Ep. 2: Undrafted, Hamstring Torn Off the Bone, and He Still Made 4 NFL Teams | Jake Bargas

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[00:00:00] Jake Bargas: I tear my hamstring off the bone, and, you know, the phone stopped ringing. I ended up getting [00:00:05] undrafted by the Vikings. 2020. The only way to make the league, I always felt [00:00:10] like, was to, like, take food off someone else's plate. 53 guys. Yeah. My first game was [00:00:15] Christmas Day. It was in the Superdome. I got elevated as [00:00:20] a rookie.

[00:00:20] Jake Bargas: This is my sport, closing deals, making money, so, like, that's how we're keeping score.[00:00:25] [00:00:30]

[00:00:32] Sajag: Hello, everybody. Welcome to, uh, Coolest Person I Know. [00:00:35] I'm Sajag.

[00:00:36] Jake Geddes: I'm Jake Geddes.

[00:00:37] Sajag: And, uh, we're calling in from New York [00:00:40] here.

[00:00:40] Jake Geddes: Midtown Manhattan. We're here with Jake Bargas, who I met in Midtown Manhattan about two [00:00:45] years ago. We have hit it off because we both work at the intersection of [00:00:50] sports and finance.

[00:00:51] Jake Geddes: Jake is from Boca originally, played football at [00:00:55] UNC, where I found out he majored in journalism. After playing in the NFL [00:01:00] for four teams, works at JL as a real estate agent, brokering [00:01:05] sports businesses in the commercial real estate spaces. How would you describe your role?

[00:01:08] Jake Bargas: Tenant representation.

[00:01:09] Jake Geddes: Tenant [00:01:10] representation.

[00:01:10] Jake Geddes: All sectors, right?

[00:01:11] Jake Bargas: That's right.

[00:01:12] Jake Geddes: Cool.

[00:01:13] Sajag: Do you, do you always feel like you wanted to [00:01:15] make it to the NFL? Did it just happen?

[00:01:17] Jake Bargas: No, I mean, it definitely didn't just happen. You know, like there's a lot [00:01:20] of, you know, blood, sweat, and tears. But I mean, look, it's like a life... it was a lifelong dream. Like- [00:01:25] My first word was ball.

[00:01:26] Jake Bargas: Yeah. Yeah. Like, my, my mom was like, "You always wanted to, like, play [00:01:30] sports," like, whatever it was.

[00:01:31] Sajag: Yep. Your first word as a baby was ball?

[00:01:32] Jake Bargas: Was ball. Yeah.

[00:01:33] Sajag: That's pretty crazy.

[00:01:34] Jake Bargas: Exactly. [00:01:35] Ball is life, you know? Ball is life. So, I mean, I loved it. Ever since I was a kid I wanted to play. [00:01:40] And, you know, it was, I had a crazy path, 'cause I was a lacrosse- Where I went to school was, like, a big [00:01:45] lacrosse school.

[00:01:46] Jake Bargas: Like, I was committed to Michigan as an eighth-grader, thought I was gonna play lacrosse. [00:01:50] And, you know, I really want- had a, my first love was basketball. You know, there's, like, that [00:01:55] emotional, like, attachment to the game. But I wanted to go to a good school. My mom was a teacher [00:02:00] at FAU, you know, adjunct professor, and, like, education was super important to her.

[00:02:04] Jake Bargas: And I remember, like, Duke [00:02:05] offered me, and, like, everyone was in my ear like, "You gotta look at Duke. You gotta look at Duke." Funny, you know, 'cause I'm [00:02:10] a Tar Heel. But that kinda changed my mentality on, like, what I wanted to do in college, [00:02:15] and ended up at Carolina.

[00:02:17] Jake Geddes: What was your house like growing up? What, what was your...

[00:02:19] Jake Geddes: [00:02:20] You said your mom was a adjunct professor.

[00:02:21] Jake Bargas: Yeah. My mom was a, mom was a teacher. You

[00:02:23] Jake Geddes: grew up in Boca, right?

[00:02:24] Jake Bargas: [00:02:25] Grew up in Boca. Nice. South Florida. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, so it's like-

[00:02:27] Jake Geddes: A dream ...

[00:02:28] Sajag: it was amazing. And there's a lot of

[00:02:28] Jake Bargas: sports

[00:02:28] Sajag: guys that come from Boca? [00:02:30]

[00:02:30] Jake Geddes: Yes.

[00:02:30] Jake Bargas: Boca, I think so. Yeah. Boca guy. We got a few. Yeah. P- I would say, like, Palm Beach County.

[00:02:34] Jake Bargas: Palm [00:02:35] Beach County and Broward County, I would say. Yeah, Boca's a little too snobby

[00:02:36] Jake Geddes: to get-

[00:02:36] Sajag: Yeah.

[00:02:37] Jake Bargas: Yeah. Yeah, look, Boca, Boca's a great place to grow [00:02:40] up. I wouldn't say... I think it's kind of a bubble. Yeah. I definitely feel like we erred on, like, the edge [00:02:45] of that bubble where, you know, my parents were there in, like, the '80s.

[00:02:49] Jake Bargas: And I, my dad was, [00:02:50] was, like, uh, from Lighthouse Point. So, like, he was in South Florida before it was, like, [00:02:55] kinda cool. And my mom's from Flint, Michigan, so, like, humble roots, and that's where they ended up [00:03:00] settling for work. And, you know, I ended up getting to grow up there, and it was the greatest experience.[00:03:05]

[00:03:05] Jake Bargas: But, like, back to your question- Yeah ... like, my house growing up was awesome. Like, small [00:03:10] crib. You know, I'm one of three boys, the youngest, so like, a 10-year, 7-year age gap. So, like, [00:03:15] it was a frat house, man. Like, it was hilarious. My poor mom, but such a cool [00:03:20] experience, like, loving household. Maybe didn't have everything we ever, you know, wanted, but everything we [00:03:25] needed, and had a- Right

[00:03:25] Jake Bargas: had fun, you know?

[00:03:27] Jake Geddes: And do you think grow, growing up in [00:03:30] Boca has shaped your professional career?

[00:03:33] Jake Bargas: Not at all. I, [00:03:35] I think, uh, I think the game of football kind of shaped my pr- my, like, professional career. [00:03:40]

[00:03:40] Sajag: I feel like you, you were saying, like, you saw a bunch of your buddies, like, playing professional, right?

[00:03:44] Sajag: And you, you [00:03:45] saw that. I feel like if you grow up somewhere else, like, I don't know, I grew up in the middle of Indiana. We had, like, 10,000 people [00:03:50] in our town. Like, none of my friends were doing anything like that.

[00:03:53] Jake Bargas: Yeah,

[00:03:53] Sajag: seriously. So I feel like when you, when you see [00:03:55] that, like, it changes your opinion of what's possible, right?

[00:03:58] Sajag: For

[00:03:58] Jake Bargas: sure,

[00:03:59] Sajag: yeah. If you grew up [00:04:00] in San Francisco, maybe you'd be a full tech bro right now.

[00:04:03] Jake Bargas: You never know. Hey, man, I... That would've [00:04:05] been nice. Could've been that.

[00:04:05] Sajag: Be software engineering and be like, "What's football?"

[00:04:07] Jake Bargas: Yeah, exactly. No, it's, dude- I don't know anything about that ... it's so [00:04:10] true. Like, it's so true.

[00:04:10] Jake Bargas: Like, I think growing up in South Florida, right, like, [00:04:15] we're probably... I mean, I bet you Boca's, like, 100,000 people. Palm Beach County is probably, like, you know, [00:04:20] 1.5, 1.6, 7 million.

[00:04:22] Sajag: Mm-hmm.

[00:04:22] Jake Bargas: But, like, I would ar- I would argue, like, South [00:04:25] Florida is, like, a h- one of the hotbeds for, you know, NFL players. Like, Texas might have us beat, [00:04:30] but, like, I bet you we're close per capita.

[00:04:32] Jake Bargas: And, like, when you grew up playing, you know, travel [00:04:35] basketball, lacrosse, football, you're, like, traveling around, like, you know these kids at these other schools. Like, [00:04:40] me and Lamar Jackson were the same class, you know? Like, we didn't play against each other, but, like, I remember, like, going [00:04:45] through recruiting, and it's like kid's one of the top quarterbacks in the country, you know?

[00:04:49] Jake Bargas: You got some [00:04:50] dogs down there, you know? Yeah. So it's like you kind of play against these kids, compete with them. It's just second [00:04:55] nature of, like, we're just playing ball.

[00:04:56] Jake Geddes: Yeah. So not to correct you or anything, but [00:05:00] Boca did f- shape your professional career.

[00:05:01] Jake Bargas: So yeah. I mean, look, it... I th- I think in, in certain [00:05:05] ways it did, but I...

[00:05:06] Jake Bargas: when I look at, you know, the skill set and, like, the things I v- I [00:05:10] think I value, like, my values are because of, like, my parents, you know? And it's, like, a reflection on them. Like, my [00:05:15] dad grew up in South Florida. My mom's from Flint. You know, they bestow that on you. You take what you [00:05:20] can from your childhood, and, like, the people around you.

