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Posts Tagged ‘NFL Speakers’

The NFL announced the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees last weekend and, as always, a couple of names drew the most attention. Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith, two of the greatest players of all-time, headline the list of inductees along with Floyd Little, Dick LeBeau, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson and John Randle.

Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith are Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame 2010.

I’m especially happy for Floyd Little, who was up until this weekend the most deserving running back not in the Hall of Fame. Little was the first running back to win a NFL rushing title on a last-place team. He earned five Pro Bowl berths and was a versatile all-purpose player with more than 12,000 yards.

Floyd Little is Inducted into NFL Hall of Fame along with Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith

I actually have a personal connection to Little. He was the first professional athlete I ever met. He lived next door to my uncle, and one year when my family came out to Denver to go skiing, my uncle took me next door to meet him. This was during the peak of his career and he was larger-than-life to a 10 year old. I remember holding his trophies and getting his autograph. He’s an extremely nice man…. ... Read Full Story

NFL star quarterbacks Drew Brees and Peyton Manning will face off this weekend on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7, 2010,  in Miami Florida for the ultimate showdown.  The big question everyone’s asking this week is “Who’s going to win the Super Bowl?”

Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints meets Peyton Manning of the Indiana Colts in the ultimate showdown on Super Bowl XLIV Sunday, February 7, 2010, in Miami Florida.

It’s hard not to pick the Indianapolis Colts with Peyton Manning leading the charge. Manning is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history with a record-setting four MVP awards and one Super Bowl title. Should he lead the Colts to victory this weekend, he may very well solidify himself as the greatest quarterback ever, past John Elway, Joe Montana and Dan Marino. Manning gives the Colts experience, leadership and poise that’s impossible to discount… ... Read Full Story

Quarterback Kurt Warner, 38, officially announced his retirement today from the NFL.

Kurt Warner announces his retirement from the NFL on January 29, 2010

“It’s been an amazing ride,” Warner told reporters. “I don’t think I could have dreamt it would have played out like it has, but I’ve been humbled every day that I woke up the last 12 years and amazed that God would choose to use me to do what he’s given me the opportunity to do.”

“I’m excited about what’s next,” Warner said. “Before I was always excited about next season.”

Warner is a popular Christian speaker and religion will continue to play a huge part in Kurt’s life.

GLENDALE, AZ — After the Arizona Cardinals unprecedented 51-45 victory over the Green Bay Packers yesterday, rumors started circulating that Kurt Warner may retire next season.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner celebrates after overtime of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP)

Usually after winning every home game, Warner would celebrate with his family in the stands. However, last night he went back on the field and waved to the fans first. This gesture sparked rumors that Warner, who was already considering retirement, was saying goodbye to the fans.

Warner told the media, “Relax. “It’s my way of saying thanks to the fans because I know we’re not coming back this year. I appreciate their impact and what they’ve done for us.”

The Arizona Republic and other media outlets have also reported that he may be planning on retiring after this season’s playoff run is over.

He certainly didn’t want to think about it after last night’s 51-45 overtime win against the Green Bay Packers, according to USA Today. “Right now I’m just playing football this year as long as I can,” Warner said. “When that’s done, we’ll step away and figure out what’s the best thing moving forward.”

The longer Warner plays, the greater his Hall of Fame chances become. In a modest 12 playoff games, Warner already has more postseason touchdown passes (31) than every other quarterback except Joe Montana, Brett Favre and Dan Marino.

“I think he would miss the competitive part of football, but Kurt has so many things going on outside the field,” Larry Fitzgerald said. “He’s got a lovely family with seven kids. He does a great job in ministry and public speaking. There’s so many things he can do after football, but we want to keep him here as long as possible.”

Kurt Warner, a devout Christian and popular Christian speaker, makes no bones about attributing his success to his faith.

“If you ever really want to do a story about who I am, God’s got to be at the center of it. Every time I hear a piece or read a story that doesn’t have that, they’re missing the whole lesson of who I am.” – Kurt Warner

The 1985-86 Chicago Bears are remembered as one of the greatest and most flamboyant NFL teams in history. Who can forget the ‘Super Bowl Shuffle’? It’s cast of characters included quarterback Jim McMahon, Richard Dent, ‘Refrigerator’ Perry and Hall of Famers Mike Ditka, Mike Singletary, Walter Payton and Dan Hampton.

Mike Ditka & Dan Hampton are two of PFP Sports & Celebrity Talent's most popular speakers

PFP Sports & Celebrity Talent Agency books many of the ’85 Bears for speaking engagements, personal appearances and endorsements, but works most closely with Mike Ditka and Dan Hampton.

