Representing more than 150 professional athletes in sports ranging from football to boxing to baseball, world-renowned American sports agent Leigh Steinberg will speak on campus Friday.
Steinberg, known as the person who inspired Tom Cruise’s character in the film “Jerry Maguire,” will discuss his 40-year career as a sports agent. Gregg Bennett, sports management professor, said the department is thrilled to have Steinberg speak.
“Our objectives are trying to provide an outstanding speaker and a successful entrepreneur who can help students to understand the business side of the sports industry and to understand what’s going on in the industry,” Bennett said.
Marissa Couch, junior sport management major, said she is excited to attend Steinberg’s discussion because of her future career goals in sports management.
“I want to market for a professional sports firm such as the Dallas Mavericks or Denver Broncos, really any type of major sports firm in America,” Couch said. “I would love to hear from a professional sports manager and learn the wisdom to success in the sport industry.”
Not all students have career goals that mirror Steinberg, including Darby Graff, junior sports leadership major. Graff is on the Texas A&M volleyball team and said she wants to continue to include sports in her life after college. She said she wants to represent a professional team, but has other goals as well.
“After working with a few special needs children in my mom’s third grade class, I realized I love working with them and wanted to help them have sports in their lives,” Graff said. “It’s great for them to learn how to throw and kick, or just help them with their motor skills.”
Whether or not they have career aspirations in sports management, students of all disciplines at A&M are invited to hear Steinberg speak.
“The lecture is open to all students,” Bennett said. “Every student can benefit from this discussion and can hear from one of the greatest businessmen and what brought him such success.”
There will be time allotted at the end of the lecture for students to ask Steinberg questions on his career accomplishments and the actions and capabilities needed to be successful in the sports industry.
The event will be held at 4 p.m. Friday in Blocker 102 and is sponsored by the Department of Health and Kinesiology.