The Friday Five: Ryan Rottman

Ryan Rottman is a multi-talented individual who is part actor, part producer, and currently works as the CEO and co-founder of Online Sports Database. He and Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers created OSDB Sports in April of 2021, the sports-centric version of IMDb.

We caught up with Ryan for this week’s Friday Five…

1) Who is your biggest mentor?

I know this is going to sound cliché, but I’d have to say my dad. Growing up watching his work ethic and kindness has inspired me to work as hard as I can and bring honesty and care into everything I do. He taught me to always use rational thinking opposed to knee-jerk reactions when dealing with people in business as well as my personal life. I can’t tell you how much that has helped in all my endeavors. He's truly my hero and mentor.

Additionally, I’d have to say Mark French (CEO of X2 performance and entrepreneur). His guidance has not only helped me personally, but has helped with the trajectory of my business (OSDB Sports). He’s always been someone I can call on when I need some advice and I know he will shoot it straight and guide me in the right direction.

2) How did you get into the sports industry, and what goals do you have within the industry?

I honestly had no intention of entering the sports industry. I'm an actor/producer and that was my day-to-day gig. Being in the entertainment industry, I used a platform called IMDb as my calling card. It's a one stop shop for all aspects of my career. It lists all the projects I've worked on, have in development, etc. It also has my management info so casting directors, talent producers, businesses, etc. can get in contact with my reps to help further my career. I always wondered why they didn't have anything like this dedicated to pro athletes. I had been thinking about this for a long time, so I finally mentioned the idea to my good friend, Aaron Rodgers, and he immediately said let's do it. The next day we got started www.osdbsports.com and never looked back.

3) As a Texas Tech alumnus, how do you feel about Texas and Oklahoma moving to the SEC?

As a Texas Tech alumnus, I love the fact that Oklahoma and Texas are heading to the SEC. Selfishly, it gives us a better chance to win the conference now that two powerhouse programs are gone. Additionally, It's a really good move for the student athletes of Texas and Oklahoma to capitalize on their name, image, and likeness, moving to a conference like the SEC. The amount of exposure those young men are going to get is second to none.

4) Who is your current pick to win the Super Bowl this year?

I'm not saying this because Aaron Rodgers is my business partner, but I think the Packers are going to do it this year. The Packers were one play away from making it to the Super Bowl last year, and with one more year under Matt LeFleur's belt, I feel like the team chemistry and communication is only getting better. When you talk about the best trios in the history of the NFL, you have to put Aaron, Davante Adams, and Aaron Jones in the conversation. On the defensive side of the ball, adding Jaylon Smith bolsters an already good defense. If the team can remain healthy, I’m going to need to pre-order my tickets for the Super Bowl in Los Angeles.

5) If you could invite any three people in history to dinner, who would they be and why?

Being a history buff, this is a really tough question as there are so many people I’d love to meet and pick their brains. Since I have to pick three, I’d have to say first would be Julius Caesar. He was such a legendary leader and laid the groundwork for what would be 500 years of a flourishing Roman Empire. Not to mention I’d have to ask what it was like to have a relationship with Cleopatra.

Second would be Larry David. I’m a HUGE Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm fan and would honestly just go to dinner for the awkwardness. I would hope dinner would be after a round of golf though.

Lastly, I would break bread with the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford). I know that's more than one person but I’m considering them as a group. This one might be the longest dinner EVER and hopefully we cruise into the night. I’m sure the drinks and stories would be flowing and I’d press them on what it was like in Las Vegas in the early days and ask about the shooting of the original "Ocean's Eleven."