Mike Tannenbaum: All It Takes is One Yes

Have you ever wondered what it takes to work in the NFL? Mike Tannenbaum, the founder of The 33rd Team and NFL Front Office Insider for ESPN pulls back the curtain to reveal how he landed his dream job as the former General Manager of the New York Jets. Once you get your foot in the door, keep proving your value, and no one will kick you out. Mike was always the kid with a passion for sports. He sorted mail by day and spooned nacho cheese for the Pittsburgh Mets at night–for free. Even when he attended Tulane University Law School, he thought about sports and continued interning with teams. Mike saw an opportunity when the rule changed to free agency; he wanted to show how teams and coaches could leverage the salary cap. He sent 60 letters with his book to NFL coaches and GMs; all it took was 59 rejection letters and one yes. For Mike, it always comes down to creating value. When you focus on acquiring skills that add value for all, that’s when you stand out. Thanks to his hard work and skill development, he finally got his chance to become General Manager of the New York Jets. At the time, he was the youngest GM in the NFL. Mike reflects on his time with the Jets and his picks for best and worst decisions as a GM. Today, Mike seeks to bring value to others through his new career as a professor at Columbia University and as the NFL Front Office Insider for ESPN. He is passionate about using what he has learned in his career to helping other aspiring sports professionals. Hear about The 33rd Team and how it is elevating others with the same love he has for sports.