EP #605 LEIGH STEINBERG

Update: 2025-01-30

Description

THE VIBE
with Kelly Cardenas presents

Leigh Steinberg, premier sports agent, entrepreneur, and Chairman and founder of Steinberg
Sports and Entertainment, is best known for his work building athletes into stand-alone brands.
Often credited as the real-life inspiration for the Oscar-winning film Jerry Maguire, Leigh has
represented some of the most successful athletes and coaches across football, basketball,
baseball, hockey, boxing, golf, and more. He holds an unprecedented record of representing the
number one overall pick in the NFL draft eight times, along with 64 total first-round picks, and
represented 12 Hall of Famers. Beyond football, his clients include Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox
Lewis, multiple Olympians, and professional teams. With a history of record-setting contracts, he
has secured over $4 billion for more than 300 pro athlete clients while directing over $1 billion to
various charitable causes worldwide. CNN, Fox Business, Fox and Friends, Lifestyle of the Rich
& Famous
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Leigh’s early life was shaped by his parents—a teacher and
librarian. He earned his B.A. in political science and J.D. from UC Berkeley, where he served as
student body president during both degrees. His cultural significance extends beyond the sports
world; Leigh has been a trivia question on both Jeopardy! and Trivial Pursuit, cementing his
iconic status. Deeply committed to philanthropy, Leigh has been recognized for his charitable
work with numerous commendations, including honors from Congress, state legislatures,
multiple U.S. Presidents, and various civic organizations. His accolades include being named
“Man of the Year” over a dozen times and receiving “Keys to the City” in several U.S. cities. He
also played a pivotal role in saving the San Francisco Giants, earning him the honor of “Leigh
Steinberg Day” in the city. In 2017, he was inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame.
Throughout his career, Leigh has been a prominent media figure, appearing on programs like 60
Minutes, Larry King Live, The Today Show, CNN, Fox Business, Fox & Friends, Lifestyles of the
Rich and Famous, and Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. His profile has graced the pages of
Business Week, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, GQ, and ESPN the Magazine. As a consultant, he
contributed to films and shows such as Jerry Maguire, Any Given Sunday, For Love of the
Game, and Arli$$. He also provides expert commentary on sports business through outlets like
The Dan Patrick Show and The Herd with Colin Cowherd. A prolific writer, Leigh contributes
columns to Forbes, HuffPost, and Daily Pilot and has authored notable works such as Winning
with Integrity and The Agent: My 40-Year Career of Making Deals and Changing the Game.
Leigh’s passion for improving athlete health and safety has led him to host annual Brain Health
Summits, uniting athletes, medical experts, and researchers to address traumatic brain injuries
(TBIs). These summits focus on advancements in diagnosis, prevention, and mental health
support. Additionally, Leigh has championed initiatives in sustainability and community
development through partnerships with various organizations. His efforts include launching
educational programs for underserved communities, promoting clean energy in sports facilities,
and developing outreach projects aimed at creating long-term social impact. His multifaceted
projects reflect his dedication to driving meaningful change both within and beyond the sports
world.