[00:05:21] Jake Bargas: It was kind of like me- melt- like a melt- not really a melting pot in [00:05:25] Boca. And then, like, leaving, I think, like, Carolina was, you're on a team with 110 [00:05:30] guys from all over the country. You got guys from Indiana with 10,000 p- you know, people. You had guys [00:05:35] from small towns in Texas with one stoplight, and it's like that is, I feel like, what kind of [00:05:40] shaped me.

[00:05:40] Jake Bargas: Being around, you know, just such a diverse group, different religions, [00:05:45] races, cultures, beliefs, and, like, being able to be on one team and, like, achieve one [00:05:50] goal. That is, like, when I think of, like, my job today, like, it was from college, not more so [00:05:55] than-

[00:05:55] Jake Geddes: The beauty of sports.

[00:05:56] Jake Bargas: Exactly. Yeah. Sport's the greatest thing ever.

[00:05:57] Jake Geddes: It is, 'cause you could... Yeah, you can bring all wa- [00:06:00] walks of life together-

[00:06:01] Jake Bargas: For sure ...

[00:06:02] Jake Geddes: and have something to bond over. Tell the [00:06:05] story from school to the NFL

[00:06:07] Jake Bargas: High school or college?

[00:06:08] Jake Geddes: College, sorry.

[00:06:09] Jake Bargas: College.

[00:06:09] Jake Geddes: UNC. [00:06:10]

[00:06:10] Jake Bargas: Went to UNC, um, redshirted, which was [00:06:15] awesome. Did four years there under Larry Fedora and then Mack Brown, which was pretty cool.

[00:06:19] Jake Bargas: [00:06:20] Um, and then before my senior year, like I started meeting with agents. It was like pre-NIL. So [00:06:25] like they start kinda coming to you, have preliminary conversations under the protection of like the [00:06:30] university. Yep. And you know, you have, you had some love, and then [00:06:35] week before the first game, South Carolina, I tear my hamstring off the bone [00:06:40] and, you know, the phone stopped ringing.

[00:06:41] Jake Bargas: You worked too. Everything kind of flashes before your eyes- Yeah ... of like, "Damn, is this really it?" Like, "Is this how [00:06:45] I'm gonna go out?" And that injury like forced me to play a position on the field that like I really [00:06:50] didn't, and like I ended up getting signed as a fullback probably because of that injury.[00:06:55]

[00:06:55] Jake Bargas: I like went... I never missed a game in college. I was like, "I'm just gonna bandage this thing up. I wanna play." And I [00:07:00] became like a short yardage, uh, goal line guy and played like some teams. I [00:07:05] was like, "I can sit out and do a six-year," but it was like these are the guys I came in with. Like I wanna play with them and [00:07:10] finish the season.

[00:07:11] Jake Bargas: So I grinded it out, and then my buddy's dad, [00:07:15] um, is a, he's a lawyer, accountant, and he had his [00:07:20] NFL PA license to be an agent. And I called him, I'm like, "Dude, will you represent me?" Like, "Don't pay [00:07:25] for any of my training. I'll, I'll cover everything. I'll be ready. Just get me a look." [00:07:30] And I ended up getting undrafted by the Vikings, um, 2020.[00:07:35]

[00:07:35] Jake Bargas: COVID year. It was crazy worked out. And it's like one of those defining moments of, [00:07:40] like, I got more in the tank. Like, let's- Yeah ... figure out a way to, like, make the most of it. You know? Like s- Mm-hmm ... [00:07:45] little things like that. Like, who knows what's gonna happen? So

[00:07:47] Jake Geddes: how'd you manage to make it to the NFL?

[00:07:49] Jake Bargas: You know, [00:07:50] just discipline, hard work, luck.

[00:07:53] Jake Bargas: I,

[00:07:53] Jake Geddes: uh- Poker connections, or were you [00:07:55] that, were you that good?

[00:07:55] Jake Bargas: Yeah, man, you know, I just started dialing the phones. Cold calling GMs, begging them- Are you serious? No, I wish. [00:08:00] I, uh, I was desperate, you know, a cer- a, a couple times, but [00:08:05] think I, uh, I might have DM'd a head coach or two once I found their Instagram to try to get a workout, [00:08:10] but.

[00:08:10] Sajag: Did that work?

[00:08:11] Jake Bargas: I mean, they answered. I g- I got a look with the Falcons, [00:08:15] um, for rookie mini camp. It was like hilarious. You know, it was like my second or third year in the league. I think I [00:08:20] got cut, and I just, like, DM'd Arthur Smith. [00:08:25] That's crazy. 'Cause he was, like, a UNC guy, and he answered. I don't know if that's, like, legal.

[00:08:29] Jake Geddes: That, that's [00:08:30] definitely legal.

[00:08:30] Jake Bargas: You know, he answered me. He's like, "Hey, would you have interest in coming to rookie mini camp?" And I was like, "I'll, I'll [00:08:35] fill up the waters, man. Like, I just want another chance to get back in the league."

[00:08:38] Jake Geddes: I love it. Who was that person [00:08:40] that believed in you, made you feel like, all right, this is real now, I, I can be in the NFL?[00:08:45]

[00:08:45] Jake Geddes: 'Cause your path was not... You were not put on a pedestal.

[00:08:48] Jake Bargas: Yeah, for sure. I mean, [00:08:50] look, it's cliche, but, like, probably my pops. Cool. You know, like my dad was, like, very supportive, [00:08:55] you know, definitely believed in me, and, like, so many coaches along the way and, you know, teammates. [00:09:00] I think once I saw, like, my friends, couple get drafted, couple play, [00:09:05] and you're still in college, you're like, damn, like, I used to compete with that kid every day.

[00:09:08] Jake Bargas: Like, he's out there-

[00:09:09] Jake Geddes: Mm-hmm ...

[00:09:09] Jake Bargas: [00:09:10] on Sundays. And it, like, puts things in perspective of like, damn, if he can make it, maybe I can make it. And you [00:09:15] start to believe it, and you just kinda, like, work towards it. And, you know, mine wasn't, my path [00:09:20] wasn't linear. I was undrafted. I love it. You know, I had that, like... I think being an undrafted [00:09:25] guy is like, was the greatest gift.

[00:09:26] Sajag: See, I'd be curious to, to hear. So, like, you know, [00:09:30] as an entrepreneur, there's really, really high highs and really low [00:09:35] lows. Uh, in sports, I know there has to be some high highs, right? You win a game, [00:09:40] you're partying all night, there's high highs. Do you also have really low lows?

[00:09:44] Jake Bargas: Yeah, of [00:09:45] course.

[00:09:45] Sajag: And what, what are those lows?

[00:09:47] Jake Bargas: I, I feel like there's highs and lows, but, like, what I always [00:09:50] felt was, you know, I had a coach who was always like, "Just, like, stay even keeled. You know, don't get too high [00:09:55] off praise. Don't get too low off criticism." Feel like the stuff that used to worry me in college, like, [00:10:00] can't believe I ever was stressed about it.

[00:10:02] Jake Bargas: You know, like, you're not that, you're not that important, you [00:10:05] know? Like, you're just trying to... Like, it, it creates, it kinda like creates you, you know? Like- [00:10:10] But yeah, like, look, there's low moments, but, like, those low mo- moments, like, define you

[00:10:14] Jake Geddes: How did you [00:10:15] respond in that moment?

[00:10:16] Jake Bargas: No one cares. Fucking grind it out.[00:10:20]

[00:10:20] Jake Bargas: Figure out how to come back. Like, what am I gonna do? Feel sorry for myself? Like, I always kind of felt like I'd give myself, like, [00:10:25] 24 hours. I have 24 hours to, like, feel sorry, be, be in the dumps, and it's like, all right, [00:10:30] we're getting back to work. Like, I'm not gonna let this define my college career, [00:10:35] and if this is it, let's make the most of it.

[00:10:37] Jake Bargas: You know? Like, if I never get the chance to go play in the pros, like, I didn't wanna leave [00:10:40] anything on the field. I wanted to feel, like, at peace I think [00:10:45] that's like the mentality.

[00:10:47] Sajag: Okay, so question for you, Jake. Was there [00:10:50] a moment when you were like, "All right, like, Boca's too small for me. Like, I wanna, I wanna get to the [00:10:55] bigger city, you know?

[00:10:55] Sajag: I wanna move to..." You lived in a lot of cities, right? I did. What, what... Can you, can you list them out? [00:11:00] What, what cities have you been in?

[00:11:01] Jake Bargas: Man, let's think. I grew up in Boca. I lived in Chapel Hill, North [00:11:05] Carolina, lived in Minneapolis. I was in Chicago for 72 [00:11:10] hours, lived in, you know, Louisiana. I lived in Miami.

[00:11:13] Jake Geddes: What do you mean you were there for 72 hours? I was...

[00:11:14] Jake Bargas: And [00:11:15] I got, I got picked up by the Bears and then cut three days later, so I don't really count Chicago, but, you know, [00:11:20] off-seasoned in LA. Like, I- I'm from Chicago ... I bounced around.

[00:11:23] Jake Geddes: It's, it's all right.

