Bob Bowman
Thomas Dimitroff
Herm Edwards
Terry Francona
Apolo Anton Ohno
Gale Sayers
Bart Starr
Jerome Bettis is fifth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list, 6-time Pro Bowl running back, was named 2002 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year for his work through his ‘Bus Stops Here’ Foundation, and is now a Super Bowl Champion. Playing in what was expected to be his last game, Bettis returned to his hometown of Detroit and led his team to an exciting championship victory. This charismatic and beloved leader of the Steelers gives an emotional talk about his amazing career, the support of parents who attended every one of his NFL games, and the crowning achievement, winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XL. Life after football has provided Bettis with opportunities as a broadcaster on NBC's Football Night in America, a host of The Jerome Bettis Show on Channel 11 in Pittsburgh, and multiple television cameos on The Office and Chuck. Bettis is also the current face of marketing campaigns for Monster.com and the NFL, as well as DIGIORNO...
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In 2001, Brian Billick led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl victory only two years into his tenure. A well-respected and successful NFL coach, Billick credits his accomplishments to passion, teamwork, and accountability. This innovative motivator is a leader by example who demands these same values from everyone in his organization. In his presentation, this respected NFL leader continues to prove that with dedicated management, enthusiasm for the cause, and respect and trust for his team, the ultimate goals are achieved. Billick has also written a new book, "More Than a Game: The Glorious Present and Uncertain Future of the NFL," which gives readers an inside look at professional football, both on and off the field. Billick currently serves as Fox NFL Analyst and is also a contributor for the NFL Network.
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Wade Boggs’ major league career was a regimented, meticulous, disciplined journey, taken day by day and step by step across 18 years. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as the 41st first-ballot honoree in Hall history when they resoundingly welcomed Boggs in early 2005. Boggs spent 11 All-Star seasons with the Red Sox in Boston (1982-92). He duplicated his success with the New York Yankees and helped them win a World Series title in 1996. After a short break, Boggs finished his career with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and reached his 3,000th career hit with the organization August 7, 1999. Individual honors included 12 consecutive All-Star appearances (1985-96); five batting titles (1983, 1985-88); and two Gold Gloves (1994-95). Wade’s Hall of Fame credentials were never in doubt. Wade finished his career with a .328 batting. Heavily involved in giving back, the Wade Boggs Foundation for Youth Athletics provides fundraising to help children in the Tampa area acquire sports...
View Speaker PageCoaching the best American swimmer to Olympic greatness might not be easy, but it has been worth it. Bob Bowman achieved great success at the international level as personal coach for the Olympic Legend Michael Phelps. Under the passionate coaching of Bowman, Phelps won an Olympic-record eight gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Summer Games, bringing Phelps' total to 14 Olympic golds overall. Bowman's contribution to the sport has been awarded with the USA Swimming Developmental Coach of the Year and the ASCA Coach of the Year Award. Not one to rest on his laurels, Bowman has already turned his focus to the London Games in 2012 and will surely have Phelps poised to continue his great success.
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Coming from the juniors as a 15-year-old, Michael Chang charged onto the international tennis scene setting numerous "youngest player records" and shocked the world by upsetting Ivan Lendl and Stefan Egberg to become the youngest player in history to win a Grand Slam event. Utilizing tremendous speed and strong determination, Chang was one of the best counter punchers of all time and remained in the Top 10 in the ATP world rankings for several years in the 1990s. Chang retired from the professional tour in 2003 but continues to play at the senior level.
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Brad Daugherty is a former star basketball player at the University of North Carolina and later with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. A five-time All-Star, Daugherty was taken first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1986 NBA Draft. During his professional career, he played in 41 postseason games and led the Cavaliers as far as the Eastern Conference Finals in 1992. After retiring due to recurrent back troubles, Daugherty served as a basketball analyst for ESPN. Having both a love for hoops and car racing, Daugherty changed gears in 2007 and became a NASCAR analyst for ESPN. He is a regular on the NASCAR Countdown program that precedes all NASCAR race telecasts and is an analyst on the daily NASCAR Now show. He is also part-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing and Tony Kostelnak Racing.
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Jack Del Rio is the second head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and has made his mark with them since his start with them in 2003. With Del Rio as head coach, the Jacksonville defense ranked sixth in the NFL in yards allowed (305.2 per game) and fifth in points allowed (19.0). The offense ranked fourth in rushing yards (131.1) and third in fewest turnovers (138). In 2000, Del Rio served as linebackers coach for what is widely considered to be one of the the greatest defenses in NFL history, the Super Bowl XXXV Champion Baltimore Ravens. During his playing career, Del Rio was an All-American linebacker at the University of Southern California, as well as a Pro Bowl selection in 1994 with the Minnesota Vikings. A star in two sports, he was also drafted out of high school by Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays. Although Del Rio has made a career out of playing and coaching college and professional football, he has also been a...
