Our Commitment
We attribute our success over the last twenty-two years to hard work, honesty, a passion for the game, and our total commitment to our clients.
- Honesty and integrity should never be sacrificed.
- Agents should know football.
- Players should be treated as family, not just clients.
- Phone calls should always be returned.
- Every player should receive their maximum value.
What We Offer Our Clients:
- Pre-Draft Preparation & Evaluation
- Contract Negotiations
- Marketing
- Money Management
- Post Career
Joseph Linta
President | NFL Agent
“Of the approximately 800 NFLPA-certified agents, few command the attention of NFL front offices—or operate in unconventional ways—like Linta.” – Sports Illustrated
• Yale University (’83), Defensive Tackle
• 9 Years as a College Assistant Coach
• NFLPA Licensed Agent since 1990
• Negotiated the largest contract ever for an NFL player.
Nicholas Linta
Vice President of Football Operations | NFL Agent
Nicholas is Joe’s oldest son and has been around football since the day he was born. Playing at Hamden Hall and serving as a captain for the team he got to learn about the game first hand from Joe. He graduated from Fordham University with a degree in Business Administration, minor in economics and concentrating in Marketing and Management. He has also earned a masters from Northcentral University in Sports Management. Nicholas has developed a great eye for talent after countless hours of film study with Joe and has already begun to spot some promising talent for the future of the company.
TJ Linta
VP Operations | NFL Agent
TJ is Joe’s youngest son and has played football since Day 1. He went from youth football all the way to the NFL, signing a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in Business Economics. He has also earned a Master’s from Wagner College in Media Management. TJ has the guidance needed for any player looking to move from College football into the NFL. From his own personal experience, he can help any player Navigate the draft process from start to finish. As well as a deep understanding of NFL front office landscapes.
Jeremy Cohen
NFL Agent | Head of Marketing
Jeremy has been working in the industry since before graduating from college. Jeremy started early in wanting to learn the business of athlete representation, starting as an intern and working towards being a certified NFL agent. Jeremy focuses on client growth and marketing opportunities for players. He is an out of the box thinker with a competitive edge. He also played varsity football for Castleton University as a linebacker, having a love for the game on and off the field. Jeremy also graduated from Manhattanville College with a Master’s of Science in Marketing.
Logan Burns
NFL Agent
Logan got his first opportunity in the sports world before he graduated college when he focused on marketing and player analysis for Ascend Athletics and quickly rose the ranks to VP of Marketing. Logan graduated from Milligan College with a concentration in Sports Management & Marketing along with a Legal Studies minor. Logan also went on to earn his Master’s of Business from the University of Cincinnati while working at Ascend Athletics. Once Logan became a certified NFL Agent, he joined JL Sports in October of 2021. Logan continues to reside in Cincinnati and looks forward to making a difference in the sports agency business.
Will Shields
Offensive Line Consultant
Following his college football career as a Nebraska Cornhusker and winning the Outland Trophy, Will played 14 seasons in the NFL – all with the Kansas City Chiefs – and is a 12-time Pro Bowler. Now a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Shields looks to train, prepare, and hone the skills of the next generation of NFL Offensive Linemen. Shields will review JL Sports’ prospects; film, work with them one-on-one to improve their technique, and mentor them on their path to the NFL. JL Sports is honored to have such a qualified and impressive member to our team, we know that as a past client of the agency Shields will certainly fit right in!
Lori Evon
Director of Client Services & Public Relations
Lori Evon is on staff with JL Sports in Marketing & Client Services. Lori has worked many years in the apparel industry. She also has an extensive background working with not for profit organizations, corporate sponsorship and event planning. She has been a member of the Walter Camp Football Foundation for over 10 years and is a member of the Board of Governors. Lori is is a graduate of Quinnipiac University.
James Cooper
NFL Agent | Brand Manager
James will serve as a certified NFLPA Contract Advisor while also specializing in recruiting, talent evaluations, contract negotiations, and brand development. He has been working in the client service industry with organizations such as the Miami Dolphins, AG Sports, and NCSA (Next College Student Athlete) after he graduated from Florida A&M University College of Law where he earned his J.D. James also played Defensive Back at Eastern Illinois University and now coaches DB’s and serves as the Defensive Coordinator for Coconut Creek High School in south Florida where he resides.
Eric Sharpe
NFL Agent
Eric has been working in the sports industry since his undergraduate days at Morehouse College. As an intern, he assisted in running summer camps and non-profit events for professional athletes. He also contributed to marketing strategies and business development ideas. After graduating from Morehouse, Eric earned a master’s degree in Sports Management from Adelphi University. Hailing from Alabama, Eric has been immersed in football throughout his life. His motivation to become an agent stems from his childhood dream of playing in the NFL, which he did not achieve. Eric is now a certified contract advisor in both the NFL and the NBA. His goal is to help his clients maximize their earnings, provide sound advice for career and life decisions, and ensure that they have a successful career and stable finances to be proud of after their playing days are over.
Fred Johnson
NFL Agent
Fred Johnson brings over 27 Years of corporate investment experience to our team. A graduate of Naval Nuclear Power School, Fred has worked extensively with both college and professional athletes, maximizing their individual opportunities for success in marketing and post-career planning. His commitment lies in assembling a team of individuals around the athlete, all focused on helping them identify and achieve their goals–both on the field and off. This holistic approach includes providing access to mental health services, financial resources, and mentorship.
Austin Pfenninger
NFL Agent
Austin has spent nearly all of his life around the game of football. Walking on to the University of Miami, he became a Scout Player of the Year and was a letterman for the Hurricanes. While at Miami, Austin earned a B.A. in Political Science and Business Management, in addition to a Master’s in Sport Administration. Austin also received a Master’s of Jurisprudence in Business Law at Drake University.
Austin approaches his representation as a scout, spending countless hours in the film room wanting to learn every detail about his potential clients’ game. He’s a native of Indianapolis, IN, and currently resides in Chicago, IL, and has been an NFLPA licensed contract advisor since 2018.