Shannon Polk

Shannon Polk is an attorney, NFLPA-certified contract advisor, and partner at IHC Sports, a football representation agency that combines sports management with high-level legal advocacy. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Polk represents professional athletes in contract negotiations, litigation matters, and career management, drawing on extensive experience handling complex legal disputes for athletes, Fortune 500 companies, executives, and public entities. In addition to his legal practice, he serves as a certified NFL player agent, providing athletes with representation both on and off the field. As a leader at IHC Sports, Polk works alongside a team of attorneys and agents who have negotiated contracts for NFL players selected in every round of the draft and at every position, as well as contracts for coaches and broadcasters worth more than $1 billion in combined value. The agency is known for its attorney-led approach to athlete representation, emphasizing contract expertise, labor relations, grievance advocacy, and long-term career planning. Polk has been involved in representing NFL players through contract negotiations, Collective Bargaining Agreement matters, and other legal issues affecting professional athletes. Beyond contract representation, Polk has built a distinguished legal career, earning recognition for securing significant results in high-stakes litigation and employment cases. Through IHC Sports, he helps athletes navigate both the business and legal aspects of professional football while providing access to marketing, endorsement, and entertainment opportunities through the agency’s broad professional network. His dual role as attorney and agent reflects a comprehensive approach to athlete advocacy that combines legal protection, strategic negotiation, and long-term career development.