Darren Heitner: How did you get the nickname, “Big Daddy”?

Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado: It was given to me by a college teammate at the University of Maryland where I played offensive guard (1985-89) who was a lot bigger than me.  Thinking back he was about 6’9 and well over 300 pounds.

Heitner: Tell us about your company, Coastal Advisors, and what sets it apart from the competition.

Big Daddy: I developed Coastal Advisors LLC (www.coastaladvisorsllc.com) about 15 years ago and it’s become a niche market, which is now a growing trend in locker rooms across the country. It was important for me in the early years to stress that disability and life insurance is a serious issue and needs to be handled by people who specialize in it.  In recent years through clients, networking and my reputation, my business has grown to where now 20-30% of my clients find me.  My biggest battle can be discussing these issues with agents or the players’ “money guy” because they don’t want to give up control and they don’t specialize in the industry.  As I tell them, they won’t see me negotiating any player contracts or investing players’ money in the stock market, but to leave the disability and life insurance to me. You can visit www.coastaladvisorsllc.com for additional information and see me with my clients.

Heitner: How big of a gamble is it for a professional player to perform without proper insurance?  What about an amateur athlete?

Big Daddy: It depends on where the player is at with his contract status.  If it’s a player who’s going into the last year of a contract or going to become a free agent and they were to get hurt and can’t perform to the best of their ability, a new contract will be highly unlikely.  Having disability will let the player sleep better at night knowing that if something, God forbid, were to happen, then the disability insurance is in place to compensate for the loss of income on the field.

Heitner: Many players come to you for advice outside of insurance questions. What would you tell a player to look for who asks about hiring a particular agent?

Big Daddy: In regards to the amateur athlete… it depends on the athlete and where they expect to be drafted.  If it’s a player that’s a first or second round draft pick in the NFL, then he’s a guy that should look at disability insurance.  If it’s a guy who will be a late rounder or a free agent, they’ll probably not qualify for disability insurance.  For example Willis McGahee is a guy who took out a “loss of value” policy and unfortunately was injured in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.  So even though he was drafted late in the first round, he wasn’t a top 10 pick so the “loss of value” policy was in place to compensate for lost money.  Willis was not a client of mine, but his injury combined with the quality of player he was and that he was at a recognizable school like the University of Miami playing on National television in the Fiesta Bowl, shed light on how important my business is for future top prospects in any sport.  In fact, the following year I signed my first top college athlete in Larry Fitzgerald (3^rd pick overall for the Arizona Cardinals in 2004) while he was a senior at the University of Pittsburgh.  A few years later Chris Long out of the University of Virginia and 2^nd overall pick by the St. Louis Rams in 2008 came to me for protection for his senior year.

Heitner: How closely do you work with player agents?  Are there any, in particular, that you have worked with more than others?

Big Daddy: I work with a lot of agents who represent players in all areas of professional sports.  As the business has grown and I’ve become known as the guy when it comes to disability insurance for professional athletes, I get a lot of referrals from agents telling other agents within their agency or telling the parents of an athlete.  As far as agents I work with, I’ve worked with Octagon’s Doug Hendrickson, CAA’s Tom Condon and Ben Dogra, as well as Neil Schwartz and Jonathon Feinsod of Schwartz & Feinsod.

Heitner: Do you have any interesting stories to share from your insurance work with many players on the New York Giants club?

Big Daddy: I have several current and former New York Giants as clients.  To name a few, Michael Strahan, Jeremy Shockey, William Joseph, Shaun Williams, Justin Tuck, Chris Snee, Shaun O’Hara.  As far as interesting stories, all I can say is it was fun following my clients during their Super Bowl XLII run and knowing that I had taken care of their off-the-field business allowing them to concentrate on everything else.

Heitner: Justin Tuck says that playing without a policy is akin to “Russian Roulette.”  Is that true, and if so, why?

Big Daddy: Playing NFL football without insurance is like “Russian Roulette.”  However it depends on the situation, everything is on a case by case basis, there’s some guys who need it and some that don’t.  I’m not someone who will sell any player insurance just for the sake of selling them something.  As I mentioned earlier, a player entering the draft or about to renew a contract would be in the market for disability insurance, whereas a player nearing the end of their career may not be.

Heitner: Should sports agents look into their own insurance?  What types?  How common is it for agents to pass up on getting insurance and regret it later on?