[00:11:24] Jake Bargas: It worked out, man. It [00:11:25] was, it was part of it. It was part of it.

[00:11:26] Jake Bargas: But yeah, I mean, I've been lucky. I've been able to, like, live a bunch of different [00:11:30] places, meet a bunch of people. But your question was, um, but did Boca ever [00:11:35] become too small? I mean, man, I'm like a homebody. I love South Florida. [00:11:40] Yeah. You know? Like, I feel so lucky that I was able to get out of it. I feel like [00:11:45] home- Mm-hmm

[00:11:45] Jake Bargas: sometimes South Florida's, like, too good to be true. You know, you wake up every day- Yeah ... it's like blue skies, palm trees. It's-

[00:11:49] Sajag: [00:11:50] Summer all the time ...

[00:11:50] Jake Bargas: it's the best. Yeah. You know? So, like, coming here, that's like the one aspect of New York, it's like [00:11:55] that hustle and bustle- Mm-hmm ... sharp elbow, like go get it.

[00:11:58] Jake Bargas: Yeah. You know? And like, I felt like I [00:12:00] played my best ball in Minneapolis. As a Florida kid, you know, like, I never saw snow till I went to [00:12:05] college. Like, I'm living in one of the coldest probably parts of, you know, the country.

[00:12:08] Jake Geddes: Yeah. Yeah.

[00:12:08] Jake Bargas: I loved Minnesota, [00:12:10] and it was like you're in the trenches, like you're grinding it out with the boys.

[00:12:13] Jake Bargas: Like, it was the best experience. It was [00:12:15] probably like, it's probably like you could argue maybe the Dolphins 'cause it's like my hometown team, but [00:12:20] like M- Minnesota was superior, you know, experience, just like first [00:12:25] team, you know, Florida guy, like fish- Yeah ... out of water. It was awesome.

[00:12:28] Sajag: So you, you were on like four [00:12:30] different teams, right?

[00:12:31] Jake Bargas: Four.

[00:12:31] Sajag: Four. Uh, is that like normal or is that like a [00:12:35] high number of team? Is that the median? Is that low? Uh, for like, you know, most- Every career is [00:12:40] very different, but that's pretty high

[00:12:40] Jake Bargas: I don't know like the statistics behind it. Like, I was a- Yeah ... journeyman, you know? Like, I bounced around. Like, I know a ton of [00:12:45] guys who are journeymen.

[00:12:45] Jake Bargas: Yeah. You know, you gotta wear that badge with honor. Like, the coolest part was like you [00:12:50] see different locker rooms, meet different players. Um, you know, like I had a crazy journey. Like, I was [00:12:55] practice squad, up and down. Like, you're like getting cut, getting picked up. You're [00:13:00] going to workouts. Like, workouts were crazy 'cause they'd like, you'd fly out on a Monday, you'd, you'd work out [00:13:05] on a Tuesday, and then like you're practicing Wednesday if you get signed, and you have to go through the whole physical process, [00:13:10] and you're, you're coming out.

[00:13:11] Jake Bargas: Like, we always joke, like, the saying is like, "You come off the streets." They're like, "Oh, I [00:13:15] gotta work out. I'm coming off the streets." So it's like you gotta stay ready, and like you might not... [00:13:20] Like, when I went to the Dolphins, I didn't play football for seven weeks.

[00:13:23] Sajag: Yeah.

[00:13:23] Jake Bargas: So it's like I'm training [00:13:25] every day, but like I'm not wearing the pads.

[00:13:26] Jake Bargas: Like, I would have pads and a helmet on running in like the [00:13:30] local park in South Florida. You know, with like other guys trying to get picked up Just, just training ... and you're just [00:13:35] like, your agent's checking every week like, "This guy got beat up. This guy's got a bad knee." Like, [00:13:40] "We're gonna go fly you out to Vegas.

[00:13:41] Jake Bargas: We're gonna fly you out to Cleveland. Like, see if you're in shape." And like, I [00:13:45] always felt like I was ready to go. Like, even when I moved to New York that first year when I took the job at JLL, like I was getting [00:13:50] up and training 'cause I was like, "Fuck, I wanna go back." Can't,

[00:13:52] Sajag: yeah. You can't stop. Like, once it's in your DNA [00:13:55]

[00:13:55] Jake Bargas: It's just like I miss the game and like I felt like I had a little more to give.

[00:13:58] Jake Bargas: And like at the end of the [00:14:00] day, man, it's like you need perfect timing in that league. Like, the first rounders, like there's some guys you g- you're [00:14:05] like, "All right, that guy's a stud." Everyone else I feel like it's kind of like an even playing field. But like, [00:14:10] look, some weeks are better than others. Like, some guys go out, they're all pros, and then they get the punt in their ass.

[00:14:14] Jake Bargas: But like they're [00:14:15] still all pros. That's kind of the game. Football's a crazy game. Yeah.

[00:14:19] Jake Geddes: Yeah, I know. [00:14:20] And, and in baseball, you know, you're, you're fighting so long to get to The Show [00:14:25] and-

[00:14:25] Jake Bargas: Yeah, the minors are insane ...

[00:14:26] Jake Geddes: and then you, and then you

[00:14:26] Jake Bargas: say like,

[00:14:27] Jake Geddes: like you have [00:14:30] that Show moment, whether it's you're playing next to Derek Jeter at Yankee Stadium or some guys it's just the [00:14:35] s- the dinner spread.

[00:14:36] Jake Geddes: Like, what was your NFL Show moment? [00:14:40]

[00:14:40] Jake Bargas: I mean, my first game was Christmas Day

[00:14:44] Jake Geddes: Fire ...

[00:14:44] Jake Bargas: [00:14:45] in New Orleans in the Superdome. I got elevated as a [00:14:50] rookie, and, you know, we're playing in the Superdome, like, during COVID. COVID was the craziest year [00:14:55] 'cause, like, before you even got on the field, like, you have, you have... They take n- I think 90 [00:15:00] guys typically.

[00:15:00] Jake Bargas: It's 90 guys, and then they cut you down over the course of camp to, like, 80 and [00:15:05] 70. Before guys even stepped on the field, they were cutting dudes. You're [00:15:10] getting tested every day, so, like, statistically- Wow ... it was, like, a very hard year to, like, stay in the fight. [00:15:15] And, like, I grinded it out for, you know, 14 weeks on the practice [00:15:20] squad, and then finally, like, my name was called.

[00:15:22] Jake Bargas: You know, like, the guy in front of me had a, had... Was injured, and it's like, [00:15:25] "All right, you're up. You're playing." And

[00:15:26] Sajag: you're like, "Holy shit."

[00:15:27] Jake Bargas: Not even. It's like, "Fuck, I'm ready. Let's go." Yeah, you gotta go. You're like up and away. Like, "I've been [00:15:30] waiting. You know? I've been waiting. Like, let's play." And it was, like, the greatest thing ever, and the, the craziest is, like, [00:15:35] you get there and, like, you're on the field, and it's, like, no different.

[00:15:37] Jake Bargas: You're playing a kids game, and [00:15:40] immediately after the game it's like, "All right, let's do it again. What's next?" You know? It's like, it's such a quick [00:15:45] adrenaline rush, and it's like you're just chasing that again. Like, you wanna play again every Sunday.

[00:15:49] Sajag: I was like... So [00:15:50] you, you played in college, right? So there was, like, you know, stadiums.

[00:15:52] Sajag: There was a lot of people, uh, [00:15:55] right? And I assume the same in the NFL, maybe different during COVID, right? Because stadiums- For sure.

[00:15:59] Jake Bargas: COVID was like- Yeah ... [00:16:00] you couldn't have that many fans. Yeah. Like, after that it was, it would get pretty lit.

[00:16:03] Sajag: So you probably, like, had this, like, [00:16:05] interesting experience where you gotta play with a lot of people, and then you gotta experience what, like, a [00:16:10] legit game was with, like, nobody- For

[00:16:12] Jake Bargas: sure

[00:16:12] Sajag: in the stadium. Like, how was that, how was [00:16:15] that experience? Like, did you, did that-

[00:16:16] Jake Bargas: I mean, I felt like college was way louder. You know, like, [00:16:20] you go play in, like, Blacksburg for Virginia Tech, like enter Sandman. Yeah. Like, boy- They're just

[00:16:24] Sajag: [00:16:25] screaming

[00:16:25] Jake Bargas: because they're all drunk ... boy, that shit is loud as fuck.

[00:16:27] Jake Bargas: It's loud. Mercedes-Benz, like, opener versus [00:16:30] Georgia, like, you can't even hear yourself think. But at the same time, like, as loud as it is, like, it is [00:16:35] quiet in that huddle. Like, you can go- Really? ... like, no huddle. Like, we were signals, like, but, like, when you're calling [00:16:40] plays sometimes you're like, "Damn," like, "what'd that quarterback say?"

[00:16:42] Jake Bargas: Like, but you know the game plan. You're prepared. Like, [00:16:45] you figure it out. But, like, in the moment it's just like- This is my alignment, [00:16:50] this is my assignment, now execute. Yeah. You're not even thinking about, like, the guy chirping you, [00:16:55] heckling you from the stands. Yeah. You kind of zone everything out.

