Havana, 1952
José Luis González was born in Habana, Cuba, on September 15, 1952, into a middle-class family.
About
A Life of Reinvention
From Havana to Miami, professional football to corporate leadership, filmmaking to publishing, José Luis Gonzalez has built a life defined by reinvention, perseverance and the pursuit of truth.
Biography
THE CUBAN-AMERICAN NFL PLAYER, CPA, CFO, CFE, WRITER, PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR.
Arrival
José Luis immigrated to Miami, Florida, on November 2, 1960, at the age of 8, with his sister, his father Hilario González Gia, and his mother, Dr. Edilia González Cruz-Álvarez. None of them spoke English, nor did they have any family or friends in the United States.
They spent approximately three months moving from hotel to hotel while his father worked very hard to pay for their food and shelter until they finally found an apartment that was for rent but specified “Not for Blacks, Cubans, or tenants with pets.”
They endured many injustices, but none of that deterred them from pursuing the American dream of “Living in Freedom.”
“none of that deterred them from pursuing the American dream of “Living in Freedom.””
The Field
José Luis graduated from Miami Senior High School, where he excelled as an athlete and a student. In 2012, Miami Senior High invited him to join the “Hall of Fame” for his achievements.
He also graduated in 1975 from the University of Miami with a master’s degree in accounting, attending on a football scholarship. Thanks to his football-playing skills, José Luis was signed by the professional team, the Oakland Raiders, in 1975.
From 1975 to 1978, José Luis played professional American football, representing various teams, including the Philadelphia Bell and the Philadelphia Eagles, from which he eventually retired in September 1978.
The Ledger
In 1978, José Luis began his accounting career with Ernst & Ernst, where he learned a great deal. José also worked with Deloitte & Touche and Grant Thornton for over a decade. This experience was crucial in helping José Luis transition to his next stage. In 1984, José Luis became a Certified Public Accountant, leading him to hold CFO positions in various American public and private companies.
The Screen
His love for the arts led him to become the executive producer of films such as “Shadow Force,” featuring Dirk Benedict, and he also wrote, produced, and directed the movie “The Last Semester” in 1999.
The Book
In his current role as a writer, José Luis is launching his first book, “Ninety Miles,” which is based on a true story of love during the Cuban revolution, featuring real events and characters from that time.
“based on a true story of love during the Cuban revolution, featuring real events and characters from that time.”
Thirty Years of Research
It took more than 30 years to write this story of a family seeking liberty and freedom, and their escape from communism. Fidel Castro’s betrayal of the Great Seven, and their struggle for independence, is a central part of it. The sole survivor, Pepe, a CIA agent, escaped Cuba and the destruction of the inner circle known as the Great Seven.
The Timeline
1952
Born in Havana, Cuba
1960
Arrives in Miami with his family
Attends Miami Senior High School
1975
Graduates from the University of Miami on a football scholarship; the Oakland Raiders sign him
1975–1978
Plays professional football for the Philadelphia Bell and the Philadelphia Eagles; retires in September 1978
1978
Begins his accounting career at Ernst & Ernst, later at Deloitte & Touche and Grant Thornton
1984
Becomes a Certified Public Accountant and serves as CFO of public and private companies
1992
Executive-produces Shadow Force, with Dirk Benedict
1999
Completes The Last Semester, which he wrote, produced and directed
2012
Inducted into the Miami Senior High School Hall of Fame
2024
Publishes 90 Miles 2.0 after more than thirty years of research
José Luis González
THE CUBAN-AMERICAN NFL PLAYER, CPA, CFO, CFE, WRITER, PRODUCER AND DIRECTOR.