Tough times can create financial instability for those living in Pennsylvania and beyond. Even the rich and famous aren't immune to financial problems, as evidenced by one sports agent that was responsible for negotiating the biggest NFL contract in history in 1993 for quarterback Troy Aikman who is now millions of dollars in debt.

Sports agent Leigh Steinberg recently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. According to reports, he has debt ranging from $1 million to $5 million.

Steinberg has worked with some of the best players in NFL history, and was even the inspiration for the character played by Tom Cruise in the movie "Jerry Maguire." However, Steinberg began falling into debt due to his children's health problems, a bad financial transaction made by one his employees and his struggle with alcoholism.

Steinberg has been sober since 2010, but says he lost track of his finances while he was going through rehab. His attorney says that it was hard for him to find balance in his life when he was going through difficult times.

Steinberg put off filing for bankruptcy for a number of years, but says that constant creditor harassment forced him to finally file.

Steinberg is regarded by some as one of the best sports agents in history. By negotiating huge payouts for NFL players, Steinberg became the premiere sports agent for some of the best players in the league. One report indicates that Steinberg represented six of the NFL's top draft picks in the last two decades.

Dealing with mounting debt can be frustrating and overwhelming. Fortunately, there are options for people to eliminate their debt. For many, bankruptcy is the best option because it offers people a fresh start.

Source: ABC News, "Inspiration for 'Jerry Maguire' Files for Bankruptcy," Susanna Kim, Jan. 12, 2012