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McCarthy named Director of Football at Athletes First
McCarthy named Director of Football at Athletes First
By Dan Hiner
Laguna Hills, Calif.
Cardinal Mooney graduate Kyle McCarthy has been named the Director of Football at Athletes First.
Athletes First, headquartered in Laguna Hills, Calif., represents NFL players and coaches.
McCarthy will handle the day-to-day operations of the sports agency’s football department.
The company announced the promotions of two others.
David Mulugheta became an equity partner and named the President of Team Sports while Joe Panos was made an equity partner.
“We are thrilled to promote these three remarkable individuals into their new leadership roles at Athletes First,” Athletes First President Brian Murphy said in a press release.
“A fundamental reason for Athletes First’s continued success is our ability to identify, empower and retain unbelievable talent like David, Joe and Kyle. We are proud they are all continuing their Athletes First careers and know they will utilize their unique skills to take the Athletes First family to the next level.”
McCarthy said the company made the promotions in February, but didn’t make the announcement.
McCarthy played safety at Notre Dame from 2005-09. He played four years in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs.
After injuries ended his NFL career, McCarthy became a graduate assistant for Brian Kelly’s Irish coaching staff in 2014.
He was diagnosed with Stage 3 testicular cancer in July 2014, but was cancer-free by November that year.
McCarthy joined Athletes First in 2015 as an agent for players and coaches.
He represents Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham, Green Bay Packers quarterback DeShone Kizer. He also guided Denver Broncos first-round pick Noah Fant and Denver’s third-round pick Dre’Mont Jones through their rookie contract negotiations.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur, who was hired on Jan. 8, is also a McCarthy client.
“My Athletes First experience started when I signed with them following my Notre Dame career,” McCarthy said. “They represented me as an NFL player and college coach, and it has been a tremendous learning experience now working on the representation side. I’m excited for this new opportunity and grateful to remain part of the A1 Family.”
McCarthy lives in Laguna Beach, Calif., with his wife Kelsey and 1-year old daughter, Mia.