Trojans utilize the special knowledge of 25-year NFL front-office veteran Joe Mendes, and the relationship has led to great results
By Ben Malcolmson
USCRipsIt
PeteCarroll.com
Joe Mendes wouldn’t say he’s a miracle-worker.
“It’s just part of the education process,” he says with a shrug.
Several Trojans currently in the NFL think otherwise.
“He worked wonders for me and I’m really glad he helped me,” said All-American linebacker Keith Rivers, who was drafted No. 9 by the Cincinnati Bengals in April’s NFL Draft. “He’s a great tool for the program.”
The founder and president of Cornerstone Sports Consulting, Mendes advises junior and senior players as they look toward playing in the NFL, giving them an overview of the NFL scouting process and, most importantly, implementing an educational program to assist the student-athletes and their families to bring a structure to the agent recruiting, interviewing and selection process.
The program works to prepare the player to focus solely on history and facts and “not get caught up in all the emotions and feel-good propaganda,” Mendes said.
“Joe is a tremendous asset and resource for our players,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “He links our players with cutting-edge information and preparation methods.”
Carroll raves about Mendes, saying he offers players “the maximum opportunities when they go to the NFL,” including counsel on the NFL Combine, choosing an agent and other Draft preparation. The process begins years before a player will get drafted, as Mendes starts counseling players on the NFL scouting and agent selection processes as early as the spring before a player’s sophomore or junior season, knowing that each student-athlete has a unique situation and deserves individualized time.
“The program is a process that leads to results, rather than just a seminar speech,” Carroll said.
Rivers, who many believed could go pro after his junior season, consulted with Mendes following his third year at USC, but, thanks in part to the guidance of Mendes and Carroll, Rivers decided to stay for his senior season. He ended up being drafted at one to three rounds higher and making millions of more dollars.
“He not only helps with the agent selection process — and he does a tremendous job with that — but he really helps with the decision whether to go pro early or not,” Rivers said.
Mendes has more than 25 years of NFL scouting and front-office experience, so his knowledge of the transition from college to pro is truly first-hand. He was most recently vice president of football operations for the Washington Redskins until 2003, a position that featured overseeing player personnel, the college draft, free agency, contract negotiations, salary cap and the day-to-day football operations of the entire organization. Before that role, Mendes was also a director of college scouting, director of player operations and personnel scout for three different NFL teams.
“He has a wealth of background and knowledge of the NFL and the system there,” Carroll said. “He’s a trusted guy around the league and knows everyone in the NFL.”
Rivers said he began to trust Mendes and his advice almost immediately after meeting him more than two years ago.
“He’s a non-biased person and his background in the NFL gives him a lot of credibility,” Rivers said. “He really knows what he’s doing.”
Fellow 2008 first-round draft pick Lawrence Jackson also appreciated Mendes’ advice during the transition from college to the NFL.
“Joe taught me the difference between what I need and what I want in terms of agents and what they’re offering,” said Jackson, who went to the Seattle Seahawks with the 28th pick. “Agents say stuff that sounds good but doesn’t mean anything, and Joe helps cut through that.
“He can call B.S. when he sees it; he’s a straight shooter.”
And it’s not only the players who reap the benefits of Mendes’ services. The player’s family also gets consultation from Mendes, who works closely with the parents as their son progresses toward the next level.
“He serves as a connection for a player and his family to the next level and really prepares them for what’s ahead,” Carroll said.
Cornerstone laid the foundation for the transition to the NFL for one recent Trojan, said David Baker, the father of offensive tackle Sam Baker, who was the 21st pick of the 2008 NFL Draft.
“Joe really aided Sam in two ways — in helping him decide to stay for his senior year and also in the selection of an agent,” said Baker, who recently resigned as commissioner of the Arena Football League after 12 years. “A lot of the methods and questions we had for agents during the selection process came right from Joe’s presentation. He was a huge help for us.”
Cornerstone, which was founded by Mendes three years ago, is contracted by the athletic department, meaning Mendes works on behalf of the program and not any outside influences, including agents or NFL personnel. Mendes and Cornerstone are part of USC’s Profession Sports Education Panel, which provides counseling, agent education, consultation and other services for student-athletes who are turning professional.
Carroll said he’s been thrilled with the results.
“Cornerstone is an excellent educational resource for all our players and their families,” Carroll said. “I can’t imagine any school not wanting to make this program available to assist their players.”
The Cornerstone Sports educational program is also available to individual student-athletes and their families, regardless of university affiliation. For more information, visit Cornerstone’s Web site.
• Ben Malcolmson is the Director of Online Media for USCRipsIt/PeteCarroll.com. You can contact him at Ben@PeteCarroll.com.
