Drew Rosenhaus delivers commencement address to law school graduates at St. Thomas University

Prolific sports agent Drew Rosenhaus loves the NFL Draft, and there’s a reason.

Rosenhaus, who was the commencement speaker at St. Thomas University on Friday, compared graduation day to football’s annual selection process.

“My favorite part about being an agent is the draft,” Rosenhaus said as he spoke to STU law school graduates and their family members and friends.

“These [athletes] work their entire lives for that one moment when they get a phone call, and all their dreams come true. Thousands of hours — blood, sweat and tears … They get a phone call, and they’ve made it!

“Today is draft day for you guys! Your time has come! You’re getting that phone call right now!”

It’s appropriate to quote Rosenhaus with a healthy dose of exclamation points because he practically yelled his entire eight-minute speech on Friday.

There was no lack of passion in Rosenhaus’ voice as the New Jersey native told the story of growing up in North Miami since the age of 4.

Rosenhaus, who at age 22 became the youngest registered NFL agent in league history, has negotiated contracts worth more than $10 billion during the past 35 years.

A graduate of the University of Miami (Bachelor’s degree) and Duke’s law school, Rosenhaus in 1996 became the first sports agent to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He also made cameo appearances in movies like “Jerry Maguire” and “Any Given Sunday” as well as TV show “Arli$.”

On Friday, Rosenhaus said STU has a special place in his heart because this is where the Miami Dolphins used to hold their annual training camp, including their historic 17-0 Super Bowl-winning season of 1972.

“The best team in NFL history used to train just a few yards from where I’m speaking,” Rosenhaus said on Friday. “I used to come to all their training-camp practices with my father Robert; my uncle Howard, who is here today; and my brother Jason, who is my business partner.

“I grew up dreaming of one day being able to work with the players that I loved. This is how dreams begin.”

Rosenhaus then gave STU’s graduates some advice.

“No matter what anybody says to you about your goals, believe in yourself, and you will accomplish it. I’m living proof of a local guy who wanted to do something many people thought would be difficult.

“But I was able to pull it off because of my passion and my commitment.”

Rosenhaus also told the graduates to appreciate the sacrifices made by their families to help them get to graduation day.

He also talked about his own family.

“I have four children, and I battle for them every day,” Rosenhaus said. “My prayer is that they do what you guys are doing today [graduating].

“I’m so proud to be here today because this is the best of what life is all about — family, sacrifice and [achievement].

“All your hard work in education — years and years … you’ve done it. Now is your time to put all of that into action. Go fulfill your dreams, give back and do something exceptional.”

This story was originally published May 16, 2025 at 5:24 PM.