Play for Good Honoree Spotlight: George Cohen
Ahead of AFH’s 2023 Play for Good Gala, we are proud to spotlight this year’s three honorees. In this edition, get to know AFH’s 2023 Lifetime Hero Award recipient, and sports industry icon, George Cohen. We look forward to further honoring George on Wednesday evening.
There are few people who own a place in the history of all five major men’s sports leagues in America, influencing the landscape of U.S. sports across the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS.
George Cohen is one of those people.
Athletes for Hope’s 2023 Lifetime Hero Award recipient is an AFH Founding Board Member and has been a leading sports lawyer for more than four decades. From Player’s Associations to musical and health organizations, Cohen has cemented himself as an important figure in the history of many institutions.
Whether it is innovative solutions, progressive initiatives or simple trustworthiness, Cohen has spent the entirety of his career gaining the respect of his opposition. Cohen sat in courtrooms and board rooms across from some of the most prominent figures in the nation, and he has helped foster the creative spirit from athletes to musicians and beyond.
His sense of curiosity has brought him to where he is today. Cohen is constantly looking to help others and make a difference, so when he was named to the U.S. Olympic Governance Committee, he immediately became involved in the organization’s actions along with AFH Board Chair Mark Levinstein.
He attended the 2000 Olympics with his friend and U.S. Olympic Committee Secretary Frank Marshall, watching as many events as possible. He was all in on his position, and it is this sense of dedication that has allowed Cohen to become an influential figure behind the scenes.
Not only has he had a large-scale impact, though, but he has touched many lives along the way.
When former Lakers star Magic Johnson announced that he contracted HIV, Cohen immediately stepped into action, working alongside an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins to create a program assisting NBA players and other athletes.
This is one of the hundreds of examples that show how George Cohen worked behind the scenes to make the sporting world a better place.
In contract bargaining agreements, he helped save MLB players from having to sit out, helped NHL players reach an agreement with the league in 2013, and worked alongside so many other associations to allow the games to be played.
One of the most respected men in the sports advocacy space is a lifelong friend of many, providing wisdom and advice for whoever needs it.
Congratulations to the Athletes for Hope 2023 Lifetime Hero Honoree, George Cohen.