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Leigh Steinberg
A Pioneer in Sports Representation
Leigh Steinberg, premier sports agent, entrepreneur, and Chairman and Founder of Steinberg Sports and Entertainment, is renowned for building athletes into stand-alone brands. Often credited as the real-life inspiration for Jerry Maguire, he has represented some of the most successful athletes and coaches across football, basketball, baseball, hockey, boxing, golf, and more. His unprecedented record includes representing the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft eight times, along with 64 total first-round picks and 12 Hall of Famers. Beyond football, his client roster spans multiple sports, including Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis, Olympians, and professional teams.
With a history of record-setting contracts, Leigh has secured over $4 billion for more than 300 pro athlete clients while directing over $1 billion to charitable causes worldwide. His ability to negotiate groundbreaking deals while emphasizing character, leadership, and social responsibility has made him a leading voice in athlete advocacy.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Leigh’s early life was shaped by his parents—a teacher and a librarian—who instilled in him a deep appreciation for education and public service. He attended UC Berkeley, earning both his B.A. in political science and J.D. in law. A natural leader, Leigh served as student body president during both degrees, setting the foundation for his future in sports, business, and philanthropy.
A Cultural Icon Beyond Sports
Leigh’s impact extends beyond sports, reaching into entertainment, media, and philanthropy. He has been a trivia question on both Jeopardy! and Trivial Pursuit, solidifying his cultural significance. His name has appeared in countless media outlets, including Business Week, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, GQ, and ESPN the Magazine.
A prominent media figure, Leigh has been featured on:
🔴 60 Minutes
🔴 Larry King Live
🔴 The Today Show
🔴 CNN
🔴 Fox Business & Fox & Friends
🔴 Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
🔴 Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel
His expertise has made him a trusted consultant in Hollywood, contributing to films and TV shows such as Jerry Maguire, Any Given Sunday, For Love of the Game, and Arli$$. He also regularly provides sports business analysis on The Dan Patrick Show and The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Deeply committed to giving back, Leigh’s philanthropy has earned him numerous commendations from Congress, state legislatures, multiple U.S. Presidents, and civic organizations. He has been named “Man of the Year” over a dozen times and has received Keys to the City in multiple U.S. cities.
His impact extends to saving the San Francisco Giants, preventing the team from relocating. In recognition of his efforts, San Francisco honored him with “Leigh Steinberg Day.” In 2017, he was inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in sports and community development.
Advocating for Athlete Health and Safety
Leigh’s passion for athlete well-being has driven him to advocate for brain health and injury prevention. He hosts annual Brain Health Summits, bringing together athletes, medical experts, and researchers to tackle traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and advancements in diagnosis, prevention, and mental health support. His goal is to ensure a safer future for athletes at all levels.
Sustainability and Community Development
Beyond sports, Leigh champions initiatives in sustainability and community outreach. His efforts include:
🔴 Launching educational programs for underserved communities
🔴 Promoting clean energy in sports facilities
🔴 Developing outreach projects that drive long-term social change
His multifaceted projects reflect his dedication to leveraging sports as a platform for meaningful change, ensuring his impact extends far beyond the playing field.
Leigh Steinberg Agent Academy
Looking to jump-start a career in sports, especially in agency?
Then the Leigh Steinberg Agent Academy is for you. This two-day in-person academy will consist of lectures, interactive exercises, and guest speakers who provide an inside perspective of the day-to-day life in the industry. The Academy will explain pressing subjects such as win-win negotiating, recruiting and selling, branding and marketing, charitable foundations, crisis management and damage control.
In the Media Spotlight
Explore a collection of articles, interviews, and media appearances featuring Leigh Steinberg, offering insights into his career, expertise, and perspectives on the world of sports and beyond.
Famed NFL agent Leigh Steinberg looking to combat concussion dangers with new foundation. The 2024 football season was one of the scariest in recent history for brain injuri...
Leigh Steinberg wants to make concussion foundation a game changer for brain health in football. One of the NFL's most influential agents for years, Leigh Steinberg is now aimi...
Agent Leigh Steinberg on Representing Patrick Mahomes, "Ticking Time Bomb" of Sports Gambling. Sports agent Leigh Steinberg joined FOS's Dan Roberts at Radio Row in New Orl...
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