Michael Huyghue

Education and Experience

Michael is widely regarded as one of the most prominent figures in the professional sports industry having a career that spans over 35 years. Michael has been a pioneer in the industry, paving the way for other African Americans who followed in his footsteps.

Michael is currently the Senior Director of Programming for the Fritz Pollard Alliance. In this role Michael oversees the development of programs that support the mission of the Fritz Pollard Alliance and assists in setting organizational and policy initiatives. Michael also personally provides expert consulting services for elite sports leagues and their commissioners, including the NFL, to advance the diversity initiatives of each league. Michael is also currently a Visiting Professor at Cornell University Law School where he created and teaches his course: The Art of Negotiation in Business & Sports.

Most recently, Michael founded and directed, as Commissioner, the United Football League, raising over $200M in seed money. The UFL operated for four nationally televised seasons, competing directly against the NFL.

In 2001 Michael launched a highly successful Sports and Entertainment Agency, Axcess Sports & Entertainment, that represented professional athletes, Olympians, and entertainers. Michael has represented or partnered with athletes and celebrities including Magic Johnson, Oscar De La Hoya, Snoop Dogg, Billy Butler, Fred Funk, Vince Wilfork, and others.

In 1994 Michael was selected to run football operations for the NFL start up Jacksonville Jaguars. Under his leadership, the Jaguars collected more wins in their first five seasons than any other new franchise in the history of the NFL, including a remarkable two AFC Championship game appearances.

Michael gained widespread prominence in 1991 as the youngest and one of the first black general managers in professional football with the NFL’s World League of American Football. Michael went on to hold the most senior position in the league reporting directly to a committee of NFL owners. Michael also sat on the Management Council Executive Committee, the College Advisory Committee, and as the senior member of the Committee on Minority Hiring.