[00:16:57] Sajag: Just the adrenaline rush.

[00:16:58] Jake Bargas: You're just, like, focused on [00:17:00] doing your job, you know? Yeah. Like, I can't think about... And, like, when you're on the bench, like, and, like, the [00:17:05] defense is out there or, like, when you're waiting to get on special teams, like, of course. Like, you look [00:17:10] in the stands, you're kind of like, "All right, who's here?" Like, "What's going on?"

[00:17:13] Jake Bargas: And, like, you zone in on a couple [00:17:15] people to, like, get a couple laughs, but, like, you're pretty locked in. I was at least. Some guys are [00:17:20] super, you know, laxed and just chilling and it's like [00:17:25] I kind of, I took it super seriously, like it was my job, you know? College was more fun. [00:17:30] It was, like- Yeah ... definitely a totally different locker room.

[00:17:32] Jake Bargas: It's a different... My version of [00:17:35] college, like pre NIL, was like, we're doing this for free. Like, we're on scholarship of course, but, like, [00:17:40] we're doing it for free. And you get to the NFL, it's like these guys are like, "We gotta put food on the table." You know? Like- Yeah. [00:17:45] You

[00:17:45] Sajag: gotta pay the bills ...

[00:17:45] Jake Bargas: the only way to make the league, I always felt like, was to like take food off someone else's plate.[00:17:50]

[00:17:50] Jake Bargas: That's literally the mentality- It's, yeah ... which is crazy.

[00:17:53] Sajag: I mean, there's a fixed [00:17:55] number, right?

[00:17:55] Jake Bargas: 53 guys.

[00:17:56] Sajag: Yeah. Do you take that approach in business? [00:18:00]

[00:18:00] Jake Bargas: You gotta have a killer instinct, but like your principles have to be aligned. You know? Like, I feel like [00:18:05] you wanna have high character and do things the right way, and I like, I stand by that.

[00:18:09] Jake Bargas: Like, I'm not gonna, [00:18:10] like, take a cheap shot.

[00:18:12] Jake Geddes: I guess, was that hard to know, like, when to turn it on, when to turn it off? [00:18:15]

[00:18:17] Jake Bargas: It's, I think it's such a unique question. I think it's like at the end of the day, [00:18:20] like we're competitors. Like whether you're an athlete or not, like we're here to win, and I think like if [00:18:25] you're in the arena, like people understand the game of like me verse you [00:18:30] or us verse them, right?

[00:18:31] Jake Bargas: Team ver team, whatever it is. Like for me, it's a lot of times just competing against [00:18:35] like other broker shops. And then at the end of the day, like if they win, it's like, damn, like he got me [00:18:40] today. Like how can I learn from it and get better? It's like respect. Like we're-

[00:18:43] Sajag: Sportsmanship.

[00:18:43] Jake Bargas: Sportsmanship, right?

[00:18:44] Jake Bargas: Yeah. Like it [00:18:45] comes back to like I have respect for you. Like unless someone like really does you wrong, it's like, all right, I remember that. [00:18:50] You know? Like, but I try to like take people at face value and like do what's right and hope [00:18:55] that I do my job the right way, where like I have the opportunity to win because I'm prepared.

[00:18:59] Jake Bargas: But [00:19:00] like if I lose, like I've... Like I, look, I lose. Like you, you have to lose. Like-

[00:19:03] Jake Geddes: Yeah ...

[00:19:03] Jake Bargas: how many losses does it take to [00:19:05] finally get a win? It's like-

[00:19:06] Jake Geddes: Yeah ...

[00:19:07] Jake Bargas: every time I lose, my mentality is like, all right, I'm closer to a win.

[00:19:09] Jake Geddes: Right. [00:19:10]

[00:19:10] Jake Bargas: So win and loss in business, at least today, in, uh, present [00:19:15] day is, you know- Canvassing or doing [00:19:20] business development and getting the meeting, pitching the business, and getting [00:19:25] hired, I would consider that a win.

[00:19:28] Jake Bargas: Uh, and vice versa, I would say [00:19:30] going through the motions of the exact same thing and then not getting hired is a loss.

[00:19:34] Jake Geddes: Who's your mentor [00:19:35] in business?

[00:19:35] Jake Bargas: Man, I've been fortunate to have a lot of mentors, like coaches. [00:19:40] I mean, I, like I said, like my pops is a mentor, but like, you know, my... I got two older brothers.

[00:19:44] Jake Bargas: Like, [00:19:45] those guys took on all the obstacles to like, you know, clear the path. I owe a lot to them. [00:19:50] A lot of my teammates. Like, I rely on my friends, you know, like a ton, like guys I played [00:19:55] with. You know, you, you have no bad days, just hard ones. I get hard days, it's like, damn, I gotta call [00:20:00] my buddy to like pick you up.

[00:20:01] Jake Bargas: I think the ability to like really listen well. [00:20:05] You know, I think today, like we're so bombarded with like information, and we're [00:20:10] always like having to listen to like all these like people tell us what's right and wrong, and I think like when you go and like you have an [00:20:15] issue, I think like someone who could like sit there and like listen and understand.

[00:20:19] Jake Bargas: Like, sometimes I'm not [00:20:20] even asking for advice. I'm just like, "Hey, man, I need you to like hear me out." And like he sits... They sit there, they sit there, [00:20:25] and then it's like they might have like one small tidbit of information, or they don't say shit, and it's like [00:20:30] that silence kinda like you answer yourself almost.

[00:20:32] Jake Bargas: I think like being a good listener, I think [00:20:35] being able to like lead yourself before you lead others, like those are good mentors. Like I know I [00:20:40] can count on them because like they, they take care of their business. Toughness, of [00:20:45] course.

[00:20:45] Sajag: With, uh, when... So with injuries, you have to report injuries, right?

[00:20:49] Jake Bargas: [00:20:50] Yeah, I mean, dude, when you go, when you go into like an NFL physical, like they run every [00:20:55] test on you known to man.

[00:20:56] Jake Bargas: Oh,

[00:20:56] Sajag: wow. Mm-hmm. They're

[00:20:56] Jake Bargas: putting like sensors on you and like- So like they know, they know more about me than I know about me, [00:21:00] you know? And it's like-

[00:21:00] Sajag: Yeah ...

[00:21:01] Jake Bargas: it's like that, that, that... You're an investment, right? Yeah. So like they need to [00:21:05] ensure they're making the right investment.

[00:21:06] Sajag: What is that like process like?

[00:21:07] Sajag: How extensive is it? I

[00:21:08] Jake Bargas: mean, it's pretty extensive depending [00:21:10] on like your injury history. Typically, I, I would say like colleges have, colleges and universities have to like [00:21:15] share your, I guess, you know- Health

[00:21:18] Sajag: records? [00:21:20]

[00:21:20] Jake Bargas: So they kinda had an idea of, like, guy had hamstring issues, like I had surgery on my [00:21:25] thumb.

[00:21:25] Jake Bargas: Like, they check everything out, and you get, um, you know, you get drafted or [00:21:30] undrafted, and then before you sign your contract, you have to pass your physical. Like, I'm sure you see, like, sometimes they're like, [00:21:35] "So-and-so didn't pass his physical." Yeah. Gotta give the cash back. Yeah, yeah. You know, stuff like that.[00:21:40]

[00:21:40] Jake Bargas: I think, uh, I mean, look, you only get one body, you know? Like, this is... Gotta keep it, [00:21:45] gotta keep the rig going, you know? I got a, I got a lot of miles on, on this thing, and I wanna feel good- Yeah ... [00:21:50] for a long time. My goal is, like, when I have kids, like, I have to be able to beat their ass in sports until, [00:21:55] like-

[00:21:55] Jake Bargas: they're at least 18. So I gotta make sure I'm, like, still in good shape. I still like to [00:22:00] play, you know, pickup basketball. I'm not putting the pads on anymore, but I know I got a couple snaps in [00:22:05] me just in case I get the call. Uh, tennis, golf, you know, I wanna feel good. I wanna be active. The [00:22:10] locker room was the greatest thing ever.

[00:22:11] Jake Bargas: I would give up everything to go back to the locker room. I miss that the [00:22:15] most. Like, I miss the camaraderie of just, like, being around the guys. At the end of the day, like, the locker room is the [00:22:20] safest place in the facility, 'cause, like, coaches will kinda come and go, but they have their own locker room.

[00:22:24] Jake Bargas: [00:22:25] Like, after a run or after a game, like, people are talking shit, you know? Like- Yeah ... [00:22:30] you know, airing it out, and it's just, like, it is the funniest place of all time. Like, people joke about locker room [00:22:35] talk. Like, it's not all that bad. It's more just, like, guys goofing around-

[00:22:39] Jake Geddes: Yeah ...

[00:22:39] Jake Bargas: hanging out, [00:22:40] playing cards.

[00:22:41] Jake Bargas: It's, like, very casual.

[00:22:42] Jake Geddes: What's the, what's the story in the group chat that [00:22:45] everyone reminisces about?

