First-Time Pro Football Hall of Fame Nominees 2025

A day before Super Bowl LIX is held in New Orleans this upcoming February, the NFL Hall of Fame Selection Committee will release its list of 15 inductees as part of the 2025 class. This year, 167 modern-day candidates will be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the committee choosing 50 finalists and semi-finalists before the chosen 15 are revealed.

Joining the star-studded list of 2024 finalists and semi-finalists is a strong group of first-year eligible players highlighted by quarterback Eli Manning, linebackers Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs and Clay Matthews, offensive linemen Marshal Yanda, Joe Staley, Ryan Kalil, running backs Darren Sproles and Marshawn Lynch, cornerback Aqib Talib, placekicker Adam Vinatieri and receiver Demaryius Thomas.

Eli Manning played the entirety of his 16-year NFL career (2004-2019) with the New York Giants, helping the team to victory in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLIV. In both Super Bowls, Manning led the Giants to upset wins over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, with the Giants in Super Bowl XLII dealing New England, which had gone 18-0 in the regular season and playoffs, its only defeat of the year. Manning won Super Bowl MVP in both games. His 2011 postseason performance en route to his second Super Bowl win saw Manning set NFL records for passing yards (1,219) and completions (106). A four-time Pro Bowl selection (2008, 2011, 2012, 2015), Manning is a member of the New York Giants Ring of Honor and his No. 10 has been retired by the team. He finished his career with 57,023 yards, 36 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 60.3%. In 2016, he was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year. Manning was the first overall NFL Draft selection out of Ole Miss in 2003. ... Read More

Empower Your Audience With Black Motivational Speakers

Events featuring motivational speakers are becoming increasingly popular, providing inspiration and introducing new perspectives to audiences. The stories of Black motivational speakers are some of the most inspiring, often sharing themes of bias and overcoming adversity. But it’s also important to recognize that these aren’t the only themes to be found in Black American stories. There are also countless stories of triumph, perseverance, and a deep celebration of culture and identity.

Black motivational speakers share a perspective that is not only powerful and inspiring, but that is crucial for any organization committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity. Each speech given by an African American motivational speaker is an opportunity to celebrate tenacity and determination as cornerstones of success. An opportunity to deepen our understanding of the impacts of discrimination and injustice. An opportunity to reflect on our own roles in creating change.

At Sports Speakers 360, we couldn’t be more proud of the Black speakers on our roster. Each individual brings their own one-of-a-kind outlook and unique story to the stage, and has captivated audiences across the country. If you’re interested in partnering with a Black motivational speaker to deliver an unforgettable address at your next event, this blog is for you. Keep scrolling for a list of the top African American motivational speakers today. ... Read More

2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class

Last week, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Board of Selectors finalized who will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, this upcoming August. The Class of 2022 was announced at NFL Honors on Thursday, February 10. The honorees include former coach, Dick Vermeil, wide receiver Cliff Branch, offensive tackle Tony Boselli, defensive back LeRoy Butler, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, defensive tackle Bryant Young, linebacker Sam Mills and officials supervisor Art McNally.

Dick Vermeil coached the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976-1982 and later the St. Louis Rams (1997-1999) and Kansas City Chiefs (2001-2005). Vermeil took over a Philadelphia football team that was far from successful, and by his third year at the helm in 1978, guided the Eagles to their first playoff appearance in 18 years. In 1979, Vermeil was named NFL Coach of the Year by Pro Football Weekly and Sporting News. Vermeil’s Eagles won an NFC East Division title in 1980, advancing to Super Bowl XV where they were defeated by the Oakland Raiders. ... Read More

28 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees Cap Off A Memorable Weekend

This past weekend, the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined 28 players, contributors and coaches, including eight members of the class of 2021. Below is an overview of the 2021 class…

