Justin King
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Justin’s career in the sports industry began at 9 years old when he was quickly immersed in the game while serving as a ball boy and equipment manager for the Duquesne University Dukes in Pittsburgh, PA.
King has a breadth of experience in every aspect of the football industry. In 2014, he joined the Cleveland Browns’ scouting department, where he worked on a college scouting analytical project for the 2014 NFL Draft.
After garnering success as a business development manager for ATI Physical Therapy in Dallas, TX, King joined his alma mater, Penn State University, as a Recruiting Coordinator in 2017. During that time, King identified and recruited top talent across the country, securing the highest-ranking recruiting class in PSU history in 2018 and achieving an average commit rating of 92.12 with the 2019 recruiting class (which ranked 3rd in the country). King also earned an M.S. in Sports Administration from the University of Miami (FL).
In 2019, King was selected by Commissioner Oliver Luck and SVP Doug Whaley to join the XFL League Office in Stamford, CT as the Manager of Football Operations. There, King oversaw football operations and college personnel, and led the integration of the new playing rules and innovative gameplay to ensure continuity, safety, and entertainment value for fans.
King is a leader amongst men with a passion for mentoring young professionals in the field. He is regarded by friends, family, and acquaintances as a knowledgeable, no non-sense, dependable resource and ally with a competitive drive for excellence and keen emotional intelligence. He currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife and daughter.
PLAYING CAREER
Regarded as the nation's #1 cornerback coming out of high school, King secured over 55 athletic scholarship offers from the nation’s top universities.
After enrolling at The Pennsylvania State University in January of 2005, King earned freshman All-American honors after being a two-way player for the Nittany Lions. Having earned a B.A. in Sports Administration by the end of his junior year, King declared himself eligible for the 2008 NFL Draft.
The St. Louis Rams selected King in the 4th round, 101st overall pick, of the 2008 NFL Draft. King played for the Rams for four seasons, before briefer stints with the Indianapolis Colts and hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. Although prematurely coming to a close due to injuries, King had a successful six-year NFL career before retiring to pursue off-the-field opportunities in 2013.
OUR MISSION
At L.I.G. Sports Group, our mission is to empower athletes by treating each individual as a comprehensive asset, equipped with the guidance, strategies, and support necessary to navigate the complex path to collegiate athletics and beyond. We view athletes as high-value assets where qualities such as SPEED, explosive movement skills, dedication, and resilience are optimized to maximize both performance and long-term value.
We manage each athlete’s journey with a business-like approach, ensuring that every decision—from tactical insights to career planning—is designed to grow their personal brand, enhance career readiness, and prepare them for success on and off the field. Our focus is not just on athletic excellence but also on cultivating leadership, strategic thinking, and personal development, making sure that every athlete we manage is equipped for success in academic, athletic, and life pursuits.
Our PROCESS
At L.I.G. Sports Group, we simplify the clients nuanced sports journey to a five step approach
testimonials
What the Pros Are Saying About L.I.G. Sports Group
James Franklin
Head Coach, Penn State University
"Justin’s background, experience, and adept understanding of the football world afford him a unique perspective that causes others to listen when he speaks. Innovative, outcome-driven, and the true definition of a team player, Justin is an asset to any room he enters."
Oliver Luck
Former XFL Commissioner, NCAA EVP Regulatory Affairs
One of the first hires that I made was Justin King, who joined the football operations group at the XFL. Justin was an excellent employee with superb inter-personal skills and a great work ethic. He interacted on a daily basis with our coaches, referees, players, agents and football staff members such as equipment managers, athletic trainers, etc . . . He was forthright in all of his activity and quite dependable in terms of ˋgetting things done´.
Doug Whaley
Former SVP of XFLBills General Manager
Justin’s greatest strength is his ability to navigate and effectively integrate complex systems while managing the multitude of personalities in the athletic industry, which is a rare and very impactful trait.
Corporate Partners
With a shared vision and mission to educate and empower athletes to maximize their potential on and off the field.