How Quinn Ewers’ Rise as an NFL Prospect Influences Small Business Opportunities in Government Contracting

Quinn Ewers, once one of the highest-rated high school quarterbacks in the nation and a key player at the Texas Longhorns, is now making his NFL preseason debut with the Miami Dolphins after being drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While Ewers’ journey to the professional league has captured sports headlines, SMBs involved in or exploring federal contracting can draw interesting parallels and insights from his experience and broader sports-related procurement trends in government.

The Unexpected Journey: Resilience and Adaptability as Lessons for SMBs

Ewers’ draft experience was marked by an unexpected slide late into the draft, a stark reminder of fluctuating circumstances and the need to adapt quickly — fundamentals that resonate with small businesses navigating government procurement:

• Persistence amid uncertainty: Ewers’ story underscores the importance of perseverance, especially when bidding or applying for federal contracts where roles and award decisions can sometimes surprise entrants.

• Leveraging opportunity: Despite the late draft pick, Ewers leveraged his position with the Miami Dolphins, a strategy SMBs can emulate by aligning with prime contractors or securing subcontracting opportunities post-award.

• Building support systems: Just as Ewers’ support network rallies behind him, small businesses benefit from building relationships with government agencies, compliance advisors, and procurement officers to strengthen their contracting prospects.

Sports Industry Procurement and Federal Contracting: Where SMBs Can Score

The rise of high-profile athletes like Quinn Ewers often triggers increased government and commercial spending around sporting events, athlete endorsements, and related infrastructure, creating multiple avenues relevant to SMBs in federal contracting:

• Event Support Services: Federal and state agencies sometimes contract event security, logistics, and medical support around major sports events. SMBs compliant with SAM.gov registration and with appropriate GSA schedules can position themselves to bid on these services.

• Technology and Media Contracts: Growing media coverage and broadcasting infrastructure demands create opportunities for SMBs specializing in IT solutions, media services, or cybersecurity aligned with government contracts.

• Fitness and Wellness Programs: Agencies increasingly invest in employee wellness, and SMBs offering specialized fitness equipment or programs can leverage GSA schedules related to health and fitness supplies for government employees.

Compliance and Strategic Positioning: The Playbook for SMBs Inspired by Sporting Success

Government contracting requires attention to compliance, much like professional sports demand adherence to rules and standards:

• Maintain active SAM.gov registration: Ensure your small business maintains up-to-date registrations to remain eligible for contract awards and procurement notifications.

• Understand contract classifications: Familiarize yourself with NAICS codes that correspond to your services and monitor forecasts from agencies like the Department of Defense or Health and Human Services that may tie into sports or fitness-related contracts.

• Utilize GSA Schedules: Use GSA schedules to simplify government purchasing, especially where contracts involve standardized equipment or services (e.g., vehicle leasing for event transport or athletic facility management).

• Focus on subcontracting: Just as team players support each other on the field, small businesses should seek partnerships and subcontracting arrangements with primes already holding government contracts.

Conclusion: From the Gridiron to Government Contracting Success

Quinn Ewers’ NFL journey illustrates that talent combined with tenacity and strategy can lead to opportunities even when initial outcomes seem unfavorable. Small businesses serving or aspiring to serve federal agencies can adopt similar approaches: remain flexible, build robust support networks, stay compliant, and seize niche opportunities that arise from broader economic trends—including those influenced by major sports figures and events.

By aligning your small business strategy with lessons drawn from Ewers’ rise and leveraging key government contracting tools like SAM.gov and GSA schedules, you can position your company to win contracts and grow within the competitive federal marketplace.

GovScout helps small businesses break into federal contracting. We simplify SAM.gov, surface winnable contracts, and give you the insights to grow in the public sector. Learn more at govscout.io.