DELUX: What advice do you have for young men looking into sports industry? Fletcher: College courses will not prepare you for this industry. The best thing you can do to prepare yourself is research before deciding to get into it. Also you must bring something to the table to be considered for anything. Do your homework thoroughly inside and out. Learn the facts. DELUX: What was a turning point in your life? Fletcher: When my parents and brother believed enough in me to represent the Fletcher family. In 2001 at the young age of 24 I was given the opportunity to represent my brother Jamar Fletcher who was selected 26 overall by the Miami Dolphins. DELUX: What do you hope to achieve in the next 5 years? Fletcher: To continue doing business as it is now and not to become lazy nor content. To remain grounded, focused and hungry. And to never become a regular agent.
Fletcher: I have always been humble, though now I am even more humble. It hasn’t changed me much actually. Because of my brothers and my father, I have remained the same. DELUX: How do you get through the daily experience of being a sports agent? Fletcher: Working out. I am a gym rat. I love MMA. That is my second passion next to football. Training and working out is my escapism.
“Always be honest, respectful, loyal and trustworthy in your dealings.”
DELUX: What have you learned from the sports industry? Fletcher: In most NFL organizations there’s no loyalty. Young athletes need to realize this is a business. What Have You Done For Me Lately is the motto of this industry. For instance Payton Manning was cut even though he brought so much to the industry. There is definitely no loyalty. DELUX: How has this experience with being a sports agent changed you?
DELUX: Who helped you see this was the path you wanted to take in life? Fletcher: A combination of my family and myself. They always believed in me and supported me. No one else thought that I could be successful. I received so much negativity from other agents. Me starting out as an agent at 24, an ex-athlete and being a black man, were all strikes against me. I’ve exceeded a lot of people’s expectations in this business. Having that support from family and myself enabled that. DELUX: How has your life changed since working in the sports industry? Fletcher: It hasn’t changed my life. It has opened my eyes from being a ball player that most agents aren’t honest or loyal. I am not like other agents, I actually give a damn. I am a breath of fresh air. I may have done this for twelve years now but it barely feels like its been two years. I must be having fun (laughs).
DELUX: Share with me a favorite inspirational life quote. Fletcher: Always be honest, respectful, loyal and trustworthy in your dealings. That inspirational quote is by Charles Andrew Fletcher, my father. 55