Latest news with #LeighSteinberg
Fox News
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Leigh Steinberg signs elite athletes aiming to boost charity awareness and improve their home communities
Despite an impressive 51 years in the sports industry representing the crème de la crème of athletes, Leigh Steinberg's career as an agent and philanthropist is far from over. Steinberg's approach to athlete management, which includes negotiations for top-tier athletes such as 64 first-round NFL Draft picks in just the first eight years of his career, elite MLB players and Olympic athletes, has remained strategic in both hustle and heart for decades. The inspiration for "Jerry Maguire" signs athletes who dream of both reaching Hall of Fame status and embedding philanthropy into the minds of their loyal fan base. "Whether it's setting up a charitable fund at their high school, a similar thing at their colleges, charitable foundations at the professional level where they take some issue they'd like to address and set up a foundation," Steinberg told Fox News Digital, "all with the concept of an athlete as a role model." Steinberg highlighted NFL superstar and client Patrick Mahomes' initiative, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, as an example of what is possible when elite athletes use their names to raise awareness and funds for a cause. Mahomes' foundation, established in 2019, is dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk and underserved youths. Most recently, the foundation revealed the expansion of scholarships in childhood education and reported in 2024 that youth volunteers contributed $2.6 million in service hours through the organization. "I've been very involved with restating what an agent's responsibility is," Steinberg said. "I think part of it is to care for a player's health." Beyond working with athletes to choose a foundational focus, Steinberg clocks time daily as chair of the Leigh Steinberg Foundation, which aims to educate and raise information about the risks of athletic concussions and fund prophylactic treatment of concussions and healing the concussed brain. "In a sport like football, which is a traffic accident in every play and concussion is an ugly specter, I've tried to be proactive over the years," Steinberg told Fox News Digital. "I had a crisis of conscience back in the 1980s because I was representing half of the starting quarterbacks in the NFL. They kept getting hit in the head, and we would go to doctors and ask how many is too many? When should they contemplate retirement? And they had no answers, and so I started holding concussion conferences back in 1994." Since its inception, Steinberg said the foundation has worked with treatment clinics IQMIND and NESTRE to identify two new breakthrough technologies, transcranial magnetic stimulation and neurofeedback, which heal a concussed brain through the theory of neuroplasticity. "We also try to provide treatment for underserved communities that don't necessarily have a way to deal with brain health," Steinberg said. "So we'll be looking to bring treatment to a number of people who wouldn't otherwise have it." In just one week, Steinberg says the foundation raised $500,000, which, in part, will be allocated to host seminars and spread awareness to parents with children in athletics. Among the voices behind the foundation's public service announcement and educational campaigns are former NFL quarterback Warren Moon, former defensive end Bruce Smith and former linebacker Ray Lewis. Steinberg hopes to welcome female soccer players to the team of messengers in the future. "There's hope out there and people need to know they can get treatment," Steinberg said.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Leigh Steinberg wants to make concussion foundation a game changer for brain health in football
Even now, five decades into his trailblazing career as a sports agent and powerbroker in NFL circles, Leigh Steinberg is still rolling with a can-do spirit and big visions. Steinberg, 75, recently established a concussion foundation bearing his name that he hopes will be a difference-maker supporting emerging approaches in the medical community for the treatment of head injuries. 'It will raise awareness and be a clearinghouse for people to understand what the dangers are, as far as head injuries are concerned,' Steinberg told USA TODAY Sports of his foundation. 'It will be a research tool for trying to find better solutions and more knowledge.' It's a noble cause. As much as the NFL has done in recent years with rules changes designed to take the head out of the game, policies that reduce contact during practices, concussion protocols and safer equipment – factors that contributed to the NFL reporting Thursday that through the end of the 2024 regular season it had the lowest concussion numbers for a campaign since the NFL began tracking data in 2015 – it remains a bruising sport where concussions happen. Steinberg remains wary of risks to long-term health. 'It's one thing to know that football breaks down joints and someone who turns 45 and bends over to pick up their child will have aches and pains,' he said. 'It's another thing not to identify that child. In other words, you're talking about the brain.' That portrayal surely comes with shock value. Yet Steinberg's concern is amplified whenever cases come to the forefront that reveal chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease that experts link to repetitive head trauma. In early January, the family of former Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck, who died at 52 in December 2023, announced that researchers at Boston University's CTE Center confirmed that Wycheck's brain tested positive for CTE. In a statement, Deanna Wycheck Szabo said that she hoped the CTE diagnosis for her father would 'bring awareness, increased intervention, education, and support for NFL alumni and their families related to CTE.' Clearly, that aligns with the mission Steinberg – who along with Chris Cabott represents Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes – expresses for his foundation. Although he gives the NFL credit for the cultural shift in addressing concussions that began well over a decade ago, he sounds determined to put energy into medical advances. 