
Vanguard Sports Group is one of the most respected and established NFL representation firms in professional football.
With decades of experience at the highest level of the game, Vanguard has built a reputation for representing elite talent, negotiating premier contracts, and guiding athletes through every stage of their professional careers.
Vanguard’s expertise includes:
Vanguard represents athletes competing at the top of the NFL and has been involved in some of the league’s most significant contracts and career-defining deals.
This level of experience and proven success provides XL Sports athletes with access to trusted, high-level representation when it matters most.
Success at the next level is not just about talent. It is about who is guiding you through the biggest decisions of your career.
That is why we align with people we trust.
Athletes put years of work into getting to this point. The goal is not just to reach the next level, it is to make the most of it.
We want every athlete we work with to be in a position where their opportunities are maximized, their value is protected, and their career sets them up for life beyond the game.





Joby Branion is the President of Vanguard Sports Group and one of the most respected agents in football. With over two decades of experience, representation of more than 40 first-round NFL Draft picks, and over $2.5 billion in negotiated contracts, Joby has represented elite talent while guiding athletes through every stage of their careers—from draft preparation to long-term financial and brand development. After co-founding Athletes First and later launching Vanguard Sports Group, Branion has represented elite NFL talent including Von Miller, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Keenan Allen, negotiating some of the most significant contracts in NFL history. His resume includes Keenan Allen’s 4-year, $80.1 million extension with $50 million guaranteed—one of the top wide receiver deals at the time of signing—as well as Von Miller’s landmark 6-year, $114.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2016 and 6-year, $120 million deal with the Buffalo Bills in 2022, both among the largest defensive contracts in NFL history. In 2024, Branion also negotiated Amon-Ra St. Brown’s $120 million extension, further solidifying his reputation for maximizing player value both on and off the field. Known for his integrity, strategic approach, and deep relationships across the league, Joby’s expertise in contract negotiation, player marketing, and career management has made Vanguard Sports Group a trusted name in player representation, delivering results for some of the game’s top athletes.
“Vanguard Sports Group delivers elite representation at every stage—from draft entry to $100M+ veteran contracts—led by one of the most experienced agents Joby Branion.”
Von Miller, the #2 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, trusted Joby Branion and Vanguard Sports Group to guide his career at the highest level. With a reputation built on negotiating elite contracts and representing top talent across the league, Branion and Vanguard have consistently delivered for athletes when it matters most.
From draft day to long-term success, it’s about having experienced leadership, proven relationships, and a team that understands how to protect and elevate your career.
When it came time for Amon-Ra St. Brown to secure his extension with the Detroit Lions, it wasn’t just about numbers—it was about positioning, leverage, and timing. With Joby Branion and Vanguard Sports Group leading the negotiation, every detail was handled with intention to maximize value and long-term impact.
That’s what separates Vanguard. It’s not just representation—it’s strategy at the highest level. Understanding the market, building leverage before the deal ever happens, and delivering results when it matters most.

“Vanguard President Joby Branion has negotiated elite NFL contracts, including Keenan Allen’s $80M extension, and represented top-tier talent such as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Von Miller—bringing over 25 years of proven success at the highest” level of player representation.”

“Vanguard Sports Group delivers elite representation at every stage—from draft entry to $100M+ veteran contracts—led by one of the most experienced agents in the NFL.”
© 2026 XL Sports Group. All rights reserved.
Athlete names and likenesses reflect past or current professional representation, marketing, branding, or advisory work and do not imply exclusive or ongoing representation unless expressly stated.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.