Sherman Neal II is an attorney and decorated Marine Corps Officer who completed two deployments in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He is also the founder/owner of Rising Tide Sports – a concierge sports firm that provides consulting services and utilizes NIL opportunities to empower college athletes.
Outside of Entertainment, Arts, and Sports matters Sherman’s professional experience includes infrastructure project management, intercollegiate athletics administration, coaching Division I football, and government relations. Additional practice areas include criminal defense (military and civilian) and immigration.
In addition to Sherman’s work as a community organizer he produced the 2023 documentary “Ghosts of the Lost Cause” and was featured in a documentary published by the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting titled “The Friendliest Small Town in America” (2022) which arose of of advocating for the removal of the Confederate Monument located in Calloway County, Kentucky and criminal justice advocacy. He regularly provides commentary and speaks publicly on issues surrounding equity, equality, and justice focused on campaign design.
Sherman received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University (2009) in addition to playing (4) years of Division 1 Football, Juris Doctor from West Virginia University College of Law (2013), Masters in Science of Sports Business from Temple University (2020) in addition to earning 2021 School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management Alumni Association Impact Award, and LL. M. in Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law from the University of Miami School of Law (2021), in addition to completing various professional military education programs.
Sherman is the father of Jett Neal II (7) and Skyler Neal (5) and dedicates his time to making sure the America they inherit values their lives. Other volunteer activities include serving on the board of directors for the Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Insurance Corp, advocating for children through CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children), and supporting veterans service organizations. Sherman is also a marathon runner, Eagle Scout, youth sports coach, and enjoys doing anything outdoors. He is a native of Naperville, IL currently resides in suburban Atlanta, Georgia.
Key Positions Held: Attorney, Commander, Project Manager, Producer, Filmmaker, Community Organizer, Board Member, Military Leadership, Non-Profit Leadership, Consultant, Agent, Lobbyist, Grant-Writer, Athlete, DEIJB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice), Supply Chain Management & Logistics, Event Management
Favorite Books: The Art of War by Sun Tzu, Common Sense by Thomas Paine, Team of Teams by General Stanley McCrystal, The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin, Native Son by Richard Wright, and A Promised Land by President Barack Obama