Big Daddy: Yes, I’ve done business with some of the sports agents themselves, they’re just like everyone else.  Along the same lines, I’ve done work with coaches in the NFL and at the college level as well as members of the media.  When dealing with agents and non-athletes, it’s mostly with life insurance and future estate and financial planning, which are two other large part of my business.  Disability and life insurance is important whether you’re a school teacher, a police officer, lawyer or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company.  I’ve just developed a niche where 80% of my clientele are professional athletes or elite college athletes who will be entering the pro ranks in the coming years.

Q&A With Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

2008 Veteran Signings

• Bernard Berrian, WR, (Minnesota Vikings): Signed a 6-year, $43.4 million contract
• Derek Anderson, QB, (Cleveland Browns): Signed a 3-year, $24 million contract
• Ryan Grant, RB, (Green Bay Packers): Signed a 4-year, $20 million contract
• Michael Turner, RB, (Atlanta Falcons): Signed a 6-year, $34.5 million contract
• Flozell Adams, T, (Dallas Cowboys): Signed a 6-year, $43.8 million contract
• Asante Samuel, CB, (Philadelphia Eagles): Signed a 6-year, $57.14 million contract

2008 Rookie Signings

• Jake Long, OT, (Miami Dolphins, 1^st Overall Pick): Signed a 5-year, $57.75 million contract
• Chris Long, DE, (St. Louis Rams, 2^nd Overall Pick): Signed a 6-year, $60 million contract
• Matt Ryan, QB, (Atlanta Falcons, 3^rd Overall Pick): Signed a 6-year, $72 million contract
• Darren McFadden, RB, (Oakland Raiders, 4^th Overall Pick): Signed a 6-year, $60 million contract
• Glenn Dorsey, DT, (Kansas City Chiefs, 5^th Overall Pick): Signed a 5-year, $33 million contract
• Vernon Gholston, LB, (New York Jets, 6^th Overall Pick): Signed a 5-year, $32.5 million contract

After looking these contracts over, it is insanely hard to believe that Jake Long, an unproven NFL tackle is making more than Flozell Adams, a 4-time Pro Bowl veteran tackle. How is Darren McFadden making more than Ryan Grant and Michael Turner both of whom played excellent roles on their respective teams last year?

Seeing as the attendance of rookies at training camp is so vital to the success of the player, it pained some to see 2007 1^st overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell hold out of camp until September 12^th when Russell was signed to a 6-year, $61 million deal with $29 million guaranteed. One cannot help but wonder if the reason why rookies get paid so much up front is to prevent another “JaMarcus Russell hold out.” The NFL owners are not crying poor, so Goodell’s battle is not one of finances but one of fairness. Do not think for one minute that rookies believe that the amount of money being paid to them is sane. In an interview with Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, he stated: “I’ll take it. I see both sides of the argument but I’m going to take the (current) argument now.”

A great point made by the late Gene Upshaw was that the rookie contracts only help those free agent veterans who are up for new contracts. What Mr. Upshaw means is that, for example, lets jump into the shoes of an 18-year-old girl who is negotiating with her parents about buying a car. The teen, so paradoxically calm, says: “But, Mom! Angie got a BMW and she’s only 16!” This is a perfect parallel to the situation in the NFL. Agents of veteran free agents can go to negotiations armed with the contracts of these rookies. Whew, no wonder why teams these days want to stay clear of early first round picks. As a future NFL agent, I cannot help but disagree with not being able to pay rookies these huge contracts.

Roger Goodell is not wasting any time on this matter so look to see some headlines fairly soon.

NFL Rookie Contracts: Fair Or Not? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

This is where things get interesting, if Jake Long and the Dolphins can not agree on a deal, it can send a ripple throughout the top 10. This is where Mr. Tom Condon will really work for his money, literally. If the two sides can not reach an agreement it will almost eliminate the chances of his client, Jake Long, going number 1, and the Dolphins will then turn their attention to Chris Long and Vernon Gholston.

If Jake Long does not sign this deal, he is making a huge mistake. Let’s assume he doesn’t sign. I believe the number 1 pick will then be Vernon Gholston. In most mock drafts people believe Gholston is going anywhere between 4-7. The money at number 1 will be far greater than that of picks 4-7. I do believe the Dolphins will contact Chris Long before Gholston, but he won’t jump on the opportunity as fast as Gholston. Chris Long knows if he doesn’t go 1, he’ll go 2. Gholston just has a lot more to gain by taking the Dolphins offer than Chris Long.

Back to big Jake. If he doesn’t take the Dolphins deal there is a realistic chance he drops to number 5, which will cost him millions. In the end I believe Condon and Long get the deal done, making Jake Long the number 1 pick.

