Tory Dandy continues to make a name for himself as a professional sports agent. After interning with Synergy Sports in 2003, Dandy eventually began working with renowned agent Eugene Parker.
In 2009, Dandy landed the No. 3 overall NFL pick, Tyson Jackson, and the No. 4 four overall pick in 2014, Sammy Watkins.
Dandy recently spoke with rolling out about his rise and achievement as a sports agent, Jay Z and what it takes to become an agent.
At what point did you realize you wanted to become a sports agent?
It’s certainly a career where you definitely have to have passion about it and definitely do your research. I just didn’t wake up overnight and start thinking about being an agent. In my junior year in college, I started researching and it was something I found very intriguing.
The NFL is more than 70 percent black, but there aren’t many black sports agents who are representing the players. Why aren’t there more black sports agents?
I think it’s just a lack of knowledge and really wanting to just go get it. It’s important to have the qualifications and get certified. First of all, you have to have a post secondary education such as a MBA degree, graduate degree or law degree. From there you have to submit an application to the NFLPA, which regulates and governs the agents. Then they do an extensive background check on you. Then they allow you, if you pass through that, they’ll look at the application. Then you have to pay a fee which is kind of expensive to actually go take the assessment in Washington, D.C., which is only held once a year. So they take applications starting around January every year. You’ll find out around springtime if you’re going to be allowed to take the assessment, which is usually in July. That’s pretty much what it takes to be qualified.
Jay Z recently started Roc Nation Sports. What are your thoughts on hip-hop stars delving into sports agency?
It’s one of those things where I have nothing but respect for Jay Z and what he’s trying to do with his endeavors. I know that he’s not going to be as hands-on as someone like myself. This is my life. This is what I do on a daily basis, this is my career. That’s my advantage. This is what I do 24 hours a day. I’m available, I’m accessible. I can’t knock what he’s trying to do, but I’m a hands on agent when it comes to my clients.
What gives you the drive to achieve what’s important?
Being an agent is my passion. I believe in helping young men the same way I believe in helping a young man who is not an athlete and maybe in school struggling. I didn’t allow my environment to keep me in a box. I went outside the box. I come from a small town in South Carolina and I never knew any agents, but it was just a dream of mine and I just went out and chased it. So I tell every young person out there, it may seem weird to somebody else, but if that’s your passion, that’s your dream, just go chase it and don’t have any second thoughts about it.
