David Mulugheta, an agent of Eritrean descent, has been ranked the top NFL agent in Forbes’ 2025 list of the Most Powerful Sports Agents.
The 43-year-old represents more than 40 NFL players, including Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons, quarterback Deshaun Watson, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and safety Derwin James — all of whom have signed record-setting contracts at their respective positions.
In 2025, Athletes First, where Mulugheta serves as president of team sports, announced that he became the first agent to negotiate $1 billion in NFL contracts within a single calendar year.
Mulugheta studied business at the University of Texas at Austin before earning his law degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His breakthrough came ahead of the 2010 NFL Draft when he signed star safety Earl Thomas as a client — despite still being an intern with no established track record as an agent at the time.
Since then, Mulugheta has risen to become one of the most influential figures in professional football representation, breaking barriers and setting new standards in the industry. His ascent has made him a powerful example of excellence, resilience and representation for minorities in sports business, particularly within African and Eritrean communities.