[00:22:47] Jake Bargas: I mean, people joke, like, [00:22:50] post-win, I would say locker room, like, when the coach would come in, was pretty hilarious. You know, you get some h- [00:22:55] you get, you get some good characters on the aux cord, and you get some coaches.

[00:22:59] Jake Bargas: You know, they probably [00:23:00] haven't danced in 30, 40 years, and they're like, "Look, if we win, like, we'll dance," and, like, they come in and have a good [00:23:05] time. That's always great.

[00:23:08] Jake Geddes: What was your first job out of s- [00:23:10] school?

[00:23:12] Jake Bargas: CBS

[00:23:14] Jake Geddes: What is [00:23:15] it?

[00:23:15] Jake Bargas: CBS Sports. I was a spotter in the golf, uh, PGA Tou- [00:23:20] S- I- PGA Tour Summer Slate.

[00:23:21] Jake Geddes: What's a spotter?

[00:23:23] Jake Bargas: A spotter's essentially [00:23:25] when you have, like, a mic. You follow, you know, a twosome-

[00:23:28] Jake Geddes: Yeah ...

[00:23:29] Jake Bargas: over the course of [00:23:30] 18 holes, and you chat with the caddy. Yeah. And you're just like, "All right," like, "What's the distance [00:23:35] here? What club's he hitting?" And then you radio it in to the broadcast, so they can put [00:23:40] that on, you know, the graphics.

[00:23:42] Sajag: Oh. D- I didn't know that's how they did it.

[00:23:44] Jake Bargas: Yeah, I mean, I- Yeah ... I [00:23:45] never really got... I mean, I, like s- I was with, like, Tiger a couple times, but, like, you'd get, [00:23:50] like, you know, young golfers. You know, I'd be kinda, like, the last slate. Yeah. And then, [00:23:55] like, if they made a push, you're like, "I'm in the mix," you know?

[00:23:57] Jake Bargas: Now they, like, they're radioing into me. They're like, "All right, what's he [00:24:00] hitting here?" Sick job.

[00:24:01] Jake Geddes: Mm. Did you get that out of college?

[00:24:03] Jake Bargas: I was doing it in college. [00:24:05]

[00:24:05] Jake Geddes: While playing as well?

[00:24:06] Jake Bargas: While playing. Summer was, like, my first, like, real job outside [00:24:10] of football.

[00:24:10] Jake Geddes: How do you do that while playing football at UNC?

[00:24:12] Jake Bargas: I did it in the summer, so I would, like, work

[00:24:14] Jake Geddes: out. But you still have to [00:24:15] go to school.

[00:24:15] Jake Bargas: I had to go to school.

[00:24:16] Jake Geddes: In the summers.

[00:24:17] Jake Bargas: So I would, like, my summer school, I would, like, load up my classes [00:24:20] early in the week, and then I was supposed to lift Monday, lift, like, train [00:24:25] Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.

[00:24:26] Jake Bargas: Wednesday's off. I would go Monday through Thursday, [00:24:30] fly out Thursday night, do Friday, Saturday, Sunday, fly back, so I could make it in [00:24:35] time for the Su- uh, Monday morning run. What would you say is

[00:24:38] Sajag: the craziest thing that [00:24:40] happened to you, uh, in college that had nothing to do with football? [00:24:45] Thinking?

[00:24:46] Jake Bargas: The craziest thing.

[00:24:47] Jake Bargas: Let's keep it PG. No, I'm kidding. [00:24:50] Um I mean, non-football related, we got to meet Michael Jordan, which [00:24:55] was cool.

[00:24:56] Sajag: That's pretty

[00:24:56] Jake Bargas: sick. Like, I mean, it was like- As a class? Like, not as a class, but, like, I did take [00:25:00] a... That's actually a good point. I took a really cool class, journalism class with this guy Andy Friedman.

[00:25:04] Jake Bargas: He [00:25:05] actually works at CBS too. He's who helped me get the internship, but, like, he would bring, like, Jay Bilas in [00:25:10] to, like, speak at class. It was, like, one of my favorite classes ever. They'd literally come in, bring a new guest every [00:25:15] week. They'd tell you their journey, and you'd write a paper on it. And I think that was, like, the coolest way to learn.

[00:25:19] Jake Bargas: It's like, how did [00:25:20] that guy get to where he is? And, like, no path is conventional. That was a, that was, like, a [00:25:25] very cool thing. Like, meeting Michael Jordan, you know, like, it was kind of through football, but, like, seeing him in the [00:25:30] facility, like, I mean-

[00:25:30] Sajag: That's an insane experience, man ...

[00:25:31] Jake Bargas: Oh my God, it was amazing.

[00:25:33] Jake Bargas: You

[00:25:33] Sajag: probably walked around with him on [00:25:35] your shoe .

[00:25:35] Jake Bargas: Yeah, I mean, big guy, for sure. I mean, legend. So it's, like, stuff like that. My business mi- I was [00:25:40] a journalism major. Like, I th- I wanted to do, like, videos, you know, like, like I was telling you with CBS. [00:25:45] And I just kinda figured, like, that wasn't really my path, and then I went back to get my MBA through the [00:25:50] NFL.

[00:25:50] Jake Bargas: So they, they, they gave me the opportunity to go back and get, and finish my degree.

[00:25:54] Jake Geddes: How does that program [00:25:55] work?

[00:25:55] Jake Bargas: NFLPA has, um, you know, benefits for [00:26:00] players to go finish school, which I think is, like, the greatest thing they do. Uh, so it's a really good [00:26:05] resource through the PA, where guy- I mean, you know guys can go become a doctor, you know?

[00:26:09] Jake Bargas: It's crazy. Oh, [00:26:10] really? 'Cause, like, you think about it, like, you give up... Some guys who get drafted, you know, after their [00:26:15] junior year, they don't finish school. So typically universities and [00:26:20] undergraduate will always pay for you to come finish your degree, but the NFL- That's sick ... will pay for you to go [00:26:25] get an MBA or, you know, whatever else you're interested in.

[00:26:28] Jake Bargas: They do, like, certificate [00:26:30] programs. At the end of the day, like, I mean, if you go p- if you go sign three contracts, [00:26:35] like, you're never gonna go back to school. But, like, I know a lot of guys that, like, made plenty of money in the league, and, like, they made [00:26:40] their mom a promise they were gonna finish their degree, you know?

[00:26:42] Jake Bargas: Mm. Like, for me, I finished... I did five years. So, like, [00:26:45] I finished undergraduate in, like, three and a half. I started my MBA. And the issue there was [00:26:50] UNC did their duty. I finished my undergraduate degree. So when I signed with an [00:26:55] agent, I was no longer, you know, an amateur athlete. I was a professional. So I, [00:27:00] they wouldn't pay for me to come back to school.

[00:27:01] Jake Bargas: Like, they probably would, but my agent was like, "The NFL has a program," and they paid for me to go back [00:27:05] to school.

[00:27:06] Sajag: That's incredible. Which

[00:27:06] Jake Bargas: is amazing. Did

[00:27:07] Sajag: you go back to, did you go back to UNC?

[00:27:08] Jake Bargas: I went back to UNC to Kenan-Flagler Business [00:27:10] School.

[00:27:10] Sajag: Fire.

[00:27:11] Jake Bargas: It's awesome. So I did that while I was playing.

[00:27:13] Sajag: That's amazing.

[00:27:13] Jake Bargas: Yeah, it was sick.

[00:27:14] Sajag: Do [00:27:15] you feel like the NFL does a good job with, uh, you know, helping players transition [00:27:20] out of the NFL?

[00:27:21] Jake Bargas: I think so. You know, like, they give guys, like, all the resources that... Like, they're [00:27:25] accessible to everybody. Whether guys, you know, take advantage of them is up to the guy. At the end of the day, like, these are [00:27:30] grown men.

[00:27:30] Sajag: Yeah.

[00:27:31] Jake Bargas: You can't, you know, spoon feed them. We give you the resources. If you take [00:27:35] advantage of them, great. If not, it's on

[00:27:37] Sajag: you. What, what are those resources usually? Just, like, paying

[00:27:39] Jake Bargas: [00:27:40] for tuition? I mean, like, insurance. Like, if you need, like, if you have surgery, stuff like that. They helped [00:27:45] me put my resume together.

[00:27:46] Jake Bargas: They have, like, a whole platform like that. Wow. They do, like, NFL Business Week where they, they give [00:27:50] you access to people. I think there's, like, a deal- With Microsoft where you can come do like a rotational [00:27:55] program. Bunch of, bunch of cool stuff, career opportunities. Like they really do a good job. Like even the [00:28:00] NASCAR hires a ton of NFL- Oh, wow

[00:28:01] Jake Bargas: players. That's pretty cool. Like some guys do that. Like there's definitely [00:28:05] angles for guys to transition seamlessly.

[00:28:07] Jake Geddes: Yeah, tell-

[00:28:08] Jake Bargas: Stuff like that.

[00:28:08] Jake Geddes: Tell us another crazy story about [00:28:10] UNC. I

[00:28:10] Jake Bargas: mean, like, look, we were lucky, got to win some big games. Like we snapped FSU's [00:28:15] 22-game win streak at FSU, um, on a field, 54-yard field goal by Nick [00:28:20] Weiler.

