American sports agent Leigh Steinberg, renowned for representing some of the biggest stars in football history, is taking significant steps in addressing one of the sport’s most alarming dangers—concussions. Recently, Steinberg launched the Leigh Steinberg Foundation, an initiative designed to educate parents and fund research focused on concussion treatment in sports.
“It’s our effort to raise money for research to promote awareness, prevention, and cures, to put money aside for at-risk kids who have neurological problems or concussions that can’t get treatment, and to fund research,” Steinberg stated. The foundation boasts a medical committee comprised of 10 doctors dedicated to advancing healing and understanding in this critical area.
As part of his efforts, Steinberg is also hosting a Super Bowl party in New Orleans, where he will invite neurologists from across the country to educate attendees about the risks and management of concussions. This event coincides with Super Bowl LIX, marking the conclusion of the 2024 football season, a year that has seen heightened awareness of brain injuries.
In Alabama, the issue of concussions hit close to home when Morgan Academy junior quarterback Caden Tellier sustained a head injury during the third quarter of his team’s 30-22 victory against Southern Academy in late August. Tragically, just days later, a 13-year-old boy named Cohen Craddock died after suffering a head injury during a middle school football practice in West Virginia. Craddock, who played defensive line for Madison Middle School, experienced severe brain bleeding and swelling after a tackle.
Further emphasizing the urgency of this issue, Alabama A&M University football player Medrick Burnett Jr. died after sustaining a serious head injury in late November. These incidents have underscored the need for increased awareness and treatment options for concussions in youth and collegiate sports.
Steinberg’s commitment to this cause is deeply personal. He recalls witnessing many of his quarterback clients endure repeated head injuries during the late 1980s. “They kept getting hit in the head, and when we went to the doctor and asked, ‘How many is too many hits, and when should they contemplate retiring?’ the doctors had no answer because the brain is the last frontier of medical research,” he explained in an interview.
Throughout the 1990s, Steinberg began hosting panels to promote brain health awareness, which included insights from neuropathologist Bennet Ifeakandu Omalu, who is known for his work on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Omalu indicated that three or more concussions significantly increase the risk of severe neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and depression.
Despite this knowledge, Steinberg has observed players returning to the field even after suffering multiple concussions. “Part of the problem with players is they’re in a state of denial when it comes to their physical health,” he noted. The culture surrounding football often glorifies toughness, making it challenging for players to prioritize their long-term health.
Steinberg has represented numerous star quarterbacks, including NFL legends like Troy Aikman and Steve Young, and has witnessed firsthand the impact of concussions on their careers. This past NFL season was particularly troubling, with several prominent quarterbacks suffering head injuries.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is set to lead his team in the upcoming Super Bowl, suffered a concussion in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders. Although he returned for the playoffs, he admitted to reporters that he couldn’t remember details from the sideline moments after the injury.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also faced scrutiny after suffering his third career concussion in a game against the Buffalo Bills, igniting discussions about his future in the sport. Similarly, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was sidelined due to a concussion from an illegal hit, leading to public outcry and disciplinary action against the player responsible.
As attention turns to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX between the Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, Steinberg’s presence at the event will serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle against the dangers of concussions in football.