Steven Israel

Steven Israel played in the National Football League for ten years with the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints.  Recently, he led the NFLPA Retired Players Charlotte Chapter as the chapter’s President. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the organization’s charitable, community and business efforts. Steve created and moderates the Gridiron Luncheon Series in Charlotte and founded the nationally-distributed EndZone Luncheon Series.

With a BA in economics from the University of Pittsburgh, Steve has pursued additional business certifications from Stanford Graduate School of Business and Harvard Business School. He is a true entrepreneur at heart and has established himself as a successful socially conscious business person in the sports, media, wealth management and insurance industries. He has worked, and continues to appear, as a studio & color analyst for college and pro football on stations like ESPNU, Fox Sports, as well as local TV and on radio stations in major east coast cities. His insights into game strategies and team strengths are in great demand, especially given his ability to relate to all audiences. In addition, Steve is a sought-after speaker and moderator at events worldwide. He is a NFL Chapel Speaker and has served as a keynote at hundreds of events during and after his NFL playing days.

While playing at the University of Pittsburgh, Steve was unanimously selected as a 1st Team All-Big East Conference Cornerback, Second Team All-American, AT&T Long Distance Award winner (longest kickoff return, 1991), East-West Shriners All-Star Game player and Hula Bowl Defensive MVP. His senior year statistics include 6 interceptions, 11 pass deflections a 24.0 average yards per return on 24 kickoffs and 4 Touchdowns.

Other honors Steve has achieved include being named a Corporate Spokesperson for Nike Athletic Wear while playing for the San Francisco 49ers (1996), completing a NFL Coaching Internship with the Carolina Panthers in 2009 and being named the #1 Aflac Insurance Associate in the State of North Carolina.

Active in his community, Steve serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Charlotte Christian School, a member of the Board of Trustees for Men Who Care Global, a member of the Board of Directors for The March of Dimes – Charlotte and at his church as a Sunday School Teacher along with being a Bible Study Speaker at various locations.

Recognized for his contributions to football, Steve was inducted into the Camden County, NJ Hall Of Fame and the South Jersey Coaches Hall Of Fame.

Steven is married to his college sweetheart, Lorae.  They have three beautiful daughters and one son.