Players Health has announced the strategic additions of Brian McDowell, Tate Gillespie, and Jordan Poydras to our team. Each brings specialized experience in their respective industries, underscoring our commitment to delivering innovative solutions for athlete protection and meeting the changing demands of collegiate athletics.

As the NIL industry continues to grow, Players Health s poised to grow alongside it. With the NIL market expected to exceed $1.6billion in the 2024–25 academic year, our ongoing investments are strategically positioned to meet the increasing demand for comprehensive protection and support for all stakeholders navigating this rapidly expanding landscape.

Brian McDowell: Fueling Growth and StrategicPartnerships

Brian McDowell joins Players Health as Chief RevenueOfficer, bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience in the insurance industry, with roles at Insurance of America and Hughes Insurance. As CRO,McDowell will drive growth and establish strategic partnerships to strengthen the firm’s position within the insurance landscape.

“Tyrre and the Players Health team have set the bar extremely high for athlete safety and insurance, creating solutions that redefine protection for those who need it most,” said McDowell. “My focus will be on leveraging our collective industry expertise to drive sustained growth through partnerships that enhance our ability to serve athletes at all levels.Together, we’ll set new standards in the industry while ensuring our clients receive unmatched support and security.”

Tate Gillespie: Driving NIL Strategy and Partnerships

Tate Gillespie joins as the Director of NIL Strategy& Partnerships, where he will spearhead Players Health’s Collegiate &NIL vertical, overseeing strategy and partnerships. He brings extensive experience from his previous roles as Director of NIL Strategy at theUniversity of Kansas, Major League Baseball and at the Mark Cuban-backed NILStore, the nation’s premier provider of officially licensed NIL apparel for student-athletes and institutions nationwide.

"At this pivotal moment in college athletics,Players Health is in a unique position to craft the future of NIL,” saidGillespie. “For the first time, there’s a product offering the essential financial protection that athletes, universities, and collectives need. Driven by our mission to protect young athletes, we’re equipping every stakeholder in the NIL ecosystem with the tools to succeed—ensuring their stability, safety, and opportunity for growth both on and off the field.”

Jordan Poydras: Supporting Athlete Safety andEngagement

Jordan Poydras has joined Players Health's NILDivision as a Risk Advisor. In this role, Poydras will lead client onboarding, working closely with universities, athletes, and agents to showcase Players Health's commitment to athlete safety.

With extensive experience in NIL from his previous position as an NIL Engagement Manager at Opendorse, Poydras has worked with a wide range of stakeholders in the NIL space, including athletic directors, coaches, donors, collectives, and athletes. Jordan has traveled across the country to help these stakeholders understand and implement NIL best practices and policies, while also advising athletes on how to build and grow their personal brands in the evolving landscape of college sports and Name, Image, and Likeness.

“Players Health has redefined what it means to protect athletes, setting a new standard in data-driven athlete safety and education,”said Poydras. At Players Health, we will provide stability to a market that is always changing and evolving. As the industry shifts, we will continue to adapt with it to make sure our partners are consistently covered. That’s our commitment. This team will have lasting impacts on the NIL landscape and redefine health and safety for college athletes for years to come.”

CEO Tyrre Burks on the New Additions to Players Health

“As Players Health continues to drive innovation in athlete safety and protection, we are confident that Brian, Tate, and Jordan will play pivotal roles in accelerating our growth and enhancing the services we offer to college and youth sports,” said Tyrre Burks, Founder & CEO ofPlayers Health. “Tate and Jordan bring deep expertise in college athletics andNIL strategy, while Brian’s extensive background in insurance will be instrumental as we continue on our upward trajectory.They will unequivocally help us redefine industry standards and provide our clients with unparalleled support and security."

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