Rusty Kennedy / AP file

“You can tell my competition that I’m not going anywhere,” agent Drew Rosenhaus said, responding to a rumor from two agents saying that he might be ready to call it a day negotiating contracts. “Retire at 39? Who thinks that? I fully intend to be doing this for another 30 years. I seriously see myself doing this until I’m 70.”

Jason Cole

But any thoughts that the NFL’s best-known and most controversial agent might be ready to spend more time lounging on South Beach than sweating on a hot day in June watching football practice can be put to rest.

“You can tell my competition that I’m not going anywhere,” Rosenhaus said, responding to a rumor from two agents saying that he might be ready to call it a day negotiating contracts. “Retire at 39? Who thinks that? I fully intend to be doing this for another 30 years. I seriously see myself doing this until I’m 70.”

OK, Rosenhaus is still good for hyperbole. The rumor went that after Rosenhaus brought Danny Martoe into the business this year that he was preparing to exit, leaving Martoe to run his company along with brother Jason Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. Together, the four represent more players than any other agency or single agent in the business.

Just bringing Martoe into the business seemed odd to many people who have watched Rosenhaus’ work over the years. Rosenhaus is a man who has prided himself over the years on having a very small group of people to work his large business.

Furthermore, some of the rumor was based on the perception that Rosenhaus had burned himself out last season with the Terrell Owens situation. Rosenhaus became the brunt of heavy criticism as Owens went from demanding more money before the season got getting suspended by the team in the end.

“I had a pretty big year last year in terms of attention and I’m just trying to change that up right now,” said Rosenhaus, who was criticized by a handful of clients for spending too much time on Owens. For instance, Denver wide receiver Javon Walker switched from Rosenhaus to Kennard McGuire, telling friends and teammates that he was concerned about getting the attention he needed.

Most of Rosenhaus’ clients disagree with that perception, saying that Rosenhaus is omnipresent, regardless of your stature as a player. Players such as linebacker Zach Thomas and former NFL tight end Jed Weaver say they’ve always been able to get Rosenhaus to help them whenever necessary.

Still, perception can be reality and to that end, Rosenhaus said he’s taking a more low-key approach. For instance, Rosenhaus has two key players in Chicago who are looking for new contracts in running back Thomas Jones and linebacker Lance Briggs.

“I really don’t want to get into where the discussions are with the teams,” said Rosenhaus, who last year at this time let a reporter listen in on negotiations between him and one NFL general manager.

Mike Hewitt / Getty Images The Week in Sports Pictures

“No, I’m not changing anything from that perspective. I just think it’s the right time to take a different approach,” he said.

Fair enough, but it does seem curious that the flamboyant Rosenhaus would take any type of different approach. Thus, at least the origin of the rumors makes sense.

Then again, if Rosenhaus really does plan to make it to 70 in the cutthroat world of being a sports agent, a slower approach might be wise.

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