UofL alumna Savannah Foster (’07) is part of the trailblazing women who are making a name for themselves in professional sports. Foster is vice president of client relations for Athletes First, a sports agency that specializes in NFL representation.

Foster, who helps negotiate player contracts, about her experiences as an NFL agent and the evolution of the NFL to include more women.

Foster said attending a seminar with a nearly all-male audience at the NFL Combine a few years ago illustrated the lack of women in the field.

“There were maybe four or five women peppered around the room, but that’s when it hit me in the face that were not a lot of women doing in this,” . “But I think we’re gaining a ton of momentum. For example, in 2020 at the NFL Draft, there were four women agents representing a first round pick. The NFL is definitely becoming a more friendly environment for women. There are women refs and some coaches, I hope it will continue to go up from here.”

While she’s now completely engrossed in the game, the passion for her career began with collegiate athletics. While an undergrad at UofL, Foster worked for the president’s office where she got to travel to the College World Series, NCAA Tournament and the Orange Bowl.

“And after those great opportunities, decided I wanted to be somewhere where I could be a successful sports agent,” Foster said.

Prior to working with Athletes First, Foster worked for the San Diego Padres and the Upper Deck Company while completing her education at California Western School of Law.

Brown, 25, played for Fern Creek High School and stayed home to play for the Cardinals, where he was a starter for the 2014 and 15 seasons. The St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams chose him as the 72nd pick in the 2015 NFL draft, and last year he transferred to the Giants. He has been the starter in 38 out of 50 of his NFL games so far.

Last week he returned to his hometown, attending a men’s basketball game where he had the opportunity to meet President Neeli Bendapudi, and talking to kids at Louisville’s West End School about bullying. 

in which he admitted that – although 6-foot-4-inches tall and 340 pounds now – he endured bullying himself when he was a kid. 

Brown has established the Jamon Brown Foundation to help those in need in Louisville. Last year, the organization funded a 13-and-under West Louisville all-star baseball team’s trip to the Babe Ruth World Series, the CJ reports. It has also helped feed families for Thanksgiving and facilitated a toy drive for Christmas. 

Brown also hosts a free youth football camp with financial support from a golf fundraiser. His goal is to add more events, with a mission of “impacting the lives of those people who are struggling with violence, poverty and youth and young-adult homelessness.” 

“We have that ability to help anyone of any color, of any age, of any gender,” he told the publication. 

“I take pride in being from Louisville, man. … So I kind of wanted to be a picture of, ‘Hey, when you make it out, take pride in the city that you’re from and be able to be a part of its growth and helping it move ahead.’”