How Leigh Steinberg Made His Comeback

Many people know Leigh Steinberg as “the real Jerry Maguire.” The 1996 hit film depicting the thrilling story of a sports agent is widely identified by the line, “Show me the money!”

However, as wildly successful as Leigh Steinberg’s career undeniably was—during the NFL draft, the athletes he represented were often the first pick, in the first round, at the highest salary—in stark contrast to his fame was an alcohol addiction that cost him his business, his home, and his most cherished relationships.

Alcohol Addiction: A Misunderstood, Hidden Threat

When his father—who was his rock—died a long death from esophageal cancer, two of his children were diagnosed with an eye disease that would result in the loss of their vision, and his family lost a beach house to mold, Leigh felt overwhelmed and turned to alcohol.

Despite there being no alcohol in his home while growing up, no history of alcohol addiction in his family, and never having drank much himself (people called him “one-beer Steinberg”), he developed alcohol use disorder during his late 50s and early 60s.

His marriage ended, he became alienated from one of his children, and he moved back into his parents’ home at age 61. Leigh found himself alone, depressed, and drinking during the day.

Never in a million years did he think he would be a person with alcohol addiction. He didn’t understand how alcohol use could rewire a person’s brain. He lost his own volition as his brain became convinced that the cravings for alcohol were as important as the need to breathe.

A Moment of Clarity

There were several points when Leigh thought he had hit his rock bottom, but because he wasn’t showing his drinking problem to other people and still had some normalcy in his daily life, he had further to fall.

In 2007, Leigh was arrested for drunken driving after hitting a fire hydrant. The incident made international news and confronted Leigh with the truth: his drinking was causing harm to other people.

One day, he was sitting on his father’s bed, and he realized his only thought was, “Where can I find more vodka?” He remembered how his father instilled in him 2 core values:

1. Treasure relationships—especially family.
2. Make a positive difference in the world and help people who couldn’t help themselves.

What excuse did he have not to live up to his father’s core values? These values were important to him, and he knew he was failing on both counts. It struck him that he had no excuse to not get back to being a good friend, a good father, and rebuild the business he had closed.

Leigh joined a 12-Step fellowship, worked each of the 12-Steps, and got a sponsor. After having gone to rehab several times in the past, this time he found long-term recovery.

His Comeback: Maintaining Sobriety

After being sober for 3 years, Leigh decided to rejoin the world of sports agenting. He was open and honest about everything. He reintroduced himself to a younger generation of athletes and rebuilt a remarkable roster, including high-profile clients such as Patrick Mahomes.

While the tremendous success in his career is undeniable, Leigh defines his comeback as having maintained sobriety for the last 13 years and being a father to his kids. He also reunited with the woman of his dreams after 10 years apart.

He’s found coping mechanisms that help him maintain his sobriety, and he practices them regularly. These include:

• Spending time each day to work on his recovery.
• Taking care of himself and his basic needs.
• Exercising with a personal trainer 3 times a week.
• Walking 15,000 steps each day.
• Taking an antidepressant for his low-level depression.
• Receiving hyperbaric oxygen treatments.

While people who don’t understand the science of addiction think not drinking is about willpower, Leigh reasons he demonstrated his willpower in many other areas of his life. Addiction is not about willpower. It is a brain disease and a universal problem.

He does not want to “reignite the pilot light” in his brain by having another drink, ever. Instead, he attends 12-Step fellowship meetings, sponsors others in recovery, and speaks publicly about his addiction in the hopes he can be of service to other people who may be struggling.

To those in the midst of active addiction, Leigh offers this sound advice:

You have to break from denial, and you have to take the first step, which is reaching out for help. Then, work a program as if your life depends on it—because it does. Then, pass it on.

“No matter how dark it is, you can light candles and not curse the darkness. If you have resilience, a belief, optimism that things can get better, I guarantee you they will.”

This comes from someone who knows. Leigh eagerly admits he lives an unimaginable life now and he’s looking forward to a long run ahead.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, help is available. Addiction is a treatable disease and recovery is possible. River Oaks Treatment Center—a drug and alcohol rehab near Tampa, FL—provides evidence-based substance use treatment in a tranquil environment.

Compassionate admissions navigators are available 24/7 to answer your questions and walk you through the rehab admissions process. Call now at .