Who We Are
Jonathan Adler
Lawyer
President/CEO – Adler Sports Group
Advisor to New York Knicks, New York Liberty, and more.
Ted Cottrell
Jointly appointed NFL/NFLPA Appeals Officer
Former NFL Coach
Former NFL Player
Lawyer
President/CEO – Adler Sports Group
Advisor to New York Knicks, New York Liberty, and more.
Jointly appointed NFL/NFLPA Appeals Officer
Former NFL Coach
Former NFL Player
Jonathan is the President and CEO of Adler Sports Group. As President and CEO of ASG, Jonathan oversees the overall operations of the company.
In addition to being a former athlete himself, Jonathan has worked in the business side of sports since graduating from the University of Miami School of Law in 2011 when he joined the NFL’s Management Council. During Jonathan’s time with the NFL he conducted hearings for on and off the field infractions and played an active role in drafting, reviewing, investigating, interpreting, and enforcing NFL Rules and Policy. Jonathan also handled labor matters for the NFL, including grievances related to team and league discipline, Jonathan played a role in notable projects such as the NFL Referee Collective Bargaining Agreement, the investigation into the New Orleans Saints (often referred to as “Bountygate”) and NFL Concussion Litigation.
Despite Jonathan’s experience and success at the NFL, Jonathan’s ultimate passion has always been advocating on behalf of the athlete. Since leaving the NFL, Jonathan has spent years consulting and representing athletes, entrepreneurs, and entertainers on various matters. Jonathan understands the power that management yields and utilizes his inside knowledge to prepare and assist athletes in their response to any alleged violation or infraction to facilitate the best possible result.
Jonathan attained his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law in 2011 and is a licensed attorney in New York and New Jersey. During law school Jonathan was a part of the critically acclaimed Litigation Skills Program and learned to advocate on behalf of his clients under the tutelage of celebrated trial lawyers and judges. He was also selected by his peers as a student senator, served as a member of the senate and judiciary committee and was selected as co-chair of the UM class gift. Prior to law school, Jonathan graduated from the University at Buffalo and was a part of the 2004 UB Men’s Basketball program. Throughout his life, Jonathan has always prioritized and engaged in philanthropic and charitable efforts, which has included volunteering in community efforts as well as serving as a mentor to student athletes and young attorneys.
In addition to his work with Adler Sports Group, Jonathan serves as an advisor to the preeminent grassroots basketball company, MADE Hoops, and also works for the New York Knicks, New York Liberty and Westchester Knicks.
Ted Cottrell joined Adler Sports Group in 2020 and brings with him an exemplary track record of success in all levels of football. In addition to being a standout college and former professional athlete, Coach Cottrell also brings 30+ years of legendary coaching experience and almost a decade of experience as a jointly appointed NFL/NFLPA Appeals Officer to Adler Sports Group.
Coach Cottrell is a treasure-trove of football knowledge that has successfully impacted the careers of NFL Hall of Fame and Pro Bowl caliber players such as: Bruce Smith, Fred Smerlas, Cornelius Bennett, Darryl Talley, Sam Cowart, Marvin Jones, Phil Hansen, Pat Williams, Kent Hull, Ted Washington, Antoine Winfield, Ken Irvin, Henry Jones, Marcellus Wiley, and countless others. He now uses his vast wealth of experience to assist athletes through their own careers both on and off the field.
Coach Cottrell achieved success as a college athlete at Delaware Valley University, where he was a 4 year Letterman in football and track. After DVU, he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons and played professional football as a linebacker for two seasons with the Falcons before joining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. After his playing days, Coach Cottrell began his coaching career back with his alma mater as an assistant coach. He quickly ascended the ranks of college football at Rutgers before ultimately working his way back to the highest level of the sport when he joined the Kansas City Chiefs as a linebacker coach. He later served as a defensive line coach for the New Jersey Generals of the USFL, Buffalo Bills and Phoenix Cardinals; linebacker coach for the Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills; defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers; head coach of the New York Sentinels of the UFL; linebacker Coach of the Birmingham Iron of the AAF; and most recently served as defensive coordinator of the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL.
As a coach and constant student of the game, Coach Cottrell is obsessive about film studies and preparation. He is integral to Adler Sports Group’s appeal process for on field violations as he brings a unique insight to the appeal process that is unmatched. Throughout his time as an Appeals Officer, Coach Cottrell resolved every type of appeal for on field misconduct and now applies his unique perspective and inside knowledge to his clients’ appeals in order to achieve a successful outcome.
In addition to the above, Coach Cottrell continues to serve in his role as a valued consultant to youth and collegiate athletics. He is a valued resource for coaches and players on a variety of topics, including but not limited to: preparation, fundamentals, techniques, game planning, and defensive packages.