Octagon Speakers
Andre Agassi
Jerome Bettis
Brian Billick
Michael Chang
Brad Daugherty
Jack Del Rio
Herm Edwards
John Elway
Nick Faldo
Tom Gorman
Darrell Green
Tom Jackson
Peter Jacobsen
Ronnie Lott
Larry McReynolds
Chris Paul
Michael Phelps
Dan Reeves
Jerry Rice
David Robinson
Bryon Scott
Joe Simpson
Kenny Smith
Peter Vidmar
Rusty Wallace
Upon retiring from tennis on September 3, 2006, after losing in the U.S. Open third round, Andre Agassi received an eight minute standing ovation. His closing remarks will be remembered as one of the most inspirational and loving messages to fans ever: “Thanks. The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn’t say is what it is I have found. And over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I’ve found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I’ve found generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could never have reached without you. Over the last 21 years, I have found you. And I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life.” Agassi’s retirement ended a 21-year career that included 60 career singles titles in such events as the U.S. Open,...
View Speaker Page
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, the Super Bowl trophy.
View Speaker Page
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.
View Speaker Page
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.
View Speaker Page
Daugherty is a former basketball player at the University of North Carolina and later with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. The five-time All-Star was taken first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1986 NBA Draft where he played in 41 postseason games and led the Cavaliers as far as the Eastern Conference Finals in 1992. He is now a basketball analyst for ESPN after retiring due to recurrent back troubles.
View Speaker Page
Jack Del Rio is the second-youngest head coach in NFL history and has made his mark with the Jacksonville Jaguars since his start with them in 2003. With Del Rio as head coach, the Jacksonville defense ranks fourth in the league over the past four seasons in yards allowed, third in points allowed, while the offense is sixth in rushing yards and third in fewest turnovers. Although Del Rio has made a career out of playing and coaching college and professional football, he has also been a dedicated philanthropist. Del Rio and his family have been extremely active in raising and distributing money for over 15 organizations and events. With his generosity and dedication to helping others, Del Rio was named to the prestigious University of North Florida Brooks College of Health Dean’s Council and is a member of The Laureate Society of Jacksonville.
View Speaker Page
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 approaches his task as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs each season since starting in 2006. 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. 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 that is in its 12th season. The camp has allowed over one thousand kids a year to sharpen their football skills and learn valuable lessons from some of the NFL’s finest teachers.
View Speaker Page
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...
View Speaker Page
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.
View Speaker Page
Tom has the distinction and honor of being the “winningest” Davis Cup Captain in U.S. history. With his guidance and coaching, tennis greats like John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, and Michael Chang came together as a team and won Two Davis Cup World Championships. With Tom as their leader, world renowned “celebrity athletes” and other world-class champions learned what it was like to leave their egos at the door and serve a larger mission: winning team championships. These lessons did not come easily and Tom now shares with corporate executives, Boards of Directors, and professional athletes the winning approach he took in order to transform highly motivated individuals into team members, working together to achieve their common goal.
View Speaker Page
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 addition to his remarkable career, Darrell is well-known for his charity work, having started the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation in 1988 to help...
View Speaker Page
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.
View Speaker Page.jpg)
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 Page
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. In 1999, he co-founded HRJ Capital, a private-equity firm that manages almost $2 billion in assets.
View Speaker Page
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...
View Speaker Page
Chris Paul has quickly become one of the NBA’s rising stars. Paul was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2005 NBA Draft and quickly adapted to the level of play in the NBA and was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month each month. His impeccable skill led him to be named the 2005-2006 NBA Rookie of the Year and helped lead the USA National Basketball team to the bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Basketball Championships. During his sophomore season, Paul proved himself yet again by leading the Hornets in total points, steals and assists. 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 highlight his dedication to both his grandfather’s spirit and to the Winston-Salem community that nurtured him from his days as a stand-out high school student-athlete to a national star at Wake Forest. Paul and his family created the...
View Speaker Page
Michael Phelps has been making waves in the world of sports since he was young. He tied the record for the most medals at a single Olympics in the 2004 Athens Summer Olympic Games when he earned six gold medals and eight medals overall. Already a sports legend at the age of 22, he has been named World Swimmer of the Year for 3 out of the last 4 years (2003, 2004, and 2006). He 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. Phelps is youthful but intelligent, successful yet modest, and understands the importance of following a dream. Phelps is the illustration of dedication and passion, practicing 365 days a year. And, his results speak for themselves.
View Speaker Page
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.
View Speaker Page
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.
View Speaker Page
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."
View Speaker Page
Byron Scott, head coach of the New Orleans Hornets, uses hard work, focus and determination as his strategy to produce a winning team out of the Hornets. Scott, a three-time NBA champion also takes 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 Byron Scott Children’s Fund has raised...
View Speaker Page
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 Page
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.
View Speaker Page
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.
View Speaker Page
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.
View Speaker Page