Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Nominee
After a standout collegiate career at LSU where he earned Sugar Bowl MVP honors, my longtime friend and client Henry Thomas went on to be a 14 season NFL starter. The anchor on several elite and top ranked defenses, Henry is statistically the most productive pass-rushing nose tackle in NFL history. His 93.5 sacks are just one of the many reasons that he, already voted and recognized as one of the 50 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Ever, earned and deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"In my many years of working with Jeff Durand he has represented me exceptionally well both professionally and personally. His positive impact has lasted long after my football career ended. His guidance and friendship helped me live a great life. In particular, he helped me with legal, financial and personal matters".
Tony Dorsett attended the University of Pittsburgh where he led the Panthers to the National Championship as a senior and he won the Heisman Trophy which is awarded to the top collegiate football player in America. He was the first-round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys and won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He is a Super Bowl Champion and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Back when MTV was truly a big deal, the biggest thing in popular culture and single handed in revolutionizing the music industry in terms of how popular music was discovered and consumed, its biggest, most recognizable, popular and in demand star was Julie Brown aka Downtown Julie Brown.
After twice being named an NCAA All-American, winning a National Championship and earning the Outland Trophy which is awarded to the best college football interior lineman in the United States as judged by the Football Writers Association of America, Miami Hurricane Bryant McKinnie was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings where between 2002 and 2010 he was a Pro Bowl and All-Pro performer. In 2011 through 2013 he continued to excel after joining the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent where he went on to win a Super Bowl. He concluded his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins.
Since his football playing days McKinnie continues with varied philanthropy, has involved himself in music heading an independent record label which has produced Grammy Nominated artists, is a strong proponent of fitness and healthy lifestyle, MC;s and event hosts, does speaking engagements and other public appearances and is interested in work in television.
Blades has also been inducted into the Hurricane’s Athletic Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor. Additionally, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
"In my 20+ year relationship with Jeff Durand, he has always been the ultimate professional. He represented me well as my agent during my NFL playing days and now in my post NFL endeavors.
Jeff's commitment to his clients far surpasses the financial bonanzas. Long after the multi-million dollar NFL contracts cease, Jeff Durand is that one person who will remain by your side supporting and encouraging you.
Jeff's tireless work ethic and dedication is what one should look for in a professional as well as a friend. This is why I am proud to call him not only my agent but my friend.
Jeff advises not just as an agent, but as a man that cares for the well being of his clients."
Najee Mustafaa aka Reggie Rutland - Retired All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders.
"I have had the privilege to work with Jeff Durand during my career as a football player in the NFL. He has proven himself as one of the best agents in professional football. I was pleased to have worked closely with him during my tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders. Jeff was always tough, fair and to the point when negotiating with NFL executives. He is an astute businessman with impeccable character. At the end of each contract negotiation, I was always 100% pleased with the results that Jeff attained on my behalf.
I regularly recommended Jeff Durand's expertises to my NFL teammates, friends and acquaintances. Many of them hired him. I still strongly endorse him now to prospective clients.
Jeff also has a strong background in financial planning, which is extremely important when trying to prepare for life after professional football--a career that is usually short. He goes above and beyond what it takes to make sure that his clients and their families are well positioned financially. I am proof of that. Most importantly, his relationship with his clients does not stop when the negotiations are over. Jeff has never once not answered my calls, no matter what time of day or night. He is and has been a good friend for many years."