Ditka seems to get more popular with age. Not only does he have two namesake restaurants in Chicago and one in Pittsburgh, he’s served as a popular pitchman for such companies as Coors and Charles Schwab. PFP negotiated his deal a couple of years ago with Circuit City, where he appeared alongside fellow Hall of Famer John Elway in a series of national print and tv ads.

Ditka was a popular player and even more popular coach for the Bears. In 10 season as head coach, he led the Bears to six NFC Central titles and three trips to the NFC Championship Game. He coached the Bears to the Super Bowl title in 1985-86.

Although not as high-profile on the national stage as Ditka, Hampton has also enjoyed success since his playing career ended. He’s the current host of the syndicated Pro Football Weekly as well as a local Chicago radio show on WSCR 670 The Score. He has served as pitchman for such companies as Chevrolet and Firestone and is currently spokesperson for Illinois Back Institute , a deal negotiated for him by PFP. He’s also a popular motivational speaker and makes personal appearances around the country meeting/greeting guests and signing autographs. In fact, just last week, he gave an uplifting speech at a high school function in the Chicago area.

Hampton spent his entire 12-year career with Chicago and is one of three Bears to play in three different decades. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and was named to the 1980’s All Decade Team. He finished his career ranked third all-time on the Bears for sacks and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.19

Both Ditka and Hampton reside in the Chicago area.

If you need information for booking Mike Ditka or Dan Hamilton as your next speaker or for an appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Mike Ditka or Dan Hamilton booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a sports speakers bureau and top booking agent for sports stars, professional athletes, entertainers and celebrities. For more information call 800.966.1380

The NFL is doing its part to raise awareness in the fight against breast cancer by supporting October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The league has placed pink on players’ shoes, gloves, arm bands and hats. There’s a pink ribbon on the field, pink towels on the bench and ribbons on the shirts of the referees. Coaches and game staff personnel will wear pink ribbon/NFL shield pins on the sidelines while the league and teams will run breast cancer awareness messages during the month with pregame and in-stadium initiatives.

NFL supports breast cancer awareness by turning pink

Although the NFL is a man’s game, many of its members have been touched by the disease, including…

• Brett Favre…Quarterback, Minnesota Vikings…Wife is a breast cancer survivor
• DeAngelo Williams…Running Back, Carolina Panthers…Mother is a breast cancer survivor
• Bradie James…Linebacker, Dallas Cowboys…Lost Mother to breast cancer
• Ronde Barber…Defensive Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers…Mother is a breast cancer survivor
• Ryan Denney…Defensive End, Buffalo Bills…Mother is a breast cancer survivor

Brett Favre & wife Deanna

Along with Favre’s wife Deanna, arguably the most publicized case of breast cancer to hit the NFL family occurred when Hall of Fame coach Don Shula lost his wife Dorothy to the disease in 1991.

Said Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter about wearing pink, “I’m more than comfortable with my manhood to wear pink shoes. I know we’re going to auction them off and send the money from the proceeds of that. So whatever I can do to help in that situation is good. And I think it’s a good cause.

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women. The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that each year more than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease and 40,000 will die from it. Because the disease touches so many people, cancer survivors are popular speakers at fundraisers, survivor conferences, medical meetings, etc.

A couple of the more popular cancer speakers and breast cancer survivors are….

• Dorothy Hamill…The 1976 Olympic gold medal figure skater was diagnosed in 2008
• Ann Jillian…A three-time Emmy nominated and Golden Globe winning actress and singer, Jillian was diagnosed in 1985
• Robin Roberts…The ABC “Good Morning America” co-host and former ESPN anchor was diagnosed in 2007
• Peggy Fleming…The 1968 Olympic gold medal figure skater was diagnosed in 1998
• Marcia Wallace…The longtime actress best known for her role on “The Bob Newhart Show” was diagnosed in 1985
• Linda Ellerbee…The award-winning journalist was diagnosed in 1992
• Olivia Newton-John…The four time Grammy-winning singer was diagnosed in 1992

Cancer effects everyone in one form or another. It’s great to see the NFL use its platform to raise awareness and hopefully save lives in the process.

If you would like to find out how to hire  a cancer speaker for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request cancer speaker booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top celebrity booking agent for athletes and celebrities.

Brett Favre won his debut in Minnesota as the Vikings beat Cleveland 34-20 behind Adrian Peterson’s 180 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The opening game, Minnesota vs Cleveland, has been billed as the Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson Show.

Brett Favre passes to Sidney Rice Vikings vs Browns Sept 13, 2009 (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

“I haven’t played with an offense like this,” Favre said. “It starts with 28 [Peterson], but I’ll tell you what — that offensive line is pretty impressive.”