'For years, the thought was that once there was a traumatic brain injury, it just went down a slippery slope that led to Alzheimer's, premature senility, Parkinson's, CTE and depression,' Steinberg said. 'Now there's a process called rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation), where, through the theory of neuroplasticity, they can actually rewire the brain. Get those connections back. 'That is stunning. And it's the kind of medical breakthrough, treatment breakthrough, that is happening. So, this foundation will raise money to promote more research.' Of course, Steinberg, who has represented a record eight No. 1 overall NFL draft picks during his career, isn't a doctor. And, citing professional ethics, he would not comment on challenges and scrutiny that a former client, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, has faced in recovery from multiple concussions since 2022, including another one this season. Yet he doesn't hesitate to hail the potential of stem cells, red light therapy and the use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers as treatment options. For his foundation, he said he is aligning with neurologists and other medical experts for an advisory board that will also include several retired players, including Hall of Famers Warren Moon (a longtime client) and Earl Campbell. And the day before Super Bowl 59, Steinberg will host his 20th Brain Summit before his annual Super Bowl party. Steinberg's party has long been a hot ticket on the social calendar during Super Bowl week as it typically attracts a mix of celebrities from the entertainment world and high-profile NFL figures. Now it appears his event (at the New Orleans Jazz Museum) will also serve as ample opportunity to get the word out about his foundation. 'This is not simply a pro football issue,' Steinberg said. 'It's a college football issue. A high school football issue. A soccer issue. A hockey issue. It's anything that involves collision.' No, this is hardly new ground for Steinberg, who has also rebounded from personal and professional challenges that include a divorce, bankruptcy, a split with former partner David Dunn and alcoholism – as he approaches the 15th anniversary of his sobriety. More than 30 years ago, moved by concussions suffered by several of his clients – including high-profile cases that involved eventual Hall of Famers Troy Aikman and Steve Young – Steinberg held his first concussion seminar in Newport Beach, California. Aikman, Young, Moon, Drew Bledsoe and Rob Johnson were among the attendees, 'taking notes,' Steinberg recalled, 'listening to neurologists talk about the risks and the state of knowledge at the time.' A generation ago, that concussion seminar was cutting edge. And especially because it was organized by an agent, rather than the players union. It was before the discovery of CTE. Before a class-action lawsuit was filed by former players against the NFL in 2012, which led to a $1 billion settlement in 2015. Before the NFL Players Association became passionate about the issue, spearheaded by now-former executive director DeMaurice Smith. Before the league instituted concussion protocols and dozens of safety measures. While Steinberg acknowledges that much has changed since his first concussion seminar in 1994, he said he is encouraged that more progress will occur 'by relying on the best science.' And he is hardly shy when it comes to preaching on the topic. 'I define the role of an agent not simply as putting dollars in the bank book of a player,' Steinberg said. 'Part of the fiduciary responsibility is trying to ensure the long-term health of players, to think about what the quality of their lives will be when they retire.' Which might ultimately fuel quite a legacy for a legendary agent. Follow Jarrett Bell on X @JarrettBell. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Leigh Steinberg aims to make concussion foundation an NFL game changer
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Leigh Steinberg wants to make concussion foundation a game changer for brain health in football
Even now, five decades into his trailblazing career as a sports agent and powerbroker in NFL circles, Leigh Steinberg is still rolling with a can-do spirit and big visions. Steinberg, 75, recently established a concussion foundation bearing his name that he hopes will be a difference-maker supporting emerging approaches in the medical community for the treatment of head injuries. 'It will raise awareness and be a clearinghouse for people to understand what the dangers are, as far as head injuries are concerned,' Steinberg told USA TODAY Sports of his foundation. 'It will be a research tool for trying to find better solutions and more knowledge.' It's a noble cause. As much as the NFL has done in recent years with rules changes designed to take the head out of the game, policies that reduce contact during practices, concussion protocols and safer equipment – factors that contributed to the NFL reporting Thursday that through the end of the 2024 regular season it had the lowest concussion numbers for a campaign since the NFL began tracking data in 2015 – it remains a bruising sport where concussions happen. Steinberg remains wary of risks to long-term health. 'It's one thing to know that football breaks down joints and someone who turns 45 and bends over to pick up their child will have aches and pains,' he said. 