our Philosophy
We built 21 Personnel Advisors on the mindset of a fullback: tough, smart, and built for impact.
Main Philosophy Statement
In football, 21 personnel means you’re coming with power but you can still spread the field. That’s our approach. We bring the strength to protect your interests and the versatility to adapt, pivot, and create opportunity wherever the game takes you.
- We don’t chase headlines. We move chains.
- We don’t just negotiate. We execute.
Like the fullback, we:
Lead from the front
Do the dirty work others avoid
Make plays without needing credit
Finish what we start
Custom-Built Promise
At 21 Personnel, every client gets a custom-built plan not a recycled pitch. We’re your career strategist, your contract hammer, your branding engine, and your legacy architect.
If you’re ready for a team that shows up like a fullback no excuses, no fluff, just production we’re ready to lead the way.
Who We Are
At 21 Personnel Advisors, we’re former athletes, skilled negotiators in both college and professional sports, and strategic thinkers backed by some of the top money managers and financial minds in the country. With over 20 years of experience representing NFL players, NFL coaches, top college coaches, media personalities, and entertainers, our team is built on delivering results, cultivating strong relationships, and maintaining a trusted reputation.
Jim Chapman – Founder Highlight
Jim Chapman
Founder & Principal Advisor
With over 20 years of experience in the sports industry, primarily in professional football, Jim Chapman brings a unique perspective to advising athletes and coaches. A former football player at a Power 4 school, he understands the demands of the game both on the field and behind the scenes.
Jim was the co-founder of Optimum Sports Group, LLC, a respected sports management firm where, for over two decades, he spearheaded the recruitment of top college football talent and successfully guided players through the complexities of the NFL landscape. In addition, he has advised and represented coaches at both the NFL and collegiate levels, further establishing his reputation as a trusted advocate in the industry.
Over the years, Jim has become a trusted advisor to NFL players, NFL coaches, and elite college coaches, guiding them through contract negotiations, career transitions, brand building, and long-term financial strategy. Known for his loyalty, sharp strategy, and toughness at the table, he has earned the respect of clients and peers alike.
Beyond the field, Jim has negotiated major media deals, secured marketing partnerships with leading brands such as Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas, and contributed to major Hollywood motion pictures in multiple capacities. Not only working in the movie industry, but he also collaborates closely with top sports media in the country, supporting them in negotiations and helping place them in the top jobs in the industry. This breadth of experience allows him to help clients grow their influence across sports, business, and entertainment.
Today, Jim serves as a partner at First Down Financial, where he helps clients build and execute financial plans designed to sustain success both during and after their athletic careers.
His philosophy is clear: protect the client, build the plan, and execute with purpose.
Our Network & Partners
At 21 Personnel Advisors, we believe every client deserves a championship-caliber team. That’s why we’ve built a trusted network of elite professionals to support every aspect of your career on and off the field.
Through our key partnerships including First Down Financial, NIL IQ, and our signature NIL Blueprint—our clients gain direct access to:
• Some of the top money managers and CFP® professionals in the country
• Tax strategists and financial planners with pro athlete experience
• Brand-building and media development experts
• Contract, career, and transition advisors
• Legal and compliance support
• Exclusive opportunities in entertainment, podcasting, and NIL
• Comprehensive education, strategy, and execution through our NIL Blueprint, designed to maximize and protect your Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities
Our goal is simple: to surround you with the best, so you can focus on what you do best perform, lead, and win.