[00:28:20] Jake Bargas: Like that was one of the coolest things ever, coming back to Chapel Hill, like partying all night, [00:28:25] you know? Like that, those moments were amazing. Um, [00:28:30] stuff like that. I'm trying to think what else. You know, like winning the national championship in hoops, [00:28:35] like rushing Franklin Street, you know? Like such a unique experience.

[00:28:38] Jake Bargas: Like guys lighting [00:28:40] fireworks like in crowds, like it was just outrageous. You know, it's definitely not safe, but [00:28:45] worth it.

[00:28:46] Jake Geddes: Such a beautiful campus.

[00:28:47] Jake Bargas: It's a great campus, man. Like it was... I, I'm, I was so [00:28:50] lucky to go there, and I made like lifelong friends. Like my teammates are [00:28:55] so special, and you have like such a wide variety of guys.

[00:28:57] Jake Bargas: 'Cause I, I did five. It was a fifth year. [00:29:00] So like guys who were fifth years when I was a freshman, like those are my buddies. Such a fraternity of [00:29:05] guys. Like the amount of guys that hit me up and are just like, "Hey, what do you do now?" Like, "Looking for an internship," [00:29:10] "Looking to chat," "How was your experience?"

[00:29:12] Jake Bargas: Like, and it's different now. Like NIL's changed everything, [00:29:15] but it's cool, man. UNC was such a, like good fraternity.

[00:29:19] Jake Geddes: Yeah. What was your business [00:29:20] mindset in college?

[00:29:23] Jake Bargas: I was hustling. I was an [00:29:25] entrepreneur. I was like the dumb stuff, you know, like throw a par- throw a party. Yeah. Sell, sell [00:29:30] tickets for $10. Spend it all to get, you know, some booze and a DJ and make sure everyone has fun, [00:29:35] stuff like that.

[00:29:35] Jake Bargas: But I would argue, I mean, look, like I had like a underwhelming NFL career, [00:29:40] you know? Like I got to do it. It was my dream. And like for me, I wish I always could've done [00:29:45] more. Like that's my mentality. But like when you're not playing anymore, like you become [00:29:50] less relevant.

[00:29:51] Sajag: Mm-hmm.

[00:29:51] Jake Bargas: And I think like that's super, that's like an important statement [00:29:55] today with like NIL and these kids, you know, making money.

[00:29:58] Jake Bargas: Like when you're playing, like [00:30:00] that is the best opportunity to monetize yourself. So like taking advantage [00:30:05] of the opportunities when you're in the league or a student athlete, that's, I [00:30:10] feel like, what helped me the most. 'Cause once I got out, it's like you're not an NFL player [00:30:15] anymore.

[00:30:15] Jake Geddes: What do you think the future of college football looks like?

[00:30:19] Jake Bargas: Expensive [00:30:20] rosters. $100 million rosters

[00:30:22] Jake Geddes: Where's the money coming from?

[00:30:23] Jake Bargas: Boosters. [00:30:25]

[00:30:25] Jake Geddes: Are they investors or boosters?

[00:30:27] Jake Bargas: Probably a little bit of mix of both. I mean, how do you invest in, like, [00:30:30] nonprofit universities?

[00:30:32] Jake Geddes: Great question, Jake.

[00:30:32] Jake Bargas: You know? So we'll [00:30:35] see, man. I mean, look, I think the kids, the kids deserve to get paid, but I think it needs to be, [00:30:40] like, more reg- regulated.

[00:30:41] Jake Bargas: I think it was, like, a little early, but they'll figure it out. I'm excited [00:30:45] for college football.

[00:30:46] Jake Geddes: How did you end up at JLL?

[00:30:48] Jake Bargas: You know, [00:30:50] I always wanted to be in the real estate business. You know, like- Really? ... my dad was, like, you know, [00:30:55] essentially in the business. He was a builder. He was a mortgage broker. Um, he was a broker, real estate [00:31:00] broker.

[00:31:01] Jake Bargas: Uh, my grandpa was in the business. My brother's in the business. Two of the four [00:31:05] owners I played for were in the business. You know, you talk to them, "What do you do for a living?" And I just always was, like, [00:31:10] intrigued by it, specifically, like, stadiums How do they get financed? How do they get [00:31:15] developed? And, you know, I, when I moved to New York I didn't have a job.

[00:31:19] Jake Bargas: I [00:31:20] literally drove here and without a job and was like, "I'm gonna start meeting with people and just-" How,

[00:31:23] Sajag: how did you end up in New York? How did you- Wait, wait ... [00:31:25] choose New York?

[00:31:27] Jake Bargas: Most competitive place in the world, you know? I figured if I- Yeah, yeah, yeah ... and I was [00:31:30] d- I was hustling in Florida. I love Florida, never thought I'd leave, and I was like, "If I don't leave now, [00:31:35] I'll never do it."

[00:31:36] Jake Bargas: You know, plus my woman was here. Gotta stay close to her. [00:31:40] She was working at CAA at the time, and it just was like, "Let's take a shot." And I was [00:31:45] just, you know, harassing people on LinkedIn, take a meeting, take a coffee. You know? Nice. And one thing [00:31:50] led to another. You know, you know better than anybody, like, you meet one person, they introduce you to three more people.[00:31:55]

[00:31:55] Jake Bargas: You, you, you take them up on it, you stay on those people, they introduce you to more people, and one thing led to another, ended up [00:32:00] at JLL.

[00:32:01] Jake Geddes: Sick. Did you, you, did you drive to New York with an apartment or your [00:32:05] parents shooting at your girlfriend? I

[00:32:06] Jake Bargas: just stayed at my, my girlfriend's house.

[00:32:08] Jake Geddes: Yeah.

[00:32:08] Jake Bargas: Yeah, she hooked it up.

[00:32:09] Jake Geddes: And [00:32:10] then just landed your way into JLL.

[00:32:12] Jake Bargas: Commercial real estate business, every day is different. You know? Like, [00:32:15] you're cold calling, you're sending emails, you're putting decks together, you're leasing space, you're [00:32:20] touring.

[00:32:20] Jake Geddes: Jake, how do you introduce yourself?

[00:32:22] Jake Bargas: Jake Vargas, JLL.

[00:32:24] Jake Geddes: What's your [00:32:25] spiel when you get on the call?

[00:32:26] Jake Bargas: You know, how can I help you? What's new?

[00:32:29] Jake Geddes: What's, [00:32:30] what qualifies you to help, help me, uh, like, yeah, help me find a [00:32:35] space?

[00:32:35] Jake Bargas: I think typically it's like, "Hey, what's new? What challenges are you facing? How can I help?" [00:32:40] And, you know, learning from them on, you know, the bottlenecks that they're facing within their respective [00:32:45] industries.

[00:32:45] Jake Geddes: Your job's about getting the call.

[00:32:46] Jake Bargas: Getting the call.

[00:32:47] Jake Geddes: Yeah. Getting the- Doing the research, finding the people, [00:32:50] networking ...

[00:32:50] Jake Bargas: bringing business, advising, making sure they're protected.

[00:32:53] Jake Geddes: Is, is it, would you say your role is better [00:32:55] not in an office?

[00:32:56] Jake Bargas: No, you gotta be in an office.

[00:32:58] Jake Geddes: But I feel like you're a networker.

[00:32:59] Jake Bargas: I mean, you [00:33:00] are, right?

[00:33:00] Jake Bargas: But, like, at the end of the day, like, we're leasing office space. Like, I believe people should be coming to the [00:33:05] office, collaborating, working together. As much as remote work- Yeah ... is great, like, I am selling that.

[00:33:09] Sajag: It's [00:33:10] true. You can't, uh, you can't sell what you don't believe.

[00:33:12] Jake Bargas: I believe it, man. I think, I think, like, you're part of a team.

[00:33:14] Jake Bargas: I've been a [00:33:15] part of teams my entire life. Like, we're meant to be around people and, and work, and that's [00:33:20] what I sell and try to, you know, help them face their challenges face on.

[00:33:23] Jake Geddes: But you were always, uh, "I'm gonna [00:33:25] make money from being a football player," or was there a second thought?

[00:33:29] Jake Bargas: I mean, look, [00:33:30] I wanted to play in the league, and like, I tell everybody, like, I would've done that job for free.[00:33:35]

[00:33:35] Jake Bargas: Like, I loved the game. Like, I truly loved the game. Like, every day in that [00:33:40] building was the biggest blessing, and I kinda figured, like, you know, I could figure, I [00:33:45] could go work a 9:00 to 5:00. Like, I could make money and survive. Like, it wasn't about... It w- it's cliche, but like it wasn't about the [00:33:50] money. Like, I loved the game.

[00:33:51] Jake Bargas: But, like, there's an aspect when you're done playing, at least in [00:33:55] my business, like, I'm commission only. So, like, this is my sport. Like, how do you keep track? Like, [00:34:00] closing deals, making money, so, like, that's how we're keeping score. Like, not that money matters, but, like, that's [00:34:05] kind of the game. All tied together.

