Steinberg comeback continues; secures QB Lynch

Leigh Steinberg, the Newport Beach-based sports agent and a Daily Pilot sports columnist, secured representation of Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch, who declared for the 2016 NFL Draft on Thursday.

Lynch is one of the top quarterback prospects and is projected to be selected in the first round, possibly No. 1.

“It’s exciting to be doing this again,” Steinberg said moments after attending the Lynch press conference in Memphis.

Steinberg has represented some of the best quarterbacks to play the game, including Warren Moon, Steve Young, Troy Aikman and Ben Roethlisberger. Steinberg’s rise inspired many of today’s sports agents and helped produce the sports movie classic, “Jerry Maguire.” Yet, Steinberg’s fall was harsh, as he dealt with divorce, financial issues and alcoholism.

But securing Lynch has completed a comeback, as Steinberg has also had a best-selling autobiography, “The Agent,” and has been sober for six years.

“This has a little bit of Jerry Maguire,” Steinberg said of his recent redemption. “People have said it’s a comeback. But for me, it’s been about three things: being sober for six years, finding a connection with a higher power and being closer to my kids. The rest of it is all a blessing.”

Steinberg said there are plans to secure representation for more highly regarded players when the college bowl season has completed.

Lynch didn’t finish the season on a high note, but he remains regarded as a franchise-type quarterback. As a junior, the 6-foot-7, 245-pound Lynch threw for 3,779 yards and 28 touchdowns with only four interceptions. He completed 69% of his passes and tied a FBS record with seven touchdown passes in one half in a 63-0 win over SMU.

“Paxton is a once-a-decade kind of player,” Steinberg said. “In addition to being a natural leader, he has the physical attributes of the new type of franchise quarterback who beats you with his arm as well as with toughness and mobility.”