FOUNDED BY KEITH JOHNSON AND DAMION PORTER SR
About Us
At Wise Men Management LLC, founded by Keith Johnson and Damion Porter Sr., we are dedicated to providing best-in-class athlete representation. Our mission is to maximize professional opportunities for our clients both on and off the court, the field, or the stage.
We have embraced the out-of-the-box of representation while elevating and prioritizing each athlete’s unique needs of service. Our comprehensive 360° service ensures that every aspect of an athlete’s career is meticulously managed.
Our unwavering commitment of excellence which will clearly set you apart in our body of work. We, as an organization, will continue to strive in the field of managing/representation with the determination of building a diverse, creative, and dynamic innovative team who’s work has been often imitated but never properly duplicated (hint*** Company Name: Wise Men Management LLC).
Who We Work With
Deshaun Mallory (Bears)
Ben Boyd Jr (Assistant Football DB Coach at University of Wyoming)
SUMMARY: I am an accomplished mentor and national recruiter with 22 years of progressive and successful collegiate coaching experience. I am well versed in all aspects of football operations and have a wealth of experience in mentoring young people from diverse populations. I have successfully coached on sidelines from the FBS to the Division three level, while briefly working in the NFL, and the one constant is that relationships and teaching are the vital ingredients to success.
EDUCATION: Aurora University – Aurora, IL – 2000-2002
Master of Social Work, Concentration in School Social Work
Aurora University – Aurora, IL – 1996-2000
Bachelor of Social Work
Minor: Physical Education/Coaching
ATHLETICS: Athletics Department, University of Wyoming – Laramie, WY
EXPERIENCE: Co-Special Teams Coordinator, Corners Coach – 2020-present
- Coordinated KO and Punt Block units/Managed special teams coaching staff.
- Coached position (4-2-5) with position specific requirements. 4 different corners have garnered All Mountain West honors since 2020.
Athletics Department, Eastern Illinois University – Charleston, IL
Special Teams Coordinator, Corners Coach – 2019
- Coordinated all special teams units/Managed special teams coaching staff.
- Coached position (3-4) with position specific requirements. In first season, defense jumped from 118th to top 30 in FCS total defense rankings.
Athletics Department, Central Washington University – Ellensburg, WA
Special Teams & Recruiting Coordinator, Corners Coach – 2015-2018
- Coordinated all special teams units/Managed special teams coaching staff.
- Manage coaching staff in recruiting operations of potential student athletes.
- Coached position (Flex in ‘15 & Pro Style 4-2-5 ’16-18) with position specific requirements.
- Back to back GNAC champions (‘17-18). Finished 2018 2nd in D2 and had national leader in blocked kicks (all divisions). 2017 defense finished as national leader in rushing defense, sacks, and TFLs, as well as 2nd nationally in INTs and 4th in total defense.
- In 2017, coached a 1st Team All American cornerback who was 2nd nationally in INTs/top 10 in passes defended and our KO coverage unit finished in the top 10 nationally. In 2015 coached All-American returner and multiple players to 1st team all GNAC recognition in each season at Central Washington University.
Athletics Department, Aurora University – Aurora, IL
Defensive/Special Teams Coordinator, DBs Coach – 2014
- Coordinated defensive unit in collaboration with the head coach.
- Coordinated all special teams units, managed all special teams coaching staff.
- Served as academic coordinator for program. Team GPA went from 2.3-2.8 in 1 year.
- Coached position (multiple 4-3/4-2-5) with position specific requirements. Coached 1st year safety to 1st team all-conference recognition.
Athletics Department, University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, ND
Special Teams Coordinator, DBs Coach – 2011-2013
- Coordinated all special teams units, managed special teams coaching staff (led FCS in blocked kicks from 2011-2013 and all divisions 2011-2012).
- Coached position (3-4; corners in’11, safeties in ’12 & ‘13) with position specific requirements.
- Coached All-American returner in 2012 and kicker in 2013. Coached a red shirt freshman Corner to all conference recognition, and the College Sports Journal FCS All-Freshman team in 2011, and a true freshman safety to all Big Sky honors in 2013.
ATHLETICS: Athletics Department, Luther College – Decorah, IA
EXPERIENCE (Cont.): Associate Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator – 2002-2010
Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach
- Assisted head coach with management of entire football operations within the Luther College program, including recruiting/retention of players and coaches.
- Coordinated (multiple 3-3-5/4-2-5) defensive passing and pressure schemes. Coordinated all coaches and special teams units.
- Coached 4 All-Americans, 3 Aztec Bowl participants (D3 All-Star Game) and 19 1st team All Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selections.