Erik Kramer & Brian Webber of FOXsports Online OT recap Brett Favre Viking’s debut, show highlights and more. Watch video.

If you would like to find out how to hire Brett Favre or other NFL players for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Brett Favre booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top speakers bureau and booking agent for sports speakers, football speakers, athlete appearances, endorsemnt deals, celebrities and corporate entertainment.

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders

I’m always amazed at the popularity of the Dallas Cowboys and their players. I book sports celebrities across the country and no team except maybe baseball’s New York Yankees even come close to matching the popularity of the Cowboys.

The Cowboys popularity isn’t just confined to Texas. It’s true they are the most popular team in every corner of the state, but their popularity extends across the country. They earned the nickname “America’s Team” for good reason. Ask football fans in Richmond, VA who their favorite team is and they’re just as likely to say the Cowboys as the Redskins.

I recently spoke with Hall of Famer Randy White, who’s success with the Cowboys has translated into a nice post-football career making appearances, endorsements, etc. I joked with Randy how fortunate he should feel that he was drafted by the Cowboys and not a less popular team like the Lions. He agreed.

I book more former Cowboys for events than any other football team. Want to drive traffic and create excitement around your event? You can’t go wrong with a Cowboys player. A few examples of recently bookings…

• Drew Pearson made an appearance at a casino in Arizona
• Ed “Too Tall” Jones made an appearance at a Super Bowl party in New Mexico
• Tony Dorsett appeared at a corporate event in Las Vegas
• Roger Staubach spoke an annual meeting in Arkansas
• Jay Novacek appeared at a store grand opening in Virginia

So why the popularity? It began in the 1970’s with Roger Staubach, Tom Landry and the cheerleaders. Everything in Texas is big and the Cowboys attained a larger-than-life status. They always seemed to be on tv and the team’s success with a victory in Super Bowl XII helped them gain legions of new fans .

The Cowboys struggled a bit in the 1980’s but its three Super Bowl victories in the 1990’s helped reclaim its status as America’s Team . They were their own reality show – a good-looking quarterback in Troy Aikman, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher in Emmitt Smith, a character in Michael Irvin and an ego maniac in Jerry Jones.

No NFL team receives the same amount of attention as the Cowboys. The media loves controversy and sensationalism and the Cowboys are full of both. Last year, ESPN jumped on the bandwagon by assigning one its reporters to cover the Cowboys full-time. With Terrell Owens running his mouth off, Tony Romo dating Jessica Simpson and Jerry Jones still prowling the sidelines, the team was must-see tv.

This season may be a bit more boring with T.O. gone and Jessica Simpson out of the picture, but there’s no doubt the team will continue to be popular and make front-page headlines.

Of course I shouldn’t fail to mention that the visually appealing Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders may be a contributing factor as well.

Brett Favre Minneota Vikings QB

Brett Favre has apologized for the illegal block he committed against Safety Eugene Wilson during last Sunday’s preseason game against the Houston Texans.

Favre, Minnesota Viking’s newly acquired QB, blamed the penalty on being rusty.

Favre drew an illegal crackback block on Houston Safety Eugene Wilson, who is now unable to play. Wilson is now listed as day-to-day.

Favre complained earlier today of pain when he takes deep breaths and said he thinks he might have a cracked rib.

Favre said, “My intentions were not to hurt anyone including myself… I hope he’s ok… I’m sorry if he was injured, but that was not my intention.”

Watch video.

Brett Favre  illegal crackback block against defender Eugene Wilson.  Watch video.

PFP is a top booking agent for athlete appearances, sports stars, entertainers and celebrities.

Michael Irvin Joins DWTS

Dancing With the Stars just announced their new Season 9 cast and it looks like Michael Irvin, former Dallas Cowboys WR, is going to be following in the footsteps of NFL greats Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Jason Taylor and Warren Sapp.

The NFL players always seem to do well on DWTS. Because of their great athletic ability and popularity, many of the pro football players either go all the way to the finals or like Emmitt Smith – win.

Other Cast members to join DWTS are:

Singers Mya, Macy Gray and Aaron Carter; actors Ashley Hamilton, Melissa Joan Hart and Debi Mazar; and models Joanna Krupa and Kathy Ireland.

Other contestants also include reality stars Mark Dacascos and Kelly Osbourne; entertainer Donny Osmond; mixed martial artist Chuck Liddell; professional snowboarder Louie Vito; and  Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin.

Representing the  political arena is former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

The ninth season of the hit ABC show premieres Sept. 21.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for sports stars, athlete appearances, endorsements and celebrities. For more information call 800.966.1380