K.J. Wright

K.J. Wright, assistant linebackers coach for the San Francisco 49ers, met Annie H. Hoffman at the NFL’s Broadcast Boot Camp event in 2016. In the prime of his football career at the time, the former linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks and 2013 Super Bowl champion says Hoffman made a lasting impression. 

“I immediately connected with Annie’s energy and personality, and was naturally drawn to her,” says Wright. 

Little did he know at the time that her lasting impression would stick for the long term. When he hired her for public relations years later, Hoffman landed him an extraordinary number of media interviews in just 18 months of working together: over 215 appearances on national and local television, radio and podcasts and in digital and print outlets.

Putting Your Best PR Foot Forward

When Wright retired in 2022, he recognized that he needed a media outreach strategy to help open up opportunities for the next phase of his career.

“I knew Annie was a great media coach and she had connections all across the country. I knew that once we sat down and created a game plan, she’d find a way to execute it, and she did,” Wright says.

Hoffman worked with Wright on media training to polish his on-air skills in preparation for media appearances that would keep his name, face and voice in the public arena long after retirement as a player.

“From day one, Annie has always been helpful, honest about what she sees in me and what I can do better,” he says. 

Partnering in Public Relations Strategy 

Together, Wright and Hoffman developed a list of his bucket list items, which included calling a Seattle Seahawks game, hosting a podcast and promoting his charity work. 

“I love working with K.J. We worked closely together to outline his goals, and I came up with a strategy to help him achieve them,” Hoffman says. 

Wright appreciates that Hoffman doesn’t take “no” for an answer. “Literally anything we set out to do, from getting me on NFL Network to me calling a game for the Seahawks, she found a way to make my dreams come true,” Wright says.

Spreading the Word Across the Country

To keep Wright in the spotlight, Hoffman set him up with a plethora of media interviews and on-air opportunities, including NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” NFL Network’s “Total Access,” ESPN TV and Radio, CBS Sports Radio and Fox Sports Radio. In addition, K.J. has appeared on Bally Sports’ “The Rally” as a guest contributor and had his own show “The K.J. Wright Show” on Seattle’s ESPN 710 AM radio station. Also, K.J. was the Seahawks preseason analyst for KING 5 in Seattle. The well-executed PR exposure led to paid opportunities and doors opening up for Wright, including job offers and meetings with Hollywood producers that led to auditions.

“I spoke with people in Chicago, New York, Texas, Florida… I would have family members from Cleveland text me, ‘Hey, I heard you on the radio!’ My personal brand expanded across the country because of Annie. It snowballed into more and more cool opportunities coming across my desk.” 

Also significant to Wright personally was promoting his second annual fundraiser at his high school near Memphis in Olive Branch, Mississippi. The event, which began in 2022, raises funds for student athletes and brings the community together for an unforgettable weekend. Hoffman arranged for Wright to speak with all of the local media in Memphis. “It helped the city understand why I was doing the event and encouraged people to go buy tickets,” he says. 

Working Tirelessly Behind the Scenes, Always

Hoffman works determinedly and continuously to find ways to spotlight her clients, past and present. Now that Wright is a football coach, a position he accepted in early 2024, she plans to pursue a media strategy to showcase his football IQ in a powerful way.

Wright provides his highlight reel of the incredible benefits of working with Hoffman: “You will be a better, more polished speaker. You’ll have your name everywhere, and people will see you and know who you are. Over time, if you stay with it, I promise you’re going to be happy. Working with Annie is a solid investment for all different aspects of your life.”

Follow K.J. Wright @kj_wright34 on Instagram and X.