[00:34:06] Jake Bargas: That's cool. Like, this is, like- Y- y- you go [00:34:10] home from work at 10 o'clock, like there's someone on the street hustling. You know? There's like a street [00:34:15] performer. There's someone selling hats. Like, there's someone singing in the subway. There's [00:34:20] people just leaving the office, people going back to the office with, you know, to-go food.

[00:34:23] Jake Bargas: It's like- Yeah ... no matter what time, like [00:34:25] people are grinding. Like, it gets you going a little bit.

[00:34:27] Sajag: Yeah.

[00:34:28] Jake Bargas: You wanna compete, right? We're trying to get better. [00:34:30] Like, that's like where you wanna be. I mean, look, you can compete anywhere you are. Like, no matter where you are, you can [00:34:35] compete. But like this market for whatever you do, whether it's like tech, private [00:34:40] equity, venture capital, music.

[00:34:42] Sajag: So what do you think is something in New York [00:34:45] that New York taught you that football and, you know, nothing you've done previously taught [00:34:50] you?

[00:34:50] Jake Bargas: That's a tough question. I mean, definitely if I... This is a crazy answer, maybe not, but like the [00:34:55] subway system. Like I never used- What, what about it? ... a subway, you know, like public transit system.

[00:34:59] Jake Bargas: Oh, just like how to use it? [00:35:00] Like, I grew up driving or like taking a bike. Yeah. Like, here, like you don't need a car. You [00:35:05] know? Like, you just take a subway. I city bike everywhere, but like subway, whole, that whole tr- like [00:35:10] transit system is outrageous to me.

[00:35:11] Sajag: Do you have a car in the city?

[00:35:12] Jake Bargas: I do have a car.

[00:35:13] Sajag: Okay.

[00:35:14] Jake Bargas: Yeah, I gotta go, I gotta [00:35:15] have it to golf. Gotta have it, you know, for clients. Yeah, yeah. But I think that is a crazy aspect of [00:35:20] this city that I can just like hop on a train at Penn Station and go to DC or Boston.

[00:35:24] Sajag: Yeah.

[00:35:24] Jake Geddes: You never, you never

[00:35:24] Jake Bargas: need a car. It's [00:35:25] wild. Like, never grew up with that. Yeah. You know? So like that to me is definitely something New York taught me [00:35:30] that football did not.

[00:35:32] Jake Geddes: Tell us about one of your best [00:35:35] days in New York City

[00:35:37] Jake Bargas: Work related, not work related? I [00:35:40]

[00:35:40] Jake Geddes: mean, usually-

[00:35:40] Jake Bargas: Kind of mixture of

[00:35:41] Jake Geddes: both ... I feel like when you, I feel like your best days in New York, um, [00:35:45] unfortunately fortunately or not fortunately have work tied into it.

[00:35:48] Jake Bargas: For sure. I mean, look, like m- I [00:35:50] feel like my job has become like- It's a lifestyle

[00:35:51] Jake Bargas: you know, like my personal life. Like, I try to like, you know, intertwine it in [00:35:55] a way where, like, your clients become your friends, stuff like that. But, you know, I think one of [00:36:00] my favorite stories is, like, I was like, you know, did a full day, you know, you're tired, you gotta go to [00:36:05] happy hour or gotta, like, network.

[00:36:07] Jake Bargas: Go to a happy hour, you know, meet a couple people, they bring you [00:36:10] to another happy hour. Ended up going to, like, a NAOP event, which is like a real estate group. The guy's like, "I [00:36:15] have extra tickets at NYCFC to go watch, you know, Messi." I'm like, inner Miami, Florida [00:36:20] guy. Like, yeah, tired. It's like a random night.

[00:36:23] Jake Bargas: I'm like, "Let's go."

[00:36:24] Sajag: Yeah.

[00:36:24] Jake Bargas: I'm [00:36:25] like, you go in a full suit, and like, you end up meeting more people. And like, I remember I got, like, a deal from him. I met a guy, he's, like, [00:36:30] looking for space, and he's like, "Hit me up tomorrow. Here's my card. Call me." You know, six months later, I did this deal. [00:36:35] I'm like, that is, like, so New York of, like, crazy.

[00:36:38] Jake Bargas: But favorite days are probably, [00:36:40] like, you know, fall football, go watch some games with the guys.

[00:36:44] Jake Geddes: Where

[00:36:44] Jake Bargas: do you [00:36:45] go? Bounce around. West Village.

[00:36:48] Jake Geddes: Any spots?

[00:36:49] Jake Bargas: I like [00:36:50] Hudson Hound's pretty good. I mean, my favorite bar in the city is O'Hara's.

[00:36:54] Jake Geddes: Yeah, me too.

[00:36:54] Jake Bargas: That's my [00:36:55] favorite bar, so I spend a lot of time there.

[00:36:57] Jake Geddes: I'm obsessed with restaurants, dad's a chef.

[00:36:59] Jake Geddes: What are your top three [00:37:00] restaurants in New York? 'Cause you wine and dine for a living, so I, I have to know. [00:37:05]

[00:37:06] Jake Bargas: Um, I've had the luxury to go to Rao's, which is pretty special. [00:37:10]

[00:37:10] Jake Geddes: Nice.

[00:37:11] Jake Bargas: Campagnola

[00:37:12] Jake Geddes: Upper East. Explain to the people why Rao's is special, because-

[00:37:14] Jake Bargas: No reservations ...

[00:37:14] Jake Geddes: the [00:37:15] youngins, the youngins don't

[00:37:16] Jake Bargas: get this.

[00:37:16] Jake Bargas: It's like you gotta know somebody- This is old school ... that knows somebody, old school Italian. I [00:37:20] mean, I walked in the door and they're like, people are like, "What are you doing here?" Like, "Who are you eating with?"

[00:37:23] Jake Geddes: How did you get into [00:37:25] Rao's?

[00:37:25] Jake Bargas: I just had a, I had a guy, um, I, I... The town [00:37:30] I grew up in, there's this guy, his name's Warren.

[00:37:33] Jake Bargas: He's probably, like, 90 now. He's [00:37:35] a legend. Wouldn't be

[00:37:35] Jake Geddes: Italian, could he?

[00:37:36] Jake Bargas: He probably, he's probably Italian.

[00:37:37] Jake Geddes: Yeah.

[00:37:38] Jake Bargas: Legend, dude. Legend. He's, like, an [00:37:40] artist, sick tennis player. Um, but, like, he grew up next to my parents. Like, they, they [00:37:45] moved out, but, like, his, his daughter lives in the city. She's, like, you know, in the real estate [00:37:50] business.

[00:37:50] Jake Bargas: I got connected to her, and now her husband, like, also had a reservation. So they [00:37:55] have, like, a standing reservation they've probably had for, like-

[00:37:57] Jake Geddes: So they're one of the families ...

[00:37:58] Jake Bargas: one of the families. [00:38:00] Crazy. That's

[00:38:00] Jake Geddes: crazy.

[00:38:00] Jake Bargas: Like, every year I think they give you, like they were explaining to me, they give you, like, a menu.

[00:38:03] Jake Bargas: Like, and they [00:38:05] write down your dates. They're like, "These are your dates. You're, you have, like, 15, [00:38:10] you know, reservations. Like, if you're here or not, like, this is your [00:38:15] table." There's on- they're only open a couple days a week. It's, like, a 7:00 and a 9:00 or a [00:38:20] 6:00 and a 7:00, whatever.

[00:38:21] Jake Geddes: It's crazy.

[00:38:22] Jake Bargas: Crazy. And, like, food was great.

[00:38:23] Jake Geddes: I feel like New York allows you [00:38:25] to be yourself.

[00:38:25] Jake Bargas: For sure. For sure. You can do anything in this place. [00:38:30] I've seen the craziest shit on the subway.

[00:38:31] Jake Geddes: Yeah.

[00:38:32] Jake Bargas: Craziest place.

[00:38:33] Jake Geddes: Makes you feel pretty normal, right? Yeah. [00:38:35]

[00:38:36] Jake Bargas: I think so. That's

[00:38:37] Jake Geddes: true.

[00:38:37] Sajag: Yeah. So [00:38:40] Jake, you've obviously come pretty far in your life and through, like, a lot of [00:38:45] different phases, different journeys.

[00:38:47] Sajag: If there's something you could have done [00:38:50] differently to get here, what would you have done differently?

[00:38:54] Jake Bargas: I probably would've bought a [00:38:55] ton of Bitcoin, I'll tell you that. No, I mean, I wouldn't have done anything different. When [00:39:00] I'm working on myself, like, you know, I try to, like, break it in categories, right?

[00:39:03] Jake Bargas: It's like when I'm [00:39:05] working on my career, when I'm working on my personal life, like spiritually- Yeah ... like all that stuff, like-

[00:39:09] Sajag: Stats [00:39:10] max.

[00:39:10] Jake Bargas: Yeah. Like I like- ... I do like my New Year's resolutions. Like, I try to break it up that way. It's like you have- Yeah ... career [00:39:15] goals. Like, you have personal goals. Like, you have spiritual goals.

[00:39:18] Jake Bargas: Like, for me, like [00:39:20] spiritually, it's like doing like the sauna, like cold plunge, like f- like doing the [00:39:25] breathwork, that type of stuff. You know, like, I'm not very religious, but like, [00:39:30] you know, like journaling, stuff like that. And then I would say, like, work-wise, it's like [00:39:35] close X many deals, get this many meetings.