'It's another thing not to identify that child. In other words, you're talking about the brain.' That portrayal surely comes with shock value. Yet Steinberg's concern is amplified whenever cases come to the forefront that reveal chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease that experts link to repetitive head trauma. In early January, the family of former Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck, who died at 52 in December 2023, announced that researchers at Boston University's CTE Center confirmed that Wycheck's brain tested positive for CTE. In a statement, Deanna Wycheck Szabo said that she hoped the CTE diagnosis for her father would 'bring awareness, increased intervention, education, and support for NFL alumni and their families related to CTE.' Clearly, that aligns with the mission Steinberg – who along with Chris Cabott represents Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes – expresses for his foundation. Although he gives the NFL credit for the cultural shift in addressing concussions that began well over a decade ago, he sounds determined to put energy into medical advances. 'For years, the thought was that once there was a traumatic brain injury, it just went down a slippery slope that led to Alzheimer's, premature senility, Parkinson's, CTE and depression,' Steinberg said. 'Now there's a process called rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation), where, through the theory of neuroplasticity, they can actually rewire the brain. Get those connections back. 'That is stunning. And it's the kind of medical breakthrough, treatment breakthrough, that is happening. So, this foundation will raise money to promote more research.' Of course, Steinberg, who has represented a record eight No. 1 overall NFL draft picks during his career, isn't a doctor. And, citing professional ethics, he would not comment on challenges and scrutiny that a former client, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, has faced in recovery from multiple concussions since 2022, including another one this season. Yet he doesn't hesitate to hail the potential of stem cells, red light therapy and the use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers as treatment options. For his foundation, he said he is aligning with neurologists and other medical experts for an advisory board that will also include several retired players, including Hall of Famers Warren Moon (a longtime client) and Earl Campbell. And the day before Super Bowl 59, Steinberg will host his 20th Brain Summit before his annual Super Bowl party. Steinberg's party has long been a hot ticket on the social calendar during Super Bowl week as it typically attracts a mix of celebrities from the entertainment world and high-profile NFL figures. Now it appears his event (at the New Orleans Jazz Museum) will also serve as ample opportunity to get the word out about his foundation. 'This is not simply a pro football issue,' Steinberg said. 'It's a college football issue. A high school football issue. A soccer issue. A hockey issue. It's anything that involves collision.' No, this is hardly new ground for Steinberg, who has also rebounded from personal and professional challenges that include a divorce, bankruptcy, a split with former partner David Dunn and alcoholism – as he approaches the 15th anniversary of his sobriety. More than 30 years ago, moved by concussions suffered by several of his clients – including high-profile cases that involved eventual Hall of Famers Troy Aikman and Steve Young – Steinberg held his first concussion seminar in Newport Beach, California. Aikman, Young, Moon, Drew Bledsoe and Rob Johnson were among the attendees, 'taking notes,' Steinberg recalled, 'listening to neurologists talk about the risks and the state of knowledge at the time.' A generation ago, that concussion seminar was cutting edge. And especially because it was organized by an agent, rather than the players union. It was before the discovery of CTE. Before a class-action lawsuit was filed by former players against the NFL in 2012, which led to a $1 billion settlement in 2015. Before the NFL Players Association became passionate about the issue, spearheaded by now-former executive director DeMaurice Smith. Before the league instituted concussion protocols and dozens of safety measures. While Steinberg acknowledges that much has changed since his first concussion seminar in 1994, he said he is encouraged that more progress will occur 'by relying on the best science.' And he is hardly shy when it comes to preaching on the topic. 'I define the role of an agent not simply as putting dollars in the bank book of a player,' Steinberg said. 'Part of the fiduciary responsibility is trying to ensure the long-term health of players, to think about what the quality of their lives will be when they retire.' Which might ultimately fuel quite a legacy for a legendary agent. Follow Jarrett Bell on X @JarrettBell. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Leigh Steinberg aims to make concussion foundation an NFL game changer
USA Today
31-01-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Leigh Steinberg wants to make concussion foundation a game changer for brain health in football