View Speaker PageKnown for his forceful yet charming personality, Thomas Dimitroff has reshaped manager positions in football. Not one to shy away from a challenge, general manager Dimitroff rebuilt the Atlanta Falcon franchise when no one else dared to. The team was plagued with several controversies from quarterback Michael Vick facing dog-fighting charges to coach Bobby Petrino abruptly quitting to take a coaching position at the University of Arkansas in 2007. Even so, Dimitroff rose to the occasion and as a result, has orchestrated the turnaround of the team in just one season. With his experience as a standout defensive back and captain at the University of Guelph coupled with his ascension through the scouting trails as a combine/BLESTO Scout, an Area Scout, National Scout, College Director of Scouting to his current position, Dimitroff has the knowledge and passion to leverage the Falcons to even more success in the future. Under his leadership, the Falcons’s record surpassed their...
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Whether it is his faith, his family or his football team, Edwards exudes passion in all areas of his life. That energetic and enthusiastic approach best defines how he approached his task as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. With his diverse background in pro football either as a player, scout, an assistant coach or head coach, Edwards has become one of five coaches in NFL history to take two different teams to the playoffs in their debut seasons with them. Currently, he uses his energy, enthusiasm and insight in his new role as in-studio NFL analyst for ESPN. Edwards has used his experience in the league to serve as a positive role model and has been involved in numerous charitable efforts and philanthropic endeavors. Edwards founded the Herm Edwards Youth Foundation in 1985 as well as the Herm Edwards Youth Football Camp. The camp has allowed over one thousand kids a year to sharpen their football skills and learn valuable lessons from some of the...
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John Elway, the former quarterback in the NFL for the Denver Broncos will always be remembered for his 47 game-winning or game-tying drives in the fourth quarter, his spectacular passing statistics, and his enduring competitive spirit. Elway was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 as the only quarterback to have started in five Super Bowls. Elway retired after the 1998-99 season leaving a big void in the NFL. Known for his come back victories, his cannon arm and his great leadership, Elway will go down in history as one of the best quarterbacks ever to play the game. Aside from his devotion to the game of football, Elway keeps busy by dividing his time between his family and his business interests. Elway serves as GM and Co-owner of the AFL’s Colorado Crush. He has created a signature line of furniture under the name of Elway Home, owns Crown Toyota in Southern California, and Elway’s Restaurant in Denver. Elway has also established...
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Nick Faldo is undoubtedly one of the most successful European golfers. His impressive career consisted of 43 professional wins, of which include six Majors, three Open Championships, and three US Masters. In 1997, Faldo was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. In addition to his tournaments wins, Faldo was ranked World No. 1 for a total of 98 weeks! Faldo has found a balance in his dedication to golf and the ability to find time for relaxation and other pursuits. Faldo is actively involved in several charities helping to raise awareness and funds. The charities include Guide Dogs for the Blind, Make a Wish and Sports Relief. Faldo was recently knighted by Queen Elizabeth, honoring his 30 years of success on the golf course. This year, he also opened the new Faldo Championship Course at Lough Erne Golf Resort in the North West of Ireland.
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Terry Francona defied history by leading the Boston Red Sox to their first World Series Championship in 86 years in 2004. After rebounding from a 0-3 deficit and defeating the arch-rival New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series, the Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series to extinguish the curse that held Boston in misery for much of the past century. Just three years later, in 2007, the Sox swept the Colorado Rockies, winning their second World Series making Francona the only manager in MLB history to win his first eight consecutive World Series games. Terry Francona shares with audiences the successful coaching and leadership methods that brought his team, a self-described “bunch of idiots”, all the way to World Series victory in 2004 and then again in 2007. Using techniques culled from his many years as a player and a major-league coach, Francona shares his game plan for success. Through leadership, persistence and teamwork, he...
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Whether he’s addressing Congress, corporate America, a children’s organization or church congregation, Darrell Green speaks candidly, yet with compassion and conviction. His message of integrity, civic duty, morality, personal responsibility, commitment, diligence, and success has inspired youth and adults alike. Darrell is best known for playing his entire 20-year career as the cornerback for the Washington Redskins, and is considered to be one of the greatest cornerbacks ever. He also won numerous awards, including the 1996 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his charity work as well as excellence on the field and the 1997 Bart Starr Award for outstanding leadership and character on and off the field. Darrell is a member of both the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team and one of the 70 Greatest Redskins. In 2008, Darrell received the crowning achievement of his playing career when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In addition to his remarkable...
