By: Garrett Mitchell
$1.6 billion in active NFL contracts.
That is the amount negotiated by NFL super-agent Tory Dandy, Woodruff native and philanthropist, who has established himself as one of the top player representatives in the professional football ranks.
Following in the footsteps of his mentor, legendary agent Eugene Parker, Dandy continues to make an ever-larger mark on the sport while using his position to make positive impacts on communities in Atlanta, where he currently resides, and his native Woodruff.
For Dandy, he credits his understanding of the game as one of the many reasons for his success.
“It is a commonality (with my clients),” explains Dandy. “Football is the ultimate team sport where everyone must do his job for the greater success of the team. There is a lot of hard work that goes into it. Having played at South Carolina State University and Tusculum, I know what it’s like to grind. It allows me to have important conversations with my clients, and they know I understand.”
Dandy, who is the co-head of football representation and operations for CAA (Creative Artists Agency), currently represents over 60 clients that total $1.6 billion in active NFL contracts, making him one of the top-earning agents in professional sports.
During the 2025 NFL draft, Creative Artists Agency saw seven clients drafted in the first round. Dandy represents five of those players.
“Draft-wise, it was awesome,” he said.
When it comes to working in the best interests of his clients and negotiating contracts, Dandy strives to be forthcoming and professional while ensuring the players under his purview are taken care of.
Among his clients are CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys), Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns), AJ Brown (Philadelphia Eagles), Deebo Samuel (Washington Commanders), Nik Bonitto (Denver Broncos), Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos), and Trey Smith. Smith, an offensive guard for the Kansas City Chiefs, recently signed a four-year, $94 million contract with $70 million guaranteed, which makes him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. Additionally, Surtain was named the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
“I strive for authenticity and, of course, professionalism,” Dandy added. “My record over the past 23 years speaks for itself. I believe in having a personal touch and care, but being a country boy from Woodruff, I know how to be there outside of the game, too. I believe it helps with having success.”
Tory, of course, is also always active in philanthropic efforts. In Atlanta, Dandy just hosted his “Thanksgiving Give Back” in November 2024, which helped feed homeless residents in local communities. Having lost his father, Arthur Lee Alexander, last September, Tory dedicates much of his community outreach to him.
Among the initiatives he undertakes are the Tory Dandy Scholarship Program at Woodruff High School and in Spartanburg County, Beauty Marks for girls, support for the Woodruff Area Soup Kitchen, Helping Hands Ministries, and the Project Hope Foundation.
Every holiday season, he hosts the Tory Dandy Foundation Day of Giving in honor of his late father, which results in $2,500 given every Christmas.
At heart, though, Dandy is and will always be a Woodruff Wolverine. With the Woodruff football team primed for a successful season and being considered one of the favorites to win Class 3A, Dandy has a message for current Woodruff players.
Concentrate on faith, focusing, and finishing.
“Woodruff has a lot of lore and community support,” Dandy said. “I would tell the players, Wolverine Nation is behind you. The saying I use is faith, focus, finish. You can apply those three words in anything you do, whether it is football, school, or your career.”
Author: gmitchell85
