Sports agent Sean Stellato chatted about his book “No Backing Down,” which is being turned into a film, and his forthcoming docuseries on his life.
He discussed being a sports agent in the digital age, at a time when streaming, technology, and social media are so prevalent.
Stellato serves as the founder, owner, and principal of Stellato Enhanced Sports (SES), where he has repped over 20 Super Bowl champion. Presently, he reps Tommy DeVito, the starting quarterback of the New York Giants, and boxer Victor Ortiz.
Retired four-star U.S. Army general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell once said: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” This quote applies to Sean Stellato.
National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame
On December 15, Stellato will be inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. “I am blessed to be considered and selected for this tremendous honor as a sports agent,” he said.
“As a proud member of the Italian American community, the opportunity to be recognized by the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and join such illustrious sports heroes icons: Vince Lombardi, Joe Montana, Mark Bavaro, Mike Piazza, Joe DiMaggio, Mary Lou Retton, and Rocky Marciano is simply incredible,” he exclaimed.
‘No Backing Down’ book
On his inspiration to write “No Backing Down,” he said, ” My book ‘No Backing Down’ came about as I was the QB of the team living with my Grandma who was dying. It has all of the elements of some of the greatest sports stories ever told.”
“The story was about our team coming together to overcome a teachers strike which was supposed to prevent us from playing in the championship game. Even though we lost in the state championship game we still felt like we won… we did not back down,” he elaborated.
His book “No Backing Down” is in the NFL Hall of Fame. It is being turned into a feature film that was written by “Hoosiers” screenwriter Angelo Pizzo, and “Age of Adaline” screenwriter Salvador Paskowitz.
The digital age
On being a sports agent in the digital age, Stellato expressed, “I feel blessed to be a sports agent in the digital age. I founded the agency with a goal to stay smaller for reason… The need to stay cutting edge…. It allows a lot of players that are not from power five schools to have a realistic opportunity to be seen, observed and scouted.”
“I repped four players on the Eagles SB LVII team and three played Division II and one played FBS,” he said.
Motivations as a sports agent
Regarding his daily motivations as a sports agent, he said, “On a daily basis, my clients and family motivate me each day to be the best sports agent I can be. My company is focused on guiding and protecting our clients.”
“Advising my clients at various parts of their NFL career….as players entering the league….as their career evolves ultimately helping them prepare their post career planning as they prepare for life after football,” he said.
A career repping over 20 Super Bowl Champions
Throughout his career as a sports agent, he has repped over 20 Super Bowl champions. “It’s a tremendous honor to rep 20 Super Bowl Champions and to have an opportunity to share the pinnacle of their career by winning a Super Bowl,” he said.
“A Super Bowl win is the pinnacle of an athlete’s career,” he admitted. “My creative thoughts are working as I seek to help each Super Bowl champ maximize their on the field success with off the field opportunities.”
New documentary series about Sean Stellato’s life and family
There is an upcoming documentary series about his life in sports and and family.
“The goal of the documentary will be to provide a behind the scenes look at the life of a professional sports agent,” he said. “The film will highlight the challenges that an agent must face in order to help their clients maximize their value as a football player while protecting them in all aspects of their personal life off the field,” he explained.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, Stellato remarked, “One specific moment in my career that helped define me was when I became an entrepreneur and opened up SES Sports… It was the best decision I ever made, was able to represent and manage players the way I always wanted to be represented as a player.”
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, he shared, “My plans for the future include continuing to maintain a specialized boutique agency and being able to maximize value on and off the field for my clients.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Stellato said, “The word success means to me that I measure my success by the success of my clients on the field and off the field.”
“Being a former player I understand the dedication and drive it takes to succeed,” Stellato acknowledged.
Closing thoughts on his book and his docu-series
Stellato concluded, “The title of my book ‘No Backing Down’ is indication of how I live my life, and what I try to instill in my players. Resiliency!”
To learn more about Sean Stellato, follow him on Instagram.
