College sports are always shifting, but Justin Giangrande has managed to leave a real mark. He’s a modern-day sports agent, inspired by the movies Rudy and Jerry Maguire, and he’s carved out a space for himself representing high school and college athletes, plus coaches.
Giangrande’s got a reputation for being picky about who he works with, and it’s paid off for a lot of his clients—just look at Florida quarterback DJ Lagway. Let’s dig into how Giangrande got here, what his agency stands for, and some of the big wins his clients have racked up.
Justin Giangrande: From Inspiration to Reality
It all started with those sports movies—Rudy and Jerry Maguire—that lit a fire in Giangrande. They sparked something in him, a passion for sports and rooting for the underdog.
He ended up at the University of Florida, where he got to experience the craziness and excitement of college sports up close. That time at UF pretty much sealed the deal for him—he knew he wanted to break into the sports world.
Early Career and First Ventures
After college, Giangrande packed up and moved to Los Angeles. He landed in sports marketing, working alongside pro athletes.
Pretty soon, his entrepreneurial itch kicked in. He started his first company, Inclusive—a sports marketing and creative agency that focused on what athletes did off the field and court.
That venture caught some attention and was eventually acquired by Vayner Sports, which is a big name in the agency world.
The Birth of Network: A New Era in Athlete Representation
Even with all that success, Giangrande missed the daily hustle of working directly with athletes. When Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules changed in 2020, he saw a new lane open up and launched his current company, Network.
At first, Network was a mix of hip hop talent and football players. Over time, though, it’s shifted to focus just on sports.
A Selective Client List
Network isn’t about quantity—it’s about fit. The agency represents only 37 clients, and 11 of those are still in high school.
That’s intentional. Giangrande makes sure each client gets the help and attention they need. He’s big on finding families that mesh well with his approach, and he wants everyone to really understand what they’re getting into.
- Florida quarterback DJ Lagway
- Aaron Chiles
- Jerrae ‘Tank’ Hawkins
- Former Gator and current Dallas Cowboy Shemar James
- Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia
- Syracuse head coach Fran Brown
- Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, now head coach of Norfolk State
Aligning Athletes with Brands
One thing that stands out about Giangrande’s agency? They’re all about matching athletes with brands that actually make sense for them—not just whoever’s paying the most.
This way, partnerships feel more real, and the results tend to last longer. DJ Lagway, for example, has deals with Chipotle, Gatorade, and the Jordan Brand—brands he genuinely likes and connects with.
The Importance of Brand Alignment
For Giangrande, it’s not just about chasing the biggest check. He wants deals to feel right for the athlete.
Lagway loves Chipotle, drinks Gatorade all the time, and has a real connection to the Jordan Brand. Those aren’t just endorsements—they’re natural fits, and that kind of authenticity can really set an athlete up for the long haul.
Educating Families and Building Foundations
Giangrande also puts a lot of energy into making sure families know what’s what in the sports world. He’s convinced that when families are informed, everyone wins.
That’s a big reason Network is so selective—they want to make sure they can truly deliver, and that everyone’s on the same page.
Building Relationships with Brands
Another thing Network does well is building relationships with brands. They don’t just pitch athletes as stats or highlight reels—they show the full picture, the human side.
That approach makes it a lot easier to land meaningful partnerships. It’s not just about business; it’s about connection, and that’s something a lot of agencies overlook.
Conclusion: A Modern-Day Jerry Maguire
Justin Giangrande took his childhood inspiration and ran with it. Now, he’s built a career that feels straight out of a movie—maybe even a little like Jerry Maguire, if you ask me.
His agency, Network, is changing the game for high school and college athletes. He’s out there helping them chase big dreams, both on the field and when the lights go out.
What makes him different? He’s picky about who he works with, puts a ton of thought into brand fit, and actually spends time making sure families understand the whole process. That’s not something you see every day in sports representation.
Curious to know more about Justin Giangrande or his work with athletes like DJ Lagway? You can check out the original article.
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