Lions DT Ndamukong Suh, who "recently fired his agents, will be represented" by Jay Z and Roc Nation Sports for both contract negotiations and marketing, according to sources cited by Schefter & Rovell of ESPN.com. Jay Z also reps Giants WR Victor Cruz and Jets QB Geno Smith, but Suh would be his "biggest football client" to date. Roc Nation declined to comment. Suh "left Relativity Sports last month" (ESPN.com, 2/11). FORBES' Darren Heitner noted it is "not yet known" whether Roc Nation agent Kim Miale or reps from CAA "will be handling team contract negotiations henceforth" (FORBES.com, 2/11). In Michigan, Justin Rogers wrote the move to Roc Nation "should provide more endorsement opportunities for Suh." Suh during his career has "had deals with multiple companies," including Nike, Subway, Chrysler, Dick's Sporting Goods and Omaha Steaks (MLIVE.com, 2/11).
MAGNA CARTA HOLY GRAIL: ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein wrote there is "absolutely nothing wrong with Suh hiring Jay Z as he searches for every NFL player’s holy grail of a new contract and more lucrative endorsement deals." One of the "allures of going with Jay Z is the chance to work with one of the most recognizable people on the planet." Jay Z can "simply put Suh in different circles than almost any other agent or marketer, so it makes sense for him to head in this direction if that is what he wants." Roc Nation has been "looking for someone to give their fledgling agency more credibility with major sports as an agency that can represent established NFL stars." Suh "gives Roc Nation that type of athletic name recognition" (ESPN.com, 2/11).
