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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In this conversation, the host

Justin King

and

Ryan Mundy

discuss the evolving landscape of college sports, particularly focusing on the implications of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) for athletes. They reflect on their personal experiences, the opportunities and challenges presented by NIL, and the importance of financial literacy for young athletes. The discussion also delves into the pressures of receiving offers, the transition to college football, and the significance of technical skills in the sport. In this conversation, J. King and Ryan discuss the journey of transitioning positions in football, the importance of understanding one's value as an athlete, and the significance of authenticity in personal branding. They delve into the challenges faced during the transfer portal experience and emphasize the need for self-awareness and confidence in navigating the sports landscape. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of athlete evaluation and players' need to leverage their unique strengths in a competitive environment.

Chapters

00:00 Weekend Reflections and Introduction to NIL

02:50 Opportunities and Concerns of NIL for Athletes

06:04 Navigating the Business of Sports

09:00 The Pressure of Offers and Evaluations

11:59 The Transition to College Football

15:00 Expectations and Reality in College Football

17:55 Technical Skills vs. Athletic Ability

26:31 Transitioning Positions: The Journey of a Player

30:40 Understanding Value: The Athlete's Proposition

34:06 Authenticity in Branding: Being True to Yourself

38:28 Navigating the Transfer Portal: A Personal Experience

45:22 Leveraging Value: The Athlete's Game Plan

50:11 Final Thoughts: Confidence and Self-Awareness

Subscribe to the Blue Chip Academy Podcast — where the game meets guidance. Learn the moves, protect your value, and get the tools to navigate the new world of sports. Don’t get left behind.

If you're serious about your career, tap in with L.I.G. Sports Group. We help athletes move smarter, build real value, and win on and off the field. Visit L.I.G. Sports Group to get started.

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“Draft Day Ain’t the Dream—It’s the Deal.”

In this episode of Blue Chip Academy, hosts J. King and Ryan Mundy discuss the intricacies of the NFL draft experience, sharing personal stories and insights on the emotional journey of being drafted. They explore the expectations versus reality of the draft process, the importance of family support, and the transition from college to professional football. The conversation delves into the commodification of athletes and the significance of self-worth in navigating the business of sports. In this conversation, Ryan Mundy and J. King discuss the multifaceted journey of athletes transitioning into the NFL, emphasizing the importance of versatility, the commodification of athletes, and the need for mental health awareness. They explore the challenges of maintaining identity beyond football, the physical and mental adjustments required in the league, and the significance of self-care and personal development. The discussion highlights the realities of being a professional athlete and the importance of preparing for life after a career in sports.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blue Chip Academy and New Perspectives

01:50 Draft Day Experiences: A Personal Journey

04:30 The Emotional Rollercoaster of the Draft

06:52 The Reality of Being Drafted: Expectations vs. Reality

10:01 Family Dynamics and Support During the Draft

12:37 Understanding the Business of Football

15:50 The Transition from College to Professional Football

19:16 Navigating the Commodification of Athletes

21:08 The Importance of Self-Worth in Professional Sports

22:57 The Importance of Versatility in Football

26:38 Commodification of Athletes: The New Reality

30:23 Understanding Identity Beyond Football

37:34 Transitioning to the NFL: Challenges and Adjustments

44:01 Taking Care of the Athlete's Body and Mind

If you're serious about navigating this game the right way—not just chasing offers, but building a sustainable career—tap in with L.I.G. Sports Group. We don’t sell hype. We guide athletes and families through the chaos with real strategy, insight, and results. From recruiting to representation, we help you move like a pro before you get paid like one.

And if you're struggling with the mental weight of this journey—because trust, it's heavy—check out Alkeme Health. They provide real, culturally competent support for elite performers at every level.

This is your future. Don’t guess. Get guidance.

Subscribe to the Blue Chip Academy Podcast—where the game meets guidance. Stay ahead of the curve, protect your value, and don’t get washed in this nuanced business we call sports. The game’s changed… we help you play it right.”

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Welcome back to the Blue Chip Academy podcast! We are talking to Victor Patterson, Human Resources Executive, and Talent and Leadership Consultant.

He is revealing some amazing and extremely valuable insights on skills, competencies, and experiences needed to be successful in corporate America. It’s a very competitive environment that requires a lot of hard work and improvement.

[00:00] Characteristics of a good intern
[05:50] The importance of personal image and brand
[07:58] Self-awareness, humility, and curiousness
[09:54] Managing performance and growth
[13:38] Succession planning
[15:51] 4 ingredients needed for a dream team
[18:55] Next 5 years in Victor’s career
[20:05] Mentors and sponsorships
[23:59] Have a relationship with an HR member

Don't forget to like the video, subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss another Podcast Thanks for watching.

