U.S. Bank has hired former NFL cornerback and veteran financial services professional Steven Israel as a Wealth Management Consultant, where he will serve as an ambassador for the bank’s efforts to support professional athletes’ banking and wealth management needs. Israel joins from J.P. Morgan Private Bank, where he served as an executive director and banker for approximately three years, advising entrepreneurs, college endowments, and sports and entertainment professionals on investments, lending, estate planning, and philanthropy. He will be based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The hire builds on U.S. Bank’s recently announced multi-year partnership with the NFL, which designates the bank as an official bank and wealth management sponsor of the league. This collaboration builds on a relationship between the two organizations that spans more than 20 years. As part of the NFL partnership, U.S. Bank is also launching Financial Edge, a financial guidance program for players that is part of the NFL’s broader financial empowerment pilot. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, widely expected to be selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders, has been tapped to serve as the program’s “chief financial playmaker,” providing insights to help shape the initiative. U.S. Bank oversees approximately $692 billion in assets.
Israel played nine seasons in the NFL as a defensive back, recording five interceptions in 102 games with the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, and New Orleans Saints. He was originally selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft. Following his playing career, he worked in financial services at Merrill Lynch, Fifth Third Private Bank, and Bank of America’s private bank before joining J.P. Morgan. He also worked as a sports commentator and analyst at ESPN and Fox Sports. Israel holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pittsburgh and has served on the board of the March of Dimes of Charlotte for more than a decade. In addition to his athlete-focused work at U.S. Bank, he will also help individuals and families plan for their long-term financial goals.
The hire comes amid a broader industry push to capture the athlete wealth management market. This week, Baird’s private wealth management business announced it had brought on a $1 billion team specializing in sports-focused advisory services. Last week, $13 billion multi-family office Caprock said it was opening a Denver office focused in part on athletes. In March, JPMorgan Chase announced it had formed a council of sports figures, chaired by NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade and including Tom Brady, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe, to advise on wealth management programs tailored to athletes.
KEY QUOTES:
“Steve’s background in both wealth management and the NFL will help us better serve athletes with their unique financial needs. We’re thrilled to have him ‘quarterback’ our efforts to help professional athletes.”
Scott Ford, President of Wealth Management, U.S. Bank
“I’m excited to join this iconic company at such an important time as it expands its outreach to professional athletes. I look forward to helping clients — including athletes — reach their financial goals.”
Steven Israel, Wealth Management Consultant, U.S. Bank