RELATED: Houston Texans – Houston, TX
EXPERIENCE: Bill Walsh Fellowship – June – August 2018
Defensive Backs & Special Teams
- Coached defensive backs and special teams during training camp as member of Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship. Program targets qualified minority candidates to expose them to and prepare them for the NFL coaching experience.
Seattle Seahawks – Seattle, WA
Bill Walsh Fellowship – July – August 2017
Linebackers & Special Teams
- Coached linebackers and special teams during training camp as member of Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship. Program targets qualified minority candidates to expose them to and prepare them for the NFL coaching experience.
Oakland Raiders – Alameda, CA
Bill Walsh Fellowship – June – August 2016
Special Teams
- Coached special teams during training camp as member of Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship. Program targets qualified minority candidates to expose them to and prepare them for the NFL coaching experience.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Latrobe, PA
Bill Walsh Fellowship – July – August 2010
Defensive Backs & Special Teams
- Coached defensive backs and special teams during training camp as member of Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship. Program targets qualified minority candidates to expose them to and prepare them for the NFL coaching experience.
AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year – Waco, TX
- 1 of 3 Finalist for 2010 Division three award – November, 2010
NCAA Football Coaches Academy – Indianapolis, IN
Participant – May 2009
- Mission of the academy is to assist ethnic minority football coaches with career advancement through skills enhancement, networking and exposure opportunities while raising awareness regarding the substantial pool of talented ethnic minority coaches.
BSU Distinguished Service Award – Decorah, IA
Luther College – October, 2009
- Presented by the Black Student Union to faculty or staff member who has exhibited outstanding service and dedication to minority student body at Luther College.
PROFESSIONAL: American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) – 2004-present
ASSOCIATIONS:
OTHER: Central Washington University Summer Camp – Ellensburg, WA
EXPERIENCE: External Coordinator – 2015-2018
Nike Coach of the Year Clinic – Portland, OR
Lecturer – March 2018
Glazier Mega Clinics – Denver/Seattle/Minneapolis
Lecturer – February 2024/2017/2013
Shaun Vandiver (Assistant Basketball Coach at University of Wyoming)
Robert Smith ( Legendary HS Coach/Motivational Speaker, Trainer)
Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else 🤠🗣️ pic.twitter.com/BLRjENUSBO
— Wyoming Cowboy Football (@wyo_football) January 5, 2024
Damion Porter Sr.
Chief Operating Officer & CFO
Wise Men Management is a Recruiting Agency, Marketing for Nike, Red Bull, Urban Brands, Brand VP for CMX, and Don King Productions.
Major Prod/Services: Creative and Technical Services, Professional Management, and Executive Recruiting for the Interactive Entertainment Software Industry
Marketing Area: International Branding, National Branding, and Regional Branding.
Area of Expertise: Mr. Porter’s expertise is in financial advisory services and the management of professional sports figures and entertainers, including football, boxing, and basketball players, actors, and singers. He also has experience in purchasing real estate franchises.
Hobbies/Interests/Sports: Spending Time with his Family
Education Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Certifications: Licensed Insurance Agent; Licensed Financial Advisor
Awards and Honors: Small Business Man of the Year twice 2003 & 2010
Charity/Volunteer Work: NYSE Volunteer of 500 KIDS. DCFS-certified mentor and foster parent
Years in Current Position: 25
Attributes Success To: He attributes his success to his hard work ethic and the support and guidance he received from his mother.
Where will you be in 5 years: In five years, Mr. Porter will continue to expand his business and offer exceptional creative management services to his clients.
Extended Bio/Profile: Mr. Porter has given back to his community by working with various organizations that serve the community. He also owns several other real estate investment businesses.
Keith Johnson
Co-founder & CEO
Keith Johnson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Wisemen Management LLC, bringing a wealth of experience in working with athletes at all stages of their careers. With a focus on providing comprehensive day-to-day player management, Keith emphasizes direct support for all clients, both on and off the court or field.
Keith excels in developing personal relationships with players, leveraging his keen understanding of industry trends to facilitate smooth transitions from college to professional sports and beyond. His exceptional ability to build character and deliver full life-cycle recruiting ensures that Wisemen Management seeks and secures the best athletes who embody the company’s values and vision.
Keith’s dedication to his clients is evident in his hands-on approach and commitment to their success, making Wisemen Management a trusted partner for athletes striving to achieve their professional goals.
Our Affiliates
Content Farm Production’s | Accord Resource Group | Shukti LLC | Corey Dean at KIK Advisory Group LLC | Tony Kosi at @Properties | ABA/Naperville Wise Guys
Location
3742 Bailey Road
Yorkville, IL 60560