Daniel D. Hernandez

Daniel, a native of Tyler, Texas, enjoyed a distinguished 15-year career as a professional soccer player before retiring in 2012. In 2009, he returned to his home state to join Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas. As team captain, Daniel led FC Dallas to the 2010 Western Conference Championship and the club’s first - and only - appearance in the MLS Cup Final. Over the course of his career, he played in four MLS Championship matches, representing several teams, including the L.A. Galaxy, Tampa Bay Mutiny, NY/NJ MetroStars, New England Revolution, and FC Dallas.

In addition to his success in MLS, Daniel was a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team and gained widespread recognition within the Hispanic community for his time playing in Mexico’s Primera División with Jaguares, Puebla, and Necaxa.

Off the field, Daniel has remained an active leader in his community. He has supported numerous initiatives, including partnering with former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings in the ‘Dallas Men Against Domestic Abuse’ Rally. Since 2010, he has served as the National Celebrity Ambassador for the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation and continues to work closely with the organization today. Daniel also hosts an Annual Community Christmas Soccer Clinic every year in multiple cities.

Daniel’s collegiate career at Southern Methodist University (SMU) was equally impressive. He was a standout athlete in both soccer and football, earning First Team All-American honors three times and being named the 1997 National College Player of the Year. Following his retirement from professional soccer, Daniel returned to SMU to complete his B.A. in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs in 2013. His achievements were further recognized when he was inducted into the SMU Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Daniel considers his greatest role to be that of a loving father to his three beautiful daughters.

During his time as a professional athlete, Daniel became a client of New York Life. After experiencing firsthand the company’s commitment to excellence and financial strength, he chose to become a licensed agent with New York Life in 2014. Since then, he has dedicated himself to helping families across the country achieve their financial goals.

Daniel works with individuals, families, business owners, and professional athletes, creating customized strategies using life insurance solutions that offer guaranteed* protection and supplemental retirement income**.

His passion for helping others was deeply influenced by his own family’s experience. After his brother was paralyzed in a devastating car accident in 1998, Daniel witnessed the life-changing impact of financial security through a structured settlement. This experience inspired him to provide others with the same peace of mind and financial stability that benefited his brother.

Daniel is committed to helping families like yours protect what matters most and prepare for a secure future.

CA Insurance License #0K95133