Longtime agent Eugene Parker dead at age 60

Longtime agent Eugene Parker died on Thursday night at the age of 60. He represented multiple Gold Jackets (living Hall of Famers) including Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Rod Woodson, Walter Jones and Curtis Martin. Parker served as Sanders’ presenter in 2011.

Sanders shared these sentiments during this Enshrinement speech that year, “Special people, Eugene (Parker), I love you, man. You've been there. You've been straight up. You've been forward. I've never heard you use profanity. I've never seen you out of character. You've always been a blessing and told me the right things, not just a yes man. I love you for that. I really, really do.”

 

EUGENE PARKER was the best human being I've ever met! Almost 30 years ago I met this young aspiring African American attorney/football agent trying to secure my services out of FSU. He had on a cheap polyester suit,wing tip shoes and he was articulate,efficient and confident. He didn't offer me a dime or tried to secure my talent with women,jewelry or payments to my mother or family members he was honest and all he needed was a chance. He didn't represent anybody on his own but he spoke with knowledge & a certainty that he could deliver. I've NEVER heard him cuss,show anger,bad mouth another,cheat on his wife or neglect his kids. Eugene was a man. I'm crying writing this!!!!!!!!! He taught me manhood without doing it intentionally and he taught me about the Lord without judging me. We've never had a disagreement nor did I ever have to tell him what to shoot for contract wise. We had true chemistry,love,respect and admiration. He did EVERY DEAL I HAD. We took the game on and off the field to another level and we couldn't have don't it without 1 another. Eugene wasn't a black agent he was the best and most trusted agent in the business. My God I've lost so much in 1 man. I never question God but I did ask why Eugene Lord. I pray all of you stop taking today and people for granted because tomorrow ain't promised. He presented me at the @nfl #HOF and watch me mature from boy to man. Please Give someone a chance that may not look the part you never know it may be the next EUGENE PARKER. I LOVED THIS MAN 2 LIFE! The bible declares 1 who has friends must 1st show themself friendly & there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. #TRUTH

A photo posted by Deion Sanders (@deionsanders) on Apr 1, 2016 at 6:48am PDT

Former head coach Tony Dungy, who will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this August, was also saddened by the news.

Condolences to the family of Eugene Parker who passed away at age 60. A man of great integrity in the sports business. I'll miss my friend.

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) April 1, 2016

Parker believed that his clients’ success on the field could translate to success off the field. He showed them how they can use their athletic talents as a vehicle to gain an economic advantage in society.

Parker played college basketball at Purdue University and was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. He decided he was better suited for a life outside of basketball and decided to attend law school at Valparaiso University and graduated with a J.D. in 1982. He went on to work at Relativity Sports and represent a long list of athletes.