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Tom Jackson is currently a studio analyst for NFL Countdown and NFL Primetime and a contributor to SportsCenter on ESPN. His work as a broadcaster has earned him a Cable ACE Award for Best Sports Analyst. As a former linebacker for the Denver Broncos, he holds the franchise record for most seasons and games played. Tom played in Super Bowls XII and XXI, made 3 Pro Bowl appearances, was voted Defensive Most Valuable Player three times by his teammates and awarded Denver's Most Inspirational Player award.
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A fan favorite due to his colorful and laid-back personality, Peter Jacobsen has not only changed the world of golf, but he has also left his mark on the business world. Jacobsen, with 7 PGA Tour wins, 2 Champions Tour wins and playing on 2 Ryder Cup teams, has authored a book and owns Peter Jacobsen Sports, a sports event management company. Jacobsen is known as one of the freshest new designers in the profession for his insight in what all skill levels of golfers need and want in a golf course and has designed and developed nearly 20 courses worldwide. Jacobsen, the professional golfer and businessman is also a committed community leader. Jacobsen has raised more than $12 million for local Portland children’s charities through an event he hosts called the Fred Meyer Challenge that has been conducted since 1986.
View Speaker PageAndrea Kremer is more than just a role model for women, being the first female correspondent hired by ESPN. Rather, she personifies the kind of individual we should all look to as an example of a model citizen and a wonderfully successful business person. Kremer exudes passion and drive in all of her vastly different, yet complimentary endeavors. Whether it is supporting breast cancer research, which is one of the many areas Kremer is involved in, conducting exclusive interviews with the likes of Michael Jordan and Brett Favre, or spending time with her son, she is constantly practicing what she preaches by testing her physical and mental limits and making a difference in the world in any way that she can. Kremer is a wonderful example of someone who has overcome adversity and attained success by staying true to herself and not succumbing to other’s expectations, but rather creating and abiding by her own. Kremer currently serves as the sideline and feature...
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A punishing defensive back in the 1980s and ’90s, Ronnie Lott won four Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers and earned 10 Pro Bowl appearances during his 14-year NFL career. He was named to the league’s 75th anniversary team in 1994 and elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. Today, Lott continues to make an impact off the field. In 1989, he founded All Stars Helping Kids, a philanthropic organization that leverages the names, efforts and resources of other athletes, corporate leaders and individual donors to promote and foster educational and health initiatives for disadvantaged children. He also is the chairman of Play It Smart, the National Football Foundation program that seeks to improve the learning environment and build leadership skills for high school student athletes. Lott is also a former owner of HRJ Capital, a private-equity firm that manages almost $2 billion in assets, which he founded in 1999.
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Joe Maddon has revolutionized manager positions in sports. He is the living representation of what hard work, determination, and perseverance can bring to a struggling team looking for a leader. As the fourth manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Maddon has legendarily transformed the face of the team from a “laughable disjoined bunch of rookies and castoffs into a vibrant collection of up-and-arriving talent” (Schwartz). In his first season as manager, Maddon led the Rays to 41 wins at their home turf Tropicana Field, the most in the team’s history. Before Maddon, the Rays never won more than 70 games in their first seasons of existence and went 66-96 last year, the worst record in the American League. However, now with Maddon as their team manager, an individual who has been described by his players as calm, quiet, and trusting, the Rays finished the 2008 season in first place and advanced to their first World Series in franchise history. Maddon has received much...
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McReynolds, who is now a TV racing broadcaster, brings a fresh perspective and fascinating stories that include radioing the late Dale Earnhardt instructions where to accelerate in a turn, and getting bawled out in the NASCAR trailer by series boss Bill France for speaking his mind. As a top crew chief in NASCAR Winston Cup racing, Larry McReynolds guided drivers such as Dale Earnhardt, Davey Allison and Ernie Irvan to victory. His is a story of single-minded determination to succeed in the top tier of racing, regardless of setbacks. McReynolds undoubtedly holds an unparalleled insider's look at NASCAR racing. “Some things don't change, and commitment, dedication, and focus will always be a winning combination. Communication is key, too, whether in the pits, in an office, or in a family setting. And, regardless of the job or an end goal, don't settle for second best and never allow yourself to be content.” - Larry McReynolds, talking to students about how to get ahead and the skills...
