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Sean P. Stellato (born April 12, 1978) is an American sports agent,[1] motivational speaker,[2] and author.[3] He became nationally known after one of his clients, Tommy DeVito, made his NFL debut in Week 8 of the National Football League season at quarterback and led the New York Giants to a victory against the Green Bay Packers.[4]
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (July 2022) |
Commentator Peyton Manning referred to Stellato’s pinstriped suit and matching fedora, which brought him attention from the media nationwide.[5]
Soon after that game, Stellato appeared on The Pat McAfee Show. On the podcast, Stellato said he was “just very excited for the moment right now.” [5] He told McAfee during the interview that he became an agent to stay “as close to the game (of football) as possible.” [5]
At 5-foot-10, Stellato played wide receiver at Marist College and is known for his zeal for his Italian heritage and fashion flair.[6]
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In an interview with The Salem (Mass.) News, DeVito called Stellato “the Italian Stallion of sports agents.[6] “Sean is always in my corner and will do whatever it takes to help me with my career, on and off the field,” DeVito told the newspaper.[6]
Steven Van Zandt, who plays Silvio on the Sopranos, tweeted that Stellato was “the Silvio of the Family,” meaning the consigliere, or right-hand. With his help, DeVito landed a deal with Rao’s Homemade Pasta Sauce.[7]
Within hours of the Giants again naming DeVito as their starter against Tampa Bay for a game on Nov. 24, Stellato was taking calls from and making appearances on podcasts and talk shows.[6]
Players Stellato represents
Stellato has represented nearly 20 Super Bowl winners in a long career as an agent.[6]
Chris Manhertz, New York Giants
Sean Stellato has represented New York Giants tight end Chris Manhertz for all nine years of his NFL career.[6]
"When I first met him, he had a three-piece suit on, and that was at a diner in the Bronx," Manhertz told NorthJersey.com.[6] Manhertz, who played basketball at Canisius College, wanted to try for a pro football career.[6]
"We sat down and gave me his value proposition if you will, and I bought in," Manhertz told NorthJersey.com. "Over time, he earned my trust. He's as authentic as they come. He leans into it, and many more people know who he is now, but that's always been the Sean I know."[6]
"Have you ever bought a stock when it was low, and you just held onto it for a few years, waiting for that stock to pop, and now it's having a good year, and you've had it the whole time - that's him, that's Sean," Manhertz told NewJersey.com.[6]
"He works hard for us, and he's real. He's a little bit of a celebrity now, but he's the same guy he's always been. That underdog mentality appealed to me, and it's never changed. To me, for me, he's earned it."[6]
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Stellato founded SES Sports in 2013.[4] He is president and sole agent.[4]
Stellato attended Salem High School, where he played on the football and basketball teams.[8] At the Gunnery Prep School, he was named MVP in football and basketball and was named All-New England in both sports.[9][better source needed] At Marist College, Stellato played receiver on the football team.[10]
Stellato played football and basketball at Marist. In the 2000 and 2001 seasons, he led the Red Foxes in touchdown receptions.[6]
Football career
Stellato played two seasons in the AF2 (AF2), signing his first contract with the Florida Firecats in 2002. He also played with the Louisville Fire and the Memphis Xplorers. He went to Mini Camp with the New York Dragons.
He coached defensive backs for the Ipswich High School Tigers during the 2003 season. Stellato also coached at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School as a quarterbacks coach in 2004. He became a member of the St. John's Prep football coaching staff in 2006.[11]
Stellato's fashion
“My late grandfather wore a fedora, and I always loved Sinatra and Stallone, or Rocky Balboa,” Stellato told Shop Rat.[7]
His grandmother, Littizza Lillian Stellato, who immigrated from Calabria to Boston and lived with his family growing up, worked in the men’s department at Filene’s Basement until she was 86 and bought him his first suit.[7]
“She always said that you must dress for success and visualize yourself in those moments,” Stellato said.[7]
“Fashion is something I’m passionate about,” Stellato said. "It’s how I express myself, and it gives me confidence. It’s almost like my Superman cape.” [7]
“It’s a way to get me in the zone,” he continues. “If you look good, you perform well. My guys take a lot of pride in how they present themselves when they run through the tunnel onto the field, and I feel the same way when I walk into an NFL stadium.” [7]
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Stellato is the author of two books: 4th and Long The Odds: My Journey[12] and No Backing Down,[13][14] both about his life and sports. No Backing Down was featured in the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2015.[15]
In 2013, Stellato was inducted into the Massachusetts Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.[16] That same year he was inducted into the Salem High School Hall of Fame.[8] In 2014, he was honored with the Moynihan Lumber Post Graduate Achievement Award.[17]
In 2016, he was featured on the October cover of Northshore magazine as one of their "Movers and Shakers".[18] In August 2016, Stellato was selected as one of the Boston Business Journal's "40 Under 40".[19]
In December 2023, he was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago as part of their 44th annual class.[20]
Sean Stellato Day
Marist College declared Oct. 26 as Sean Stellato Day.[21]
Stellato graduated in 2002 and played basketball and football there.[21] He led the Red Foxes in touchdown catches in 2000 and 2001.[21] At halftime of its homecoming game in 2024, Marist presented Stellato with a framed replica of his football jersey.[21]
The school handed out a limited number of Marist-branded fedoras, Stellato's signature headwear.[21]
Sean Stellato meets Pope Francis
On June 26, 2024, Sean Stellato met Pope Francis in Vatican City [22] and gifted him a custom football with the Pope's coat of arms emblem.[23] Stellato was in Rome on business when the Vatican granted him a meeting with the Pope.[24]
Stellato said the invitation happened after an interview with social media personality Taylen Biggs in Las Vegas during the leadup to Super Bowl LVIII.[25] Stellato, in a conversation about his clothing that day, which included Gucci python loafers, told Biggs he admired the Pope.[25]
Family
Originally from Boston, Stellato lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Krista, and their four daughters, Gianna, Giulietta, Sophia Belle, and Siena Sicily.[7]
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