Leigh Steinberg shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Leigh, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something that has brought me profound joy recently is my new fiancée. Just last Saturday I proposed, and this moment will be one of the highlights of my life. She has truly been one of the brightest spots over the recent years of my life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there everyone! This is Leigh Steinberg, most people know me as a sports agent, but I am also an author, and have started a brain research foundation called the Leigh Steinberg Foundation. I currently have slowed my role in the athlete representation space, but over my career, I’ve represented many high-profile athletes from Patrick Mahomes currently, or Warren Moon in the 80’s. My biggest endeavors right now are mostly focused around a few new client mergers, writing my third book, and furthering the Foundation.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My life was largely dictated by alcohol for a brief period in my life. Regaining control of my life after beating alcoholism truly showed me how valuable life is, and at the same time how difficult addictions are.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, I found comfort in solitude. Taking time to be alone with my thoughts helped me feel more at ease and secure within myself. It taught me how to be comfortable with my own feelings. I think the younger part of society today should become more in tap with themselves rather than resorting to social media in times spent alone.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest misconception about sports agents is that they prioritize their earnings above everything else. In reality, agents have a genuine interest in the welfare of their clients and the integrity of sports as a whole. The first question an agent asks a client upon entering our office is about the skills they possess beyond their athletic abilities and their aspirations for life after their playing career. And by developing a strong interpersonal relationship with the athlete, we can help them focus on networking and building a successful second career.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people talk about how hard I pushed for additional research of the brain. I’ve been on record saying that the NFL’s concussion problem was a “ticking time bomb” because I experienced a crisis of conscience in the 1980’s as I represented half of the starting quarterbacks in the NFL, witnessing them repeatedly suffer head injuries. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility for athletes’ long-term health, I was compelled to create a foundation aimed at spreading awareness and ensuring that athletes are not on a path toward dementia or other traumatic brain disorders. Our mission also includes funding research and treatment for the prevention of these conditions. I don’t need people to even attach me to the idea, it is just ever-so important that we continue to further research of the brain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leighsteinbergfoundation.org
- Instagram: leighsteinberg
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesteinberg
- Facebook: Leigh Steinberg
Image Credits
All my own pictures.
