Ron Hawthorne

Growing up in North Philadelphia was a humbling experience. The reality of losing both of my parents to AIDs left a lasting effect on me.  In those days, I made decisions that were not in my best interest. But with the help and support of my teachers, I was able to see a better future for myself and to keep pushing. 

Since graduating from Excel Academy North in Philadelphia, I have gone on to earn my Bachelors in Sports Management, minoring in both law studies and coaching management, along with earning my Masters in Sports Administration.  In addition, before turning 21 years old, I was one of the youngest college coaches working with the offensive coordinator as an assistant for Delaware State’s football team, and working as the head coach’s assistant for Delaware State’s track & field team. I also joined the amazing organization Phi Beta Sigma, giving me an outlet to provide service to many under privileged communities. I was even the Marketing Strategy Manager for J. P. Morgan Chase.

I am finally on the verge of achieving my dream of becoming an NFL Agent, handling contract administration and negotiations for some of the world’s greatest athletes.  I recently passed my exam to get licensed as an NFL Agent. However, to achieve my goal, two more steps remain. I still have to pay my agent registration fee and a full year’s insurance fees before I can start working as an agent.  But I don’t have enough money left after spending all my resources to get to this point.  

 If I don’t pay both of these fees in the next 30 days, my examination credentials will expire and I will forfeit my NFL Agent License.  I am requesting a grant to cover my NFL Agent Fee and the required NFL Agent Liability Insurance. 

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I’m writing to thank the 1859 Foundation for helping me pursue my dreams.  The last hurdles I faced were paying the NFL Agent Fee and the required NFL Agent Liability Insurance before I could begin my career as an NFL agent, and my deadline for paying them was fast approaching.  The 1859 Foundation made sure that these two final steps of my journey were covered, completely funding me for both! Since receiving the help from the 1859 foundation I have started my career as an NFL Agent--I started my own sports agency named Longevity Sports & Entertainment (LSE) that focuses on building long term success for professional athletes beyond their sport. On top of getting things running with my own agency, I am also establishing a Partnership with Dream Big Sports Academy to provide mentorship, education, and instill leadership for the youth athletes in the community. Without the 1859 Foundation, none of this would have been possible.