Alan Faneca enjoyed a 13-year NFL career as an offensive guard, playing primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1998-2007) during which time he earned six first-team All-Pro selections and won a Super Bowl XL ring. Faneca was named to nine consecutive Pro Bowls from 2001-2009 and finished his playing days with the New York Jets (2008-2009) and Arizona Cardinals (2010). In nine of his 13 years in the NFL, Faneca blocked for a tailback who would go on to eclipse 1,000 yards of rushing on the year. A former first-round NFL Draft pick out of LSU, Faneca is a member of both the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team and the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. ... Read More

Pro Football Hall of Fame Elects Eight For 2021 Induction

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced last Saturday night during NFL Honors the inductees into the 2021 class. The list was whittled down from 15 finalists in January and is led by quarterback Peyton Manning and also features Calvin Johnson, Charles Woodson, Alan Faneca, Calvin Johnson, John Lynch, Tom Flores and Bill Nunn.

The Hall of Famers usually appear in-person during the show but given that there was no live studio audience this year, the players were surprised in their hometowns by Hall of Fame president David Baker. Two surprises stood-out in particular, the first with Drew Pearson, who had been summoned to meet with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Hall of Famer Roger Staubach, and the other with Peyton Manning, who was filming at Empower Field at Mile High when he was ... Read More

Sports Speakers 360 Secures Joe Thomas, AJ Hawk, DeAngelo Williams and Fred Lynn for Virtual Event

Cleveland Browns Great, Joe Thomas

Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations are foregoing in-person meetings and fundraisers and are instead hosting virtual events. Sports Speakers 360 was recently contacted by a leading cloud solutions company about their interest in hiring virtual speakers for a series of events as a way for them to stay engaged with current and prospective clients. Sports Speakers 360 put together a list of athlete suggestions based on their budget and markets and ultimately secured four athletes…retired Cleveland Browns great Joe Thomas, retired U. of Memphis and NFL running back DeAngelo Williams, retired Boston Red Sox outfielder Fred Lynn and retired Ohio State and NFL linebacker AJ Hawk. ... Read More

Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden Appearance and Autograph Signing in Glen Burnie, MD – Oct 27

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GLEN BURNIE, MD – Meet Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden at an autograph signing in Glen Burnie, MD on Friday, October 27, 2017. Jonathan Ogden will make an appearance from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to meet with fans and sign autographs at the Grand Opening of the Dash In at Arundel Plaza. The event will take place at the Dash In, 6616 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. Source: Facebook ... Read More

Former Chiefs Legend Christian Okoye Appearance and Autograph Signing in Topeka KS – Oct 28

christian-okoye

TOPEKA KS – Join former Kansas City Chiefs legend Christian Okoye at an autograph signing in Topeka KS on Saturday October 28 2017. Christian Okoye will make an appearance from 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to meet and greet fans and sign autographs and memorabilia at Legends Sports in the West Ridge Mall. The event will take place at Legends Sports, 1801 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka KS 66604. Source: Facebook ... Read More

Super Bowl Champ Kevin Butler to Make Appearance in Orland Park, IL – Oct 21

kevin-butler

ORLAND PARK, IL – Meet Super Bowl XX champion Kevin Butler in Orland Park, IL on Saturday, October 21, 2017. Kevin Butler will make an appearance from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. to meet with fans and sign autographs at the Miller Lite Chicago Bears Alumni Appearance. The event will take place at Berkot’s Super Foods, 11333 W 159th St, Orland Park, IL 60467. Source: Tailored Events ... Read More

Super Bowl Champ Fred Biletnikoff Appearance and Autograph Signing in San Jose, CA – Oct 14

fred-biletnikoff

SAN JOSE, CA – Join Super Bowl winner Fred Biletnikoff for an autograph signing in San Jose, CA on October 14th, 2017. Fred Biletnikoff will make an appearance to meet and greet fans and sign autographs and memorabilia at the Raiders Super Bowl MVP’s public autograph signing (appearance time to be announced). The event will be hosted by the World of Sports Memorabilia and will take place at World of Sports Memorabilia, 82 S Montgomery St, San Jose, CA 95128. Source: Facebook ... Read More