Russell Okung will negotiate his own deal. (USATSI)

In an article on The Players' Tribune, Seahawks tackle Russell Okung explained his decision to go without an agent for negotiations on his next contract.

The fact of the matter is that even if the agent-player relationship is a close, heartfelt, personal one, it’s still founded on one thing: money.

Did a 2.5 percent agent fee really make sense in relation to the amount of work that was being done? Did it make sense in relation to the amount — and caliber — of those commercials, endorsements, show deals, suits and parties that were or weren’t delivered? Did I, entering the final year of my rookie contract and what I believe will be the prime of my career, really need someone else to tell me my worth and not only “find me a deal,” but take a cut of it?

No.

So, before I became a free agent, I decided to free my agent.

Okung is not the first athlete, or even NFL player, to go without an agent. Earlier this offseason, Giants first-round pick Ereck Flowers represented himself in negotiations with the team. That's a little bit different because Flowers' contract is subject to the rookie wage scale, while Okung will be subject to the open market. Still, he has confidence in himself to secure the right deal.

I know my worth. I can look at the market and go directly to a team without an agent and tell that team my worth. And I can do so with confidence because I’ve done my research, I’ve educated myself and I’ve questioned the answers I’ve been given. And when it comes to reviewing the details of my next deal, I’ll hire an expert — a lawyer or a sports attorney who understands the dynamic of football contracts — to read the paperwork. I’ll negotiate a one-time flat fee that isn’t dependent on the size of my salary.

You see, there’s a new sort of athlete, and he’s not just an athlete. He’s a businessman and a living brand, a la Magic Johnson or LeBron James. He’s a player who represents himself because he not only understands the market and his own personal value, but has the self-assurance and financial know-how to do so, too.

Okung ended the article with some advice for his fellow professional athletes:

Every athlete has the ability to be free of his or her agent. It all comes down to being willing to bet on yourself.

So, fellow athletes, I encourage you to do your research. Educate yourself. Question the answers. And take ownership of your career and your livelihood.