First To Sign, Is The Winner from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Schackman last had the Dolphins selecting Chris Long (pictured) out of Virginia. But how many mock drafts have you seen that predict that the Miami Dolphins will (should) in fact pass on the first pick? That’s precisely what ProFootballTalk.com editor and frequent Sporting News contributor Mike Florio would like to see happen. Writes Florio:

“The controversy and curiosity arising from a team intentionally passing on its pick would alert more and more people to the problem [of guaranteed money]. Hopefully, it would prompt the players to focus on the fact that kids who never have taken a snap in the NFL are getting obscene windfalls…”

Florio feels that the guaranteed money spent on top draft picks not only hurts teams who are ironically in the most need of help from a salary cap standpoint, but that in turn the money shelled out on such unproven commodities also affects “the guys who have given years of sweat, blood and cartilage to the game.” The NFLPA needs to do something about the situation, he writes, and [Dolphins' executive VP of football operations] Bill Parcells passing on the first pick would be the perfect catalyst. This would also come at a time when the NFL and the union seem destined for a work stoppage in 2011. Owners are upset and feel that they got fleeced by union head Gene Upshaw during the 2006 CBA negotiations and would like a greater share of total football revenue. Last week I blogged about how Upshaw’s tactics have lead to NFL players taking home a bigger share of revenue than players from any other sport. But the terms of that deal may ultimately backfire on the union if the owners feel a need for payback. Not to mention the fact that the owners are now weary of Upshaw and “talks” thus far have been quite superficial.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins are on the clock.

Dolphins On The Clock from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

1. Miami Dolphins-Chris Long (DE- Virginia) Long is their guy. Which Long is the real question, but I am going to go with Chris right now. He is a Parcells kind of guy, with a non-stop motor. But they could look at Jake Long for protecting the blind side.

2. St. Louis Rams-Jake Long (OT-Michigan) Long is the top offensive lineman in this draft, and with the Rams injury problems on the O-line and Orlando Pace nearing the end of his career, Long is a very smart pick here. The Rams will 100% walk away with a Long at the 2^nd pick.

3. Atlanta Falcons-Matt Ryan (QB- Boston College) The Atlanta Falcons are in complete disarray, they have no Qb, and more importantly as of now no head coach. Matt Ryan is a big, smart, pure pocket passer who can be the leader of this team for years.

4. Oakland Raiders-Glenn Dorsey (DT- LSU) The Raiders can go O-line or D-line, but with Jake Long off the board, Dorsey is the guy. Dorsey and Tommy Kelly are both active tackles who could have an instant impact for a defense that wasn’t very good. But don’t be surprised if they look to trade this pick away.

5. Kansas City Chiefs-Ryan Clady (OT- Boise.St) The Chiefs were once known for a powerful running game and dominant offensive-line. Not so much these days. While Long is the guy they want, they will need to turn to Clady. Clady will fill the huge void left when Willie Roaf retired. While this may be a little high, they need to draft a solid offensive lineman. Sedrick Ellis may also be a possibility here.

6. New York Jets- Darren McFadden (RB- Arkansas) The Jets had one rushing touchdown last year, and with their revamped offensive line it is time to get a playmaker like McFadden.

7. New England Patriots (from SF)- Vernon Gholston (DE-Ohio.St) Gholston had a monster workout, and would be a great addition to an aging linebacking corp. They just released Colvin so Gholston can step in right away. Cornerback is also a possibility considering they lost Asante Samuel and Randall Gay.

8. Baltimore Ravens- Leodis McKelvin (DB- Troy) This pick can go either way: McKelvin or Ellis. But their secondary was banged up last season and isn’t getting younger, so McKelvin would be a nice nickelback next season before taking over for Samari Rolle.

9. Cincinnati Bengals- Sedrick Ellis (DE- Clemson) After missing out on Shaun Rogers, Ellis will be their guy to help sure up the middle of their defense. He’s in the mold of Warren Sapp and should be a huge upgrade to a dismal defensive line.

10. New Orleans Saints-Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie (CB-Tenn St.) The Saints secondary was a disaster last season and Cromartie is shooting up the draft boards. He has a perfect combination of size and speed. While they did address the secondary with Randall Gay, Cromartie is too good to pass up.

11. Buffalo Bills-Limas Sweed (WR- Texas) Sweed is the ideal fit for the Bills. They already have homerun threats in Parrish and Evens, and Sweed would give them that tall, physical receiver they desperately lack.

12. Denver Broncos- Chris Williams (OT- Vanderbilt) Denver’s offensive line took a hit when Lepsis retired. Williams is that athletic, and agile lineman the Broncos love for their offensive system.