Connect with Justin and the Blue Chip Academy on Social Media:
https://linktr.ee/JKingLIG

Blue Chip Academy Website 👉 https://www.ligsports.com/
Blue Chip Acadey Podcast 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1877734
Blue Chip Acadey Apple Podcast 👉 https://cutt.ly/aBdoCI9
Blue Chip Recruiting Checklist 👉 https://www.ligsports.com/bluechipacademy

► FOLLOW US IF YOU WANT TO STALK ME ELSEWHERE!
• Blue Chip Academy FB Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/478337263745863
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/theking1
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/l.i.g._sports_group/

For Business: jking@ligsports.com

#recruiting #football #scholarship #business #scouting #track #collegeselection #bluechipacademypodcast #justinking #football #coaching #power_5 #Parents #Free #evaluation #talent |#strategy #speed #power #coaching #camps #elite #consulting #bluechipacademy #education #nike #athletes #football_players #Division1#offer #9th_Grade #Earn #Leisure #your #passion #NCAA #Transfer_Portal #outlier #championship #nil
#football #consulting #football #inspiration #players #Sports_Consulting #Success #Interview #sports #interview #business #football_player_success_story #coaching_programs
#Soccer

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Welcome back to the Blue Chip Academy podcast! Our guest today is Victor Patterson, Vice President, Human Resources Executive, and Talent and Leadership Consultant.

Transitioning from sports to corporate America is tough and challenging. It can be very hard for an athlete to adapt to a change in culture and mindset.

Hear how Victor Patterson overcame these obstacles and successfully found his place in the new environment. He shares his experience on how to use skills gained through sports to provide value and strive in corporate America.

[00:00] Victor Patterson’s background
[04:25] Cerebral and critical thinking skills
[07:45] Transition from basketball to corporate America
[15:20] Can you prepare yourself for the transition
[21:12] Coming into Human Resources
[24:05] Relationship-building skills in corporate America
[29:18] How can an athlete provide value to networking

Don't forget to like the video, subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss another Podcast Thanks for watching.

Connect with Justin and the Blue Chip Academy on Social Media:
https://linktr.ee/JKingLIG

Blue Chip Academy Website 👉 https://www.ligsports.com/
Blue Chip Acadey Podcast 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1877734
Blue Chip Acadey Apple Podcast 👉 https://cutt.ly/aBdoCI9
Blue Chip Recruiting Checklist 👉 https://www.ligsports.com/bluechipacademy

► FOLLOW US IF YOU WANT TO STALK ME ELSEWHERE!
• Blue Chip Academy FB Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/478337263745863
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/theking1
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/l.i.g._sports_group/

For Business: jking@ligsports.com

#recruiting #football #scholarship #business #scouting #track #collegeselection #bluechipacademypodcast #justinking #football #coaching #power_5 #Parents #Free #evaluation #talent |#strategy #speed #power #coaching #camps #elite #consulting #bluechipacademy #education #nike #athletes #football_players #Division1#offer #9th_Grade #Earn #Leisure #your #passion #NCAA #Transfer_Portal #outlier #championship #nil
#football #consulting #football #inspiration #players #Sports_Consulting #Success #Interview #sports #interview #business #football_player_success_story #coaching_programs
#Soccer

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In this episode of the Blue Chip Academy Podcast, we are still with our guest Andy Frank, a General Manager of Personnel and Recruitment at Penn State University.

We are talking about the importance of young players having guidance from someone experienced, agents that do not necessarily have the best interest of a player in mind, checking the boxes in the evaluation process, different recruiting strategies, common traits of the elite, and so much more!

[00:00] The impact of money on the recruiting process
[04:20] Are agents beneficial for young players?
[10:25] How to limit the craziness in the recruiting space?
[16:13] Checking the boxes - main traits recruiters look for in prospects
[22:25] Vanderbilt vs Penn State recruiting process
[26:54] Career development advice
[34:43] Common denominator of the elites

Don't forget to like the video, subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss another Podcast Thanks for watching.

Connect with Justin and the Blue Chip Academy on Social Media:
https://linktr.ee/JKingLIG

Blue Chip Academy Website 👉 https://www.ligsports.com/
Blue Chip Acadey Podcast 👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1877734
Blue Chip Acadey Apple Podcast 👉 https://cutt.ly/aBdoCI9
Blue Chip Recruiting Checklist 👉 https://www.ligsports.com/bluechipacademy

► FOLLOW US IF YOU WANT TO STALK ME ELSEWHERE!
• Blue Chip Academy FB Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/478337263745863
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/theking1
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/l.i.g._sports_group/

For Business: jking@ligsports.com

#recruiting #football #scholarship #business #scouting #track #collegeselection #bluechipacademypodcast #justinking #football #coaching #power_5 #Parents #Free #evaluation #talent |#strategy #speed #power #coaching #camps #elite #consulting #bluechipacademy #education #nike #athletes #football_players #Division1#offer #9th_Grade #Earn #Leisure #your #passion #NCAA #Transfer_Portal #outlier #championship #nil
#football #consulting #football #inspiration #players #Sports_Consulting #Success #Interview #sports #interview #business #football_player_success_story #coaching_programs
#Soccer

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