Brandon Doman visits the Sports and Entertainment Law Society

BYU Quarterback Coach, Brandon Doman, spoke to the Sports and Entertainment Law Society about his experience as the quarterback for BYU as well as his experience being drafted into the National Football League by the San Francisco 49ers. 
 
As his career at BYU was drawing to a close, Doman had agents buzzing around him trying to convince him that signing with them would be like a real-life movie. After all, this was his dream. He signed with an agent, but was lost in a stupor of thought and feared he had chosen the wrong agent.

Doman didn't have high hopes as he and his family watched the NFL Draft on ESPN. He even got up and was in another part of the house when his name went across the screen saying he had been drafted by the 49ers. His family was ecstatic, but Doman thought they were playing a cruel joke on him. His family's claim was validated a few moments later when the 49ers' head coach and Steve Young called him.

Doman discussed the legal issues of NFL contracts with the law students in attendance. According to Doman everyone signs the same NFL contract, the differences come in the addendums. Players must negotiate their performance based pay, and often they only sign three year contracts because they become vested and receive more benefits after that time period. However, unlike the NBA or MLB, if a NFL team does not think a player is particularly important they can cut them without paying anything more.

In addition to the team contract, there are additional endorsement contracts. For example, Doman signed a contract with NIKE in which he had to wear only NIKE shoes and gloves while on the field. According to Doman, he did not have to pay any taxes on the money or merchandise he received from NIKE. In addition, NIKE also provided him with a stipend to spend on all NIKE.

Doman signed a total of three contracts with the NFL before he decided to retire. He officially retired after receiving a lump sum severance and an additional four years of life and health insurance.