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"At the Olympics, anything can happen." For speed skater, Apolo Anton Ohno, he could not have been more right. After three Olympics, Ohno became the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history by winning the eighth medal of his now legendary career. Ohno captured three medals in Vancouver and in the process passed former speed skater Bonnie Blair's previous all-time record of six trips to the podium. Ohno was one of the main headliners throughout this year's Games and has often been referred to as "America's Favorite Olympian" and the "Ambassador of the Winter Olympic Games." Ohno continues to strike gold off the ice with Octagon securing a diverse range of marketing deals that include Alaska Airlines, AT&T, Coca-Cola, Nestle, Omega, Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu and the Washington State Potato Commission. When he's not winning medals, Ohno is heavily involved in giving back. His charity work includes partnerships with the Ronald McDonald House,...
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Chris Paul has quickly become one of the NBA’s rising stars. Paul was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005 and quickly adapted to the level of play in the NBA. He was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month each month, leading him to be named the 2005-2006 NBA Rookie of the Year. During his sophomore season, Paul proved himself yet again by leading the Hornets in total points, steals and assists. As the stage has grown, so has Paul's performance. He led the Hornets to one of the best records in the NBA in 2007-2008 and helped one of the greatest collections of basketball talent reclaim the Gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. Following a busy 2008, Paul seems to have picked up where he left off by earning his first nod as an NBA All-Star starter. A Winston-Salem, North Carolina native, Paul has been dedicated to his community long before he became an NBA star. Paul initiated a philanthropic campaign designed to...
View Speaker PageMichael Phelps has been making waves in the world of sports since he was young. He broke Mark Spitz's 36 year-old record for the most gold medals at a single Olympics in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games when he won eight gold medals. Already a sports legend at the age of 23, Michael holds several World Records in addition to his many other awards. Although he is young, Phelps has already had a lifetime of experiences—in the pool and out. He founded “Swim with the Stars”—the first ever Olympic Swimming Tour that travels the country to give kids the opportunity to learn from the best. He is also a national spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs. In December, 2008, Phelps released No Limits: The Will to Succeed. The book has appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today Best-Seller lists. Phelps is youthful but intelligent, successful yet modest, and understands the importance of following a dream. Phelps is the...
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Known for his explosive personality and contagious passion, Lou Piniella has redefined manager positions in baseball. Often hailed as a “miracle worker” by Cub fans and players alike, Piniella has leveraged the Cubs’ success substantially in his first two seasons as the 26th manager. Within this time frame, Piniella has guided the club to 182-141 record, consecutive National League central Division titles, and is the first Cubs manager to lead the club to consecutive post-season berths since the early 20th century. According to Cubs Vice-President/General Manager Jim Hendry: “Lou exudes success, is an excellent leader, and brings a humble, confident swagger to our entire organization.”Piniella has served as a Major League manager for a total of 20 seasons, and prior to joining the Cubs, Piniella managed the New York Yankees (1986-1988), Cincinnati Reds (1990-1992), Seattle Mariners (1993-2002), and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2003-2005). Piniella has received much recognition...
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As NFL player turned head coach, Dan Reeves is ranked sixth All-Time for his career wins as a coach in NFL history and is a two-time recipient of the NFL Coach of the Year award in 1993 and 1998. His nine Super bowl appearances are still the most of any player or coach in the NFL. Reeves is currently working as an advisor on the collegiate level and covering NFL games as color analyst.
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Jerry Rice is widely considered among the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Rice won three Super Bowl rings as a member of the San Francisco 49ers and was named MVP of Super Bowl XXII. A former NFL player of the Year, Rice was also selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times and holds the all time NFL record for total touchdowns. Now retired, Rice has co-authored two books about his life and experiences on the field. He also co-hosts a radio talk show on the NFL network and a San Francisco prime time sports show. A true competitor at heart, Rice has participated in Dancing with the Stars, where his hard work, positive attitude, and stellar moves placed him in the final round. In November 2009, Rice was announced as one of 25 semifinalists for the 2010 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, along with the NFL's all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith.
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One of the top centers of his era, David “The Admiral” Robinson was a marvel of a basketball player and a respected figure off the court. A lean, muscular, 7-1 athlete, he was fast, strong and agile. In his first six NBA seasons he won Rookie of the Year, NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards, in addition to a rebounding title, a scoring crown, six All-Star bids, three selections to the All-NBA First Team and three selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Robinson's lasting legacy was also defined by his status one of the pre-eminent philanthropists in all of professional sports. On March 23, 2003, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that future winners of the NBA Community Assist Award would receive the David Robinson Plaque, with the inscription, "Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson, who improved the community piece by piece."
