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First-Time Hockey Hall of Fame Nominees 2025

December 12, 2024 By

The Hockey Hall of Fame completed its annual ceremonies in November, inducting a seven-strong Class of 2024. Former center Jeremy Roenick was among five enshrined in the Player Category. A 20-year NHL veteran, he played from 1988-2009, notably with the Chicago Blackhawks (1988-1996), Phoenix Coyotes (1996-2001, 2006-2007) and Philadelphia Flyers (2001-2004). Roebuck was a nine-time NHL All-Star (1991-1994, 1999, 2000, 2002-2004) and is one of 48 NHL players to score at least 500 goals (513). Also inducted as players were Pavel Datsyuk, Shea Weber and United States Olympians Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell. Colin Campbell and David Poile were inducted in the Builder Category.

With a bow put on the 2024 class, attention now turns to a star-studded list of first-year eligible Class of 2025 candidates.

Defenseman Duncan Keith, who enjoyed a 17-year NHL career, all but one with the Chicago Blackhawks (2005-2021), is at the forefront of the conversation. Named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history in 2017, Keith was a member of three Stanley Cup-winning Blackhawks clubs in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Keith twice won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the top blueliner in hockey (2010, 2014) and was a four-time NHL All-Star (2008, 2011, 2015, 2017). A member of the NHL 2010s All-Decade First Team, Keith was the 2015 Conn Smythe winner as postseason MVP, having scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Blackhawks in the six-game series. Over the Blackhawks’ 23 playoff games, he contributed 21 points. In 1,256 career NHL games, 1,192 of which were spent in Chicago, Keith scored 106 goals with 520 assists. Internationally, Keith represented Canada at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, winning a pair of gold medals. ... Read More

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First-Time Pro Football Hall of Fame Nominees 2025

November 22, 2024 By

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

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Empower Your Audience With Black Motivational Speakers

August 11, 2022 By

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

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NBA 75th Anniversary Team

April 19, 2022 By

Earlier this winter, the NBA 75th Anniversary Team was announced by a diverse group of selectors including members of the media, players (current and former), coaches and front office executives to honor the best professional basketball players since the league’s founding in 1946. A total of 76 players were honored as part of this year’s anniversary team, the fourth such list that has been compiled, with 25th (1971), 35th (1980) and 50th (1996) Anniversary teams having been released in the past. Of the 76 players, 11 remain active currently in the league. Broken down positionally, 16 centers, 29 forwards and 31 guards make up the list with the players spanning all eras since the NBA’s inception.

At forward were Anthony Davis, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Elvin Hayes, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Carmelo Anthony, Charles Barkley, Paul Arizin, Rick Barry, Elgin Baylor, Larry Bird, Billy Cunningham, Dave DeBusschere, Kevin Durant, Julius Erving, John Havlicek, Lebron James, Kawhi Leonard, Jerry Lucas, Karl Malone, Kevin McHale, Dirk Nowitzki, Bob Pettit, Paul Pierce, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Dolph Schayes, Dominique Wilkins and James Worthy. ... Read More

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2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class

February 16, 2022 By

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

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Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Ted Simmons and Marvin Miller Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame

October 1, 2021 By

On September 8, 2021, the National Baseball Hall of Fame held its induction ceremony celebrating its class of 2020, which was delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Derek Jeter, who played his entire 20-year career from 1995-2014 with the New York Yankees, highlighted the inductee list. Jeter, a lifetime .310 batter, accumulated 3,465 hits in his career and served as Yankees team captain from 2003 until his retirement. A 14-time All-Star, Jeter led the Yankees to five World Series titles (1996-1998, 2000, 2009). His honors include World Series MVP (2000), American Rookie of the Year (1996) as well as five Gold Gloves (2004-2006, 2009-2010) in recognition of his defensive prowess at shortstop. In four consecutive seasons from 2006-2009, Jeter won a Silver Slugger Award, capturing a fifth in 2012. He won the Hank Aaron Award twice, in 2006 and 2009, in honor of his abilities as a hitter and also was named the recipient of the annual Roberto Clemente Award in 2009, recognizing his sportsmanship and community involvement. Jeter’s No. 2 jersey has been retired by the Yankees and he is a Monument Park honoree within Yankee Stadium. He was enshrined within the Baseball Hall of Fame having received 99.75% of the vote, good for the second-highest such percentage in baseball history, trailing only his former teammate, closing pitcher and fellow Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera. Jeter currently works as the chief executive officer of the Miami Marlins and is a minority owner of the team as well. ... Read More

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

August 11, 2021 By

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

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Pro Football Hall of Fame Elects Eight For 2021 Induction

February 9, 2021 By

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

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

November 3, 2020 By

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

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The Impact Of Religion in Sports On Athletes & Competitions

September 18, 2020 By

Whether it’s the