David Mulugheta has become one of the most recognizable names in American sports representation. Born in 1982, he is 43 years old in 2025 and serves as president of team sports at Athletes First, one of the biggest agencies in the NFL. With an estimated net worth of $38 million, Mulugheta has earned his place among the wealthiest and most powerful sports agents. His path from Dallas, Texas, to negotiating record breaking contracts shows how talent, ambition, and loyalty can rewrite the rules of the game.
Early Life and Education
Mulugheta grew up in Dallas in a family that valued education and hard work. Coming from an immigrant household, he was taught early about the importance of perseverance. He attended the University of Texas at Austin for his undergraduate degree before earning a law degree from the University of Nebraska.
While a traditional legal career was open to him, Mulugheta had different ambitions. His passion for sports led him to Athletes First in 2010, where he started as an intern. Within just two years, he became an NFLPA certified contract advisor, showing his determination to move quickly in a competitive industry.
The Start of a Career in Representation
The real breakthrough came in 2013 during the NFL Draft. Mulugheta represented multiple players that year, including Kenny Vaccaro, who was selected in the first round. This early success helped him gain credibility and attract more clients. From then on, his reputation grew steadily.
What set him apart was his ability to build deep relationships with players. He was not only negotiating contracts but also guiding athletes through the pressures of life in professional football. Many of his clients now describe him as family rather than just an agent, and this loyalty has been key to his success.
His Biggest Clients and Landmark Deals
Mulugheta currently represents more than 40 NFL players, many of them household names. His client list includes Jalen Ramsey, Deshaun Watson, Micah Parsons, Michael Thomas, Jordan Love, and Kyle Pitts.
One of his most famous deals came in 2022, when he negotiated Deshaun Watson’s five year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Browns. The deal made NFL history as one of the largest guaranteed agreements ever signed. He also secured a five year, $105 million contract for Jalen Ramsey with the Los Angeles Rams, making him the highest paid defensive back at the time. These headline deals not only shaped the careers of his clients but also influenced the way future negotiations across the league were structured.
Tensions With the Dallas Cowboys
Mulugheta’s name recently surfaced in connection with the Dallas Cowboys and their star defender Micah Parsons. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made dismissive remarks about Parsons’s agent, implying he wasn’t a concern. Parsons quickly defended Mulugheta, underlining the strong bond between them.
This back and forth highlighted how central Mulugheta is to upcoming negotiations. Parsons is expected to secure one of the largest defensive contracts in NFL history, and Mulugheta’s role in finalizing the deal will again show his influence in shaping player salaries at the highest level.
Leadership Role at Athletes First
As president of team sports at Athletes First, Mulugheta oversees major negotiations and manages one of the league’s largest client pools. Athletes First has long been a leader in NFL representation, and Mulugheta’s leadership has kept it at the top.
His responsibilities go beyond contract numbers. He manages endorsements, ensures long term financial planning for clients, and provides guidance off the field. His focus on protecting athletes both financially and personally has strengthened trust between him and his roster of stars.
Family Life and Personal Values
Mulugheta often credits his family for grounding him throughout his rise. Married with three sons, he has said that the loyalty he shows his family carries into the way he works with clients. His close personal bond with players proves this. Jalen Ramsey, for instance, is the godfather of one of his children, an example of how his relationships often go beyond business.
This commitment to trust and family values has played a role in how athletes choose him over other agents. For many, working with Mulugheta means having someone who genuinely cares about their lives as much as their careers.
Net Worth and How He Built It
As of 2025, Mulugheta’s net worth is estimated at $38 million. His earnings come largely from commissions, with sports agents typically earning about 3 percent of negotiated contracts. With clients signing some of the most lucrative deals in NFL history, the numbers add up quickly.
Watson’s $230 million contract alone could have delivered him millions in commissions. Adding Ramsey’s $105 million deal and other high value contracts for players like Michael Thomas and Micah Parsons, Mulugheta’s wealth reflects the scale of the athletes he represents. His ranking among the world’s most powerful agents is a recognition of both financial success and industry influence.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Others
Mulugheta’s journey is also significant because of what it represents in an industry historically dominated by older white men. As a young Black agent, he has broken barriers and created a path for others. His rise from intern in 2010 to president of team sports in just over a decade shows what determination and talent can achieve.
He often speaks about wanting to inspire the next generation of sports agents, proving that success comes from hard work and vision rather than background or connections alone. His story serves as a blueprint for aspiring professionals hoping to follow in his footsteps.
Final Thoughts
David Mulugheta’s career highlights the impact an agent can have on both the lives of players and the future of professional football. At 43 years old, with a net worth of $38 million, he has already built a legacy as one of the most powerful negotiators in the NFL. From securing historic contracts to guiding players personally, he continues to shape the financial and cultural landscape of the sport.
For his clients, he is more than just an agent. For the league, he is a trailblazer setting new standards. And for aspiring sports professionals, he is proof that persistence and loyalty can create lasting influence.