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Byron Scott, former head coach of the New Orleans Hornets, used hard work, focus and determination as his strategy to produce a winning team out of the Hornets. Scott, a three-time NBA champion as a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers took his experience of reaching the NBA finals twice as head coach of the New Jersey Nets to help the Hornets become a championship-caliber team. Scott’s cutting-edge coaching led him to be named the head coach of the 2008 Western Conference All-Star team. Giving back to his community is essential to Scott. Scott established the Byron Scott Children’s Fund in 1984 soon after joining the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers. The mission is to benefit children who have medial, educational or emotional problems, as well as to serve as consultants to start-up or small non-profit charitable organizations that do not have the experience to survive without financial or administrative assistance. Over the last decade alone, the...
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The “Kansas Comet” was a two time All American tailback whose 99 yard touchdown run as a sophomore against Nebraska is still an NCAA record today. Gale Sayers played four years for his state college, University of Kansas. He played his first NFL game with the Chicago Bears.Despite his short career (1965-1971), Gale Sayers is one of the greatest NFL players of all time. Sayers became the youngest player in NFL history to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Upon retirement from the Chicago Bears, Gale Sayers made his off the field life as exciting and productive as his football career. He has taken stake in a computer technology company, financial management training, and various community related programs.Sayers is also an accomplished author as his autobiography “I am Third” was adapted in the award winning television movie, “Brian’s Song.” Gale is a multi-talented individual who used pride, poise, leadership and loyalty to fuel his success in and out of football.
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Joe Simpson's miraculous story has become one of the all time classics of survival and overcoming adversity, hailed as an account of psychological, even philosophical witness of the rarest compulsion. His incredible story of human spirit and the will to survive has been captured by Oscar-winning director, Kevin Macdonald, in a docudrama movie based on Simpson's bestselling book, ' Touching the Void' . You need no special knowledge of mountain climbing to understand the many inspirational messages to be found in the telling of this powerful human drama. It is a triumph of the human spirit, the immense instinct to survive and the innate strength we have within us to succeed.
View Speaker PageEmmitt Smith is the National Football League's all-time leading rusher, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and a member of the 2010 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A first-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, Smith was the cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys' offense for 12 seasons. The eight-time Pro Bowler was the first player in NFL history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 11 consecutive seasons and on October 27, 2002 he surpassed Walter Payton as the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Smith finished his 14-year career with 18,355 rushing yards and led the NFL in rushing four times; he was the league MVP in 1993, MVP of Super Bowl XXVIII and helped guide the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles. His 175 total touchdowns rank second in NFL history. Smith played his final two NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals (2003 and 2004) before signing a one-day contract in February 2005 so he could officially retire as a Cowboy. In September 2005, Smith was added to the...
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Kenny Smith is former pro basketball player and current TV announcer. When Smith graduated from North Carolina in 1987, he held the school record for most assists with 768. Currently, Smith is a NBA studio analyst for the TNT show, Inside the NBA , where he provides analysis and acts as a straight man for studio partner Charles Barkley. Kenny also hosts Full Court Press on Sirius Satellite Radio. Before he got his job as a sports announcer in 1998, Smith played nine seasons in the NBA.
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In the early days of football, Bart Starr led his teams to numerous Championships. Bart Starr was the man who made the Packers click and he will always be respected for his hardworking attitude and perseverance. From 1960 through 1967, Bart's "won-lost record" was a sizzling 62-24-4 and the Packers won six divisional, five NFL, and the first two Super Bowl championships. He held several NFL passing records, including the lifetime record of completing 57.4 percent of his passes over a 16-year period. He led the league in passing three times. Starr used his astuteness and skill to lead the Packers to the NFL titles and two Super Bowl Championships. In 1977, Starr was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame and is still considered one of the NFL's greatest field leaders, even today. Outside of football, Starr has won a number of awards, including NFL Award for Citizenship and the Byron White Award. Today, he runs Healthcare Realty Management and is...
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Peter Vidmar is the highest scoring American gymnast in Olympic history. A member of the US Olympic Hall of Fame, Peter Vidmar won 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal in gymnastics at the 1984 Olympic Games. He continues to contribute and serve an active role in the Olympics, as he is the Co-Chairman of the US Olympic Committee Summer Sports Summit. His motivation and determination helped lead him to medals in the Olympics, but also has served as a driving force in his everyday life. Vidmar uses his experiences to help people realize their own potential. Vidmar brings a lot of emotion and experience to his speeches; in turn making him an inspiration to any audience.
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Rusty Wallace is a former NASCAR champion, NASCAR Busch Series car owner, and television broadcaster with the Walt Disney Company. Inspired by his father's success in racing, Rusty went on to become one of the most prolific race-car drivers in the United States. Now retired, Rusty works in TV and is currently designing his own race-track in the state of Iowa.
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