Leigh Steinberg wants to make concussion foundation a game changer for brain health in football Show Caption Hide Caption Rob Gronkowski talks all things NFL Playoffs NFL legend Rob Gronkowski stops by to talk all things NFL and his new partnership with Avocados from Mexico. Even now, five decades into his trailblazing career as a sports agent and powerbroker in NFL circles, Leigh Steinberg is still rolling with a can-do spirit and big visions. Steinberg, 75, recently established a concussion foundation bearing his name that he hopes will be a difference-maker supporting emerging approaches in the medical community for the treatment of head injuries. 'It will raise awareness and be a clearinghouse for people to understand what the dangers are, as far as head injuries are concerned,' Steinberg told USA TODAY Sports of his foundation. 'It will be a research tool for trying to find better solutions and more knowledge.' It's a noble cause. As much as the NFL has done in recent years with rules changes designed to take the head out of the game, policies that reduce contact during practices, concussion protocols and safer equipment – factors that contributed to the NFL reporting Thursday that through the end of the 2024 regular season it had the lowest concussion numbers for a campaign since the NFL began tracking data in 2015 – it remains a bruising sport where concussions happen. Steinberg remains wary of risks to long-term health. 'It's one thing to know that football breaks down joints and someone who turns 45 and bends over to pick up their child will have aches and pains,' he said. 'It's another thing not to identify that child. In other words, you're talking about the brain.' That portrayal surely comes with shock value. Yet Steinberg's concern is amplified whenever cases come to the forefront that reveal chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease that experts link to repetitive head trauma. In early January, the family of former Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck, who died at 52 in December 2023, announced that researchers at Boston University's CTE Center confirmed that Wycheck's brain tested positive for CTE. In a statement, Deanna Wycheck Szabo said that she hoped the CTE diagnosis for her father would 'bring awareness, increased intervention, education, and support for NFL alumni and their families related to CTE.' Clearly, that aligns with the mission Steinberg – who along with Chris Cabott represents Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes – expresses for his foundation. Although he gives the NFL credit for the cultural shift in addressing concussions that began well over a decade ago, he sounds determined to put energy into medical advances. 'For years, the thought was that once there was a traumatic brain injury, it just went down a slippery slope that led to Alzheimer's, premature senility, Parkinson's, CTE and depression,' Steinberg said. 'Now there's a process called rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation), where, through the theory of neuroplasticity, they can actually rewire the brain. Get those connections back. 'That is stunning. And it's the kind of medical breakthrough, treatment breakthrough, that is happening. So, this foundation will raise money to promote more research.' Of course, Steinberg, who has represented a record eight No. 1 overall NFL draft picks during his career, isn't a doctor. And, citing professional ethics, he would not comment on challenges and scrutiny that a former client, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, has faced in recovery from multiple concussions since 2022, including another one this season. Yet he doesn't hesitate to hail the potential of stem cells, red light therapy and the use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers as treatment options. For his foundation, he said he is aligning with neurologists and other medical experts for an advisory board that will also include several retired players, including Hall of Famers Warren Moon (a longtime client) and Earl Campbell. And the day before Super Bowl 59, Steinberg will host his 20th Brain Summit before his annual Super Bowl party. Steinberg's party has long been a hot ticket on the social calendar during Super Bowl week as it typically attracts a mix of celebrities from the entertainment world and high-profile NFL figures. Now it appears his event (at the New Orleans Jazz Museum) will also serve as ample opportunity to get the word out about his foundation. 'This is not simply a pro football issue,' Steinberg said. 'It's a college football issue. A high school football issue. A soccer issue. A hockey issue. It's anything that involves collision.' No, this is hardly new ground for Steinberg, who has also rebounded from personal and professional challenges that include a divorce, bankruptcy, a split with former partner David Dunn and alcoholism – as he approaches the 15th anniversary of his sobriety. More than 30 years ago, moved by concussions suffered by several of his clients – including high-profile cases that involved eventual Hall of Famers Troy Aikman and Steve Young – Steinberg held his first concussion seminar in Newport Beach, California. Aikman, Young, Moon, Drew Bledsoe and Rob Johnson were among the attendees, 'taking notes,' Steinberg recalled, 'listening to neurologists talk about the risks and the state of knowledge at the time.' A generation ago, that concussion seminar was cutting edge. And especially because it was organized by an agent, rather than the players union. It was before the discovery of CTE. Before a class-action lawsuit was filed by former players against the NFL in 2012, which led to a $1 billion settlement in 2015. Before the NFL Players Association became passionate about the issue, spearheaded by now-former executive director DeMaurice Smith. Before the league instituted concussion protocols and dozens of safety measures. While Steinberg acknowledges that much has changed since his first concussion seminar in 1994, he said he is encouraged that more progress will occur 'by relying on the best science.' And he is hardly shy when it comes to preaching on the topic. 'I define the role of an agent not simply as putting dollars in the bank book of a player,' Steinberg said. 'Part of the fiduciary responsibility is trying to ensure the long-term health of players, to think about what the quality of their lives will be when they retire.' Which might ultimately fuel quite a legacy for a legendary agent. Follow Jarrett Bell on X @JarrettBell.
