Why Free Agents Need Good Film and Highlights When Looking for an Agent

By Katrina Jones

When you're a free agent trying to land representation, having a strong highlight reel isn’t optional — it’s essential. Agents are constantly approached by athletes looking for opportunities, and with limited time and dozens of pitches each week, a good highlight reel is your ticket to making a strong first impression.

Why Good Film Matters

An agent's job is to sell you — to a team, scout, or coach. But if you don’t provide quality material for them to work with, they’re already at a disadvantage. Your highlight reel is often the first and sometimes only thing that will be seen before a decision is made about whether you're worth a call, email, or follow-up meeting. It communicates your skill level, athleticism, decision-making, and potential in just a few minutes.

Example: A wide receiver with raw speed and crisp route-running might never get noticed if his highlight film is grainy, choppy, or poorly edited. On the other hand, another receiver with slightly less talent but a professionally made, action-packed, and well-timed highlight reel might get multiple agent callbacks simply because the presentation made his performance pop.

The Do’s of Free Agent Highlight Films

1. Keep it Short and Impactful (2-4 minutes):Agents don’t have time to watch a full game unless they’re already interested. Your highlight video should show your top 15–25 plays in the first 90 seconds.

2. Lead with Your Best Plays:Put your most impressive, dynamic moments at the beginning. The first 30 seconds are crucial.

3. Use Good Quality Footage:No shaky phone clips, pixelated replays, or poorly zoomed footage. Your video should be HD and clear enough to show your body language, technique, and reaction time.

4. Identify Yourself Clearly:Use circles, arrows, or text to highlight who you are before each play, especially if you're not the focal point of the play.

5. Show Game Speed:Training videos are helpful, but game film shows how you perform under pressure and in real-time conditions.

6. Include Your Position, Size, and Stats at the Start or End:Agents want to know your height, weight, position, and basic stats quickly. Add them cleanly at the start or end.

The Don’ts of Free Agent Film

1. Don’t Make It a Hype Video:Agents aren’t impressed by rap music, slow motion, or over-the-top transitions. They want substance, not flash. Save the hype video for your personal social media.

2. Don’t Include Average Plays:You’re trying to stand out. A 4-yard catch on 3rd and 12 won’t cut it. Only include clips that show your strengths—speed, awareness, technique, power, etc.

3. Don’t Edit Out the Build-Up:A quick cut to a touchdown doesn’t show your route, timing, or field awareness. Include 3–5 seconds before and after the play to provide context.

4. Don’t Let the Film Speak for You Alone:Follow up your film with a short bio or athletic resume. Include career highlights, achievements, and current training regimen.

Real-World Consequences

Case Study 1: A linebacker trying to get into the CFL sent an agent a poorly cropped video where he was hard to see, and many clips were from practice. The agent never replied. That same player later invested in professional editing, added clear game clips, and got signed two months later.

Case Study 2: A female soccer player included a mix of international matches, clean transitions, and clear indicators showing her position. She led off with high-intensity goals and defensive stops. She signed with an agency within 10 days.

Final Thoughts

Think of your film as your personal business card—it tells agents, “Here’s what I bring to the table, and here’s why I’m worth your time.” Good highlights are your entry point. Bad or average ones might close doors before you even know they existed.

So invest in good editing, choose your plays carefully, and make sure your film sells you. Because in today’s sports world, talent without visibility might as well be invisible.