Stephanie Kuzydym, Houston Chronical

So you want to be a sports agent?

But you're not quite sure what it takes to become one or how to break into the cutthroat profession. The only thing you do know is that it seems like the words agent and money are synonymous. But to someone who is just starting off - and even for those who have been in the profession for decades - being an agent is more about providing service than it is about making money.

That's the Leigh Steinberg way.

Steinberg, a sports agent who has represented 60 first-round NFL draft picks, including eight No. 1 selections, and seven Pro Football Hall of Famers, also is known for being the inspiration for the title character in the film "Jerry Maguire." How do you become Leigh Steinberg? You start by creating a profile of the kind of athlete you want to represent, he says.

On Saturday at the University of Houston, Steinberg and fellow Steinberg Sports and Entertainment agent Chris Cabott addressed 32 attendees at the Leigh Steinberg Agent Academy, a one-day sports agent boot camp. Steinberg, 66, spent nearly seven hours telling stories, dispensing advice, answering questions and encouraging the 29 men and three women that becoming a sports agent is possible, but the road is not easy.