Marvin Demoff

Biography

Marvin Demoff revolutionized NFL player representation through strategic brilliance, unwavering integrity, and landmark negotiations that reshaped professional football's contract landscape over four decades. Born October 28, 1942 in Los Angeles, California, Demoff grew up immersed in Southern California sports culture. He earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA in 1964 before receiving his Juris Doctor from Loyola University of Los Angeles in 1967. Admitted to California bar in 1969, Demoff initially practiced criminal defense law before transitioning to sports representation in late 1970s. Joining Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp law firm in Los Angeles, he quickly developed reputation for diligence, discretion, and sophisticated legal expertise. Unlike many contemporaries who sought publicity, Demoff maintained remarkably low public profile, earning nickname "Monsignor" in NFL circles for his integrity and trustworthiness. Giants executive Ernie Accorsi called him "dream to work with because he's honest," noting Demoff's absence of malice and refusal to negotiate through media. Demoff's defining achievement came during historic 1983 NFL Draft, widely considered most pivotal draft in league history. He represented four of six first-round quarterbacks: John Elway, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, and Tony Eason—unprecedented feat demonstrating his industry dominance. His masterful orchestration of Elway's refusal to play for Baltimore Colts, leveraging threat of baseball career with New York Yankees, forced trade to Denver Broncos days after draft. This negotiation fundamentally altered NFL's power dynamics between players and franchises. ESPN's 2013 documentary "Elway to Marino" chronicled draft through Demoff's meticulous real-time notes, revealing complex behind-scenes maneuvering involving nearly every team. Beyond 1983 quarterbacks, Demoff's elite client roster included Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden, Rod Woodson, Leslie O'Neal, Jeff Hostetler, Rick Mirer, and Jim Everett. He specialized in creating fair deals satisfying both players and teams, pioneering player empowerment while maintaining professional relationships with management. As adjunct professor at UC Davis School of Law (1993) and frequent speaker at legal symposia, Demoff educated next generation on sports law ethics and contract negotiation. His legacy extends through son Kevin Demoff, prominent NFL executive serving as Los Angeles Rams' Chief Operating Officer. Working later at Morris Yorn Barnes Levine, Marvin Demoff's career exemplified how strategic thinking, personal loyalty, and ethical standards could elevate sports agent profession to unprecedented heights.