13. Carolina Panthers- Rashard Mendenhall (RB- Illinois) This is going to be one of the more interesting picks in the draft. They can go running back, defense end or offensive tackle. They did a nice job addressing their offensive line problems through free agency and Mendenhall would be a great fit to complement DeAngelo Williams.

14. Chicago Bears- Jeff Otah (OT- Pitt) The Bears will look to bolster a depleted offensive line. Otah is a mammoth of a man at 6’6 340lbs and has a huge upside at the next level. Running back may also be an option.

15. Detroit Lions- Philip Merling (DE- Clemson) The Lions must add bodies on the defensive line, and Merling is a Rod Marinelli type of player. He may not be the pure pass rusher like Harvey, but he is a physical specimen with a non-stop motor.

16. Arizona Cardinals- Aqib Talib (CB- Kansas)W hile the sun may be setting on Edge, the Cardinals would like to move Rolle to safety and Talib’s speed and cover skills makes him a good pick here at 16.

17. Minnesota Vikings- Derrick Harvey (DE- Florida) The Vikings boast one of the best defenses in the league. But they just can’t seem to generate any kind of pass rush. Eramus James and Kenechi Udeze are not the answer at the defensive end position. Harvey has all the intangibles to turn into a fine pass rusher.

18. Houston Texans- Keith Rivers (LB-USC) While some may think the secondary or running back here, Rivers would be a great fit in the Texans defense. He is quick, has good instincts and would be a nice young talent to play next to tackling machine Demeco Ryans.

19. Philadelphia Eagles- Malcolm Kelly (WR- Oklahoma) The Eagles are not going to land Fitzgerald and they must upgrade the wide receiver position. Kelly has great size at 6’4 and he will add that deep threat the Eagles lack.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DeSean Jackson (WR- Cal) Joey Galloway is nearing the end of his fabulous career and it is time to look for playmakers to step in. While many worry about Jackson’s size, he possesses game-breaking speed. I believe that Jackson could prove to be one of the steals of the draft at this spot.

21. Washington Redskins- Calais Campbell (DE- Miami) Campbell is a physical specimen at 6’8 290lbs. He would be a great upgrade opposite of Andre Carter. Wide receiver is also a possibility.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Browns)- Mario Manningham (WR-Michigan) The Cowboys will be using this draft to stock up at the skill positions. Wide receiver is a need position for them and Manningham is the best pure receiver on the board.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers- Brandon Albert (OG- Virginia) With Alan Fanaca gone, the Steelers will be coming into this draft looking to take the best offensive lineman available. Albert has great size, athleticism and experience and would be a nice pick to fill the left guard spot.

24. Tennessee Titans- Kentwan Balmer (WR- Indiana) Wide Receiver is certainly a need position but there isn’t a difference maker at pick 24. Balmer would be a nice compliment next to Haynesworth inside.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Fred Davis (TE- USC) While this may be a little high for a tight end, they sorely need one. Davis is the best tight end in this draft regardless of what the combine numbers may suggest.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars- Lawrence Jackson (DE- USC) The defensive line has taken a hit with Stroud and Mccray leaving town. Jackson has a nice combination of size and athleticism, and could be the pass rusher the Jags lack.

27. San Diego Chargers- Gosder Cherilus (OT- Boston College) The Chargers will look at offensive tackle and cornerback and will draft the highest rated player. Cherilus will get the nod here and in time take over the right tackle position.

28. Dallas Cowboys- Mike Jenkins (CB- South Florida) The Cowboys secondary was abused by the Giants in the playoffs and it is time to reload. Jenkins has great speed and cover skills and would be a great selection here at 28. Felix Jones is also a very good possibility.

29. San Fransico 49ers- James Hardy (WR- Indiana) With Mike Martz coming to town it would be safe to say they will be looking for an offensive weapon. Hardy has great size and could be that deep threat that the 49ers sorely lack.

30. Green Bay Packers- Kenny Phillips (S- Miami) The Packers will look to add depth to their secondary and Cason is the best guy on the board here. Cason isn’t the fastest guy out there but has good combination of size and instincts. Linebacker may be another option here.

31. New York Giants- Dan Connor (LB- Penn. St) Connor would be a great fit for this defense and would be the replacement for Kawika Mitchell. The Giants need to add depth and Connor is a very athletic and smart linebacker who smacks.

New England Patriots- Forfeited

For some more mocks, check out hailRedskins Mock Draft Database or FFToolbox – 2008 NFL Mock Drafts & Prospect Profiles.

Schackman’s 2008 NFL Mock Draft (Part 3) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules