We are excited to introduce you to Brandon Walker-Roby, who has made a name for himself thanks to his determination and excellence in all areas of his life. He was a standout wide receiver for the University of Indiana's football team for four years, foreshadowing the success that would follow in his career. Brandon went on to play professional football in the AFL and CFL, showcasing his athletic prowess. But his story doesn't end there on the football field. A new chapter begins in Brandon's life as he transitioned from the gridiron to the corporate world where he has had a remarkable career at Nike.

From Dreaming of Sports Broadcasting to Landing the Right Fit in Sports Marketing

Brandon's journey in sports did not follow the usual path, but that’s precisely why there is so much to learn from it, particularly the value of determination and adaptability. Although he initially aimed to be like Stuart Scott on ESPN, his career took unexpected turns, as many of ours will. While focusing on building a career in sports broadcasting, he remained open to other opportunities in the sports industry. For example, his dedication to building solid relationships paid off when he secured a valuable internship as a sports reporter. Armed with a degree in Communications - Sports Broadcasting and real-world experience, Brandon made a lasting impression during the internship, positioning himself for future success and proving the saying, "Who you know will get you in the door, what you know will seal the deal."

Transitioning From Athletic Achievements to Thriving in the Business World

The attributes that have led to Brandon's continued success can be traced back to his athletic achievements, particularly his professional football career. He developed a keen understanding of teamwork from playing, which he has successfully applied throughout his corporate journey. His ability to collaborate, lead, and communicate effectively became the foundation for his success in the business world, just like in the field.

However, transitioning from being an athlete to working in the sports industry proved to be a humbling experience for Brandon. He competed with professionals who had years of experience in the industry he was entering. Despite this, Brandon leveraged his athletic background to set himself apart from the rest and showcase the qualities that made him a valuable teammate and player. This allowed him to secure his first role in brand marketing. Over the next 11+ years at the Swoosh, Brandon worked his way up through the brand marketing football department.

Brandon's experience is "stacked" - each role had short-term goals contributing to long-term vision. A common mistake among young professionals is assuming they can achieve their long-term vision in one step. Brandon proves that it is essential to understand and articulate the milestones required to get there. It's important to break down your long-term vision into smaller 3 to 5-year goals and focus on reaching the next 1 to 1.5-year milestone to develop your skills and experience, as shown below.

Navigating the Complex Web of Athlete Businesses and Brands

Brandon is living his dream of working with some of the top NFL stars and has played an essential role in launching some of the most iconic products in the industry. His responsibilities include signing NFL players and playing a critical role in enhancing the performance of these athletes, fostering creative connections, and supporting their professional growth. However, while this position can sometimes be glamorous, the intricacies involved in the everyday work are crucial. Brandon needs to deeply understand the ecosystem around each athlete, as each athlete is unique and has different needs and desires. The agent, parents, siblings, friends, and teams around the athlete also have requirements that must be considered.

Brandon has learned how to navigate the interconnected world of athlete businesses and brands with finesse. He builds and nurtures relationships with key stakeholders while balancing the company’s needs. To achieve success, Brandon continuously collaborates with various departments, such as product, communications, and brand marketing, to drive the highest return on investment for the partnership with the signed athlete. It's difficult, but Brandon handles it thoughtfully while maintaining his authenticity and integrity. His success lies in his ability to collaborate, tell a compelling story, involve the right individuals to support his vision, and persuade others internally and externally to invest in it. Based on his experiences, Brandon advises aspiring young students and professionals to "find their path because there is no single way to break into the industry." The sports world is full of diverse stories and opportunities, and building solid relationships is essential to unlocking the doors to success.