[00:39:37] Jake Bargas: You know, like, personally, [00:39:40] it's like volunteer. You know, find like, you know, charitable causes that mean a lot to me, stuff like that. So I, like, [00:39:45] try to set my goals in a way where it's like three phases, and do things that [00:39:50] interest me, you know? Like, I think right now I'm, like, coaching eight and nine-year-olds in, like, flag football.

[00:39:54] Jake Bargas: It's, like, the most fun I've ever [00:39:55] had. You know?

[00:39:56] Jake Geddes: That's fun.

[00:39:57] Jake Bargas: Where? Uh, downtown, like near World Trade.

[00:39:59] Jake Geddes: Yeah.

[00:39:59] Jake Bargas: Like, [00:40:00] the best. Jake- Downtown

[00:40:01] Sajag: gems ... do you coach a, a youth team?

[00:40:02] Jake Geddes: Yeah. Ch- uh, Dream. We just won our first [00:40:05] championship ever-

[00:40:05] Jake Bargas: Congrats ...

[00:40:06] Jake Geddes: in league history. The best. After going, like, 3 and [00:40:10] 20 the year before.

[00:40:11] Jake Bargas: I love that.

[00:40:12] Sajag: Were you coaching the year before?

[00:40:14] Jake Geddes: Yeah.

[00:40:14] Jake Bargas: [00:40:15] What, what happened?

[00:40:15] Jake Geddes: Well, he knows. That's how it works. I have no control over that team. I [00:40:20] recruit it. Now we got a squad. NIL.

[00:40:22] Jake Bargas: Yeah. You'd be the [00:40:25] perfect NIL booster. I gotta get you at UNC.

[00:40:27] Jake Geddes: Dude, I would-

[00:40:27] Jake Bargas: We need it ...

[00:40:28] Jake Geddes: I would crush. [00:40:30]

[00:40:30] Sajag: One category we didn't cover, dating. So you, you- You went with your

[00:40:34] Jake Geddes: high school sweetheart.

[00:40:34] Sajag: [00:40:35] Yeah.

[00:40:35] Jake Bargas: Yeah. High school sweetheart.

[00:40:36] Jake Geddes: Yeah.

[00:40:38] Sajag: Did you guys go to the same college [00:40:40] too?

[00:40:40] Jake Bargas: No, she went to USC. I went to UNC.

[00:40:42] Sajag: It was long distance.

[00:40:44] Jake Bargas: Yep. [00:40:45]

[00:40:45] Sajag: And then, uh, you guys made it work, and then you guys are still dating [00:40:50] now.

[00:40:50] Jake Bargas: We are.

[00:40:51] Sajag: That's crazy. How long has it been? 10

[00:40:53] Jake Bargas: years. Wow. Don't quote me on the [00:40:55] number, 'cause if I get it wrong, I'll be in the doghouse.

[00:40:56] Sajag: This is your

[00:40:57] Jake Geddes: girlfriend? Yeah. When are you proposing? [00:41:00]

[00:41:00] Jake Bargas: You know, can't put that on the record.

[00:41:03] Jake Geddes: So you've, you've been in, in a relationship for a [00:41:05] decade as a 27, 8?

[00:41:07] Jake Bargas: Nine.

[00:41:08] Jake Geddes: Nine. Nine-year-old man. [00:41:10] Um, I feel like that's very different. Rare. I feel like that's ra- rare these [00:41:15] days. What, what about you- [00:41:20] Made you want to be in that relationship for so long?

[00:41:24] Jake Geddes: And [00:41:25] why do you value it?

[00:41:29] Jake Bargas: You know, [00:41:30] I think we just love each other for who we each are. [00:41:35] And as much as we are individuals, like, we're a team, and we're just, like, a very good [00:41:40] partnership. Uh, we have a ton of fun together. I think, like, [00:41:45] for me, it's like where does-- where am I happiest? It's like where does my mind go when I'm [00:41:50] just, you know, thinking and daydreaming?

[00:41:51] Jake Bargas: And like, I think about her.

[00:41:52] Sajag: Mm-hmm.

[00:41:53] Jake Bargas: And I think that tells me everything, that [00:41:55] like, you know, she's the one. But that's probably the best [00:42:00] bit I could give you.

[00:42:01] Sajag: Uh, what's the dumbest thing you've bought [00:42:05] while you were at the NFL, and what's a favorite thing? Like, could be-- g-give me, give us two different [00:42:10] things, 'cause you're, you're making money now.

[00:42:12] Sajag: You're in the NFL. Did you get yourself a McLaren? [00:42:15] No.

[00:42:15] Jake Bargas: No. I drive the same car I drove in high school.

[00:42:18] Sajag: Oh, that's no fun.

[00:42:19] Jake Bargas: Yeah, I know. [00:42:20] Uh, I mean, definitely some health modalities. You know, you'd [00:42:25] see some stuff on, you know, Instagram, like the golf, you know, like the golf- Golf clubs ... devices that you [00:42:30] think could help your swing.

[00:42:31] Jake Bargas: Those were the dumbest things I ever bought. Best thing I bought? [00:42:35] Real estate.

[00:42:36] Jake Geddes: Insane. What'd you buy? [00:42:40]

[00:42:40] Jake Bargas: About a, a co-op? Like a, a, yeah, a [00:42:45] co-op I invested in some deals. I think I tried to, like, [00:42:50] invest well, save my cash. I needed it living here, man. This place is not che- not cheap. Of course. [00:42:55]

[00:42:55] Jake Geddes: And now that you're here, you think...

[00:42:58] Jake Geddes: how long do you think you'll be? [00:43:00] What's the goal, what's the goal of being in New York?

[00:43:02] Jake Bargas: You know, I think the goal is to [00:43:05] grow, meet people that I think I can [00:43:10] grow alongside and with. And when I [00:43:15] wake up one day, I think I'll know, like, I've had enough, or it's time to go somewhere else and see [00:43:20] another part of the world, country, whatever it may be.

[00:43:23] Jake Bargas: So I don't like to put, like, timelines on [00:43:25] anything, but I mean, look, if I, like, had to guess where I'd end up, South Florida.

[00:43:29] Jake Geddes: [00:43:30] Boca. Boca. What do you think you'll be bringing with you from New York to South Florida? [00:43:35] Girlfriend, at least.

[00:43:35] Jake Bargas: I'll bring my... I'll be bringing my woman, for sure. Same mentality, dude.[00:43:40]

[00:43:40] Jake Bargas: Maybe it'll help me relax a little more. South Florida is, is [00:43:45] a good place to live, good quality of life, so hopefully when I do go there, I'll be, uh-

[00:43:48] Jake Geddes: Yeah, but there's a reason you came to [00:43:50] New York. What did you wanna bring down there? Like, what-

[00:43:53] Jake Bargas: I mean, look, at the end of the day what I wanna bring [00:43:55] down to Florida is tenants, right?

[00:43:56] Jake Bargas: I'm in the leasing business. There's a lot of New Yorkers that wanna come down and, and, and, [00:44:00] uh, vacation in Florida and be snowbirds. So I'm here to lease some space [00:44:05] in, you know, both parts of the country.

[00:44:08] Jake Geddes: I mean, they, they just keep building [00:44:10]

[00:44:10] Jake Bargas: so

[00:44:10] Jake Geddes: much shit.

[00:44:10] Jake Bargas: They keep, they keep d- Yeah, West Palm, man, it's crazy.

[00:44:14] Jake Bargas: West Palm, [00:44:15] Miami,

[00:44:16] Jake Geddes: Tampa. So you build your network here and be a part of that migration.

[00:44:18] Jake Bargas: That's right. [00:44:20] You guys can migrate with me.

[00:44:21] Jake Geddes: W- I, I'm planning on

[00:44:23] Jake Bargas: it. Yeah. We'll- Yep. We'll, we'll [00:44:25] hang.

[00:44:25] Sajag: We'll, we'll all be there. All right. So who's the coolest person you [00:44:30] know?

[00:44:30] Jake Bargas: I mean, that depends on the definition of cool, but-

[00:44:33] Sajag: Just cool

[00:44:34] Jake Bargas: I guess it's up to [00:44:35] me. Yeah. I mean, like, I think, I think maybe the better question for me is, like, who's the f- my [00:44:40] favorite teammate I've ever had? And I've had a lot of them. But, like, one of the coolest people I think I know [00:44:45] is Mack Hollins. He's a journeyman. That's a guy who's played, like, 10 years. He's a journeyman.

[00:44:48] Jake Bargas: He's been all over Eagles, [00:44:50] Dolphins, Raiders. He was just such an amazing teammate. His work [00:44:55] ethic was unmatched, smart, very sophisticated, into a bunch of [00:45:00] different stuff. I think he's getting his, like, pilot's license right now. He walks around barefoot. Wow. He, he's just, like, [00:45:05] himself, you know? And I think I love that about him is, like, he's so unique.

[00:45:09] Jake Bargas: Appreciate you [00:45:10] [00:45:15] guys.