choosing the Right Culture: Ryan opens up about choosing Michigan over Notre Dame, emphasizing the importance of knowing where to thrive culturally. Justin explains how culture and brand identity (e.g. being a "Michigan Man") start shaping your long-term value the moment you enroll.
• Networking & Real Relationships: They unpack the flawed advice given to athletes about networking. It’s not just showing up—it’s knowing how to provide value in a room. Athletes must learn how to pivot the conversation from football to business, career, or mission.

“Trust compounds. Just like interest." –

Ryan Mundy

If you're an athlete, coach, or parent trying to make sense of how to navigate this system—beyond just hype—subscribe to the Blue Chip Academy Podcast.

To prepare for the business of sports, check out L.I.G. Sports Group's Recruiting Business Masterclass and personalized Blueprint to Success Advisory programs.

Built by Pros. Backed by Proven Strategy. Tap in—don’t get left behind.

L.I.G. Sports Group

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