In L.A., T.J. Simers profiled LEIGH STEINBERG, who
currently represents 13 of the NFL's 30 starting
quarterbacks. Steinberg: "No player in sports, with the
exception of MICHAEL JORDAN, commands more interest than a
football quarterback. ... A boxer and golfer can achieve
unique status in name recognition. But no team sport
emphasizes one position as much as football. The game is
televised from the quarterback's standpoint." Steinberg, on
his insistence that his clients "pay back" the community: "I
was being raised to be an environmental leader, or civil
rights fighter, someone to make a positive change in the
world. I was looking at athletes, and as role models they
had the chance for that positive change in the world. The
enemy with most athletes is self-absorption, so I began
talking to athletes, getting them to look at themselves as
athletic figures capable of making an impact." Steinberg:
"My parents read about a big contract I do, and they pay it
no attention. On occasion, when they hear of something one
of my clients has done in the community, you know what,
that's when I get the call" (L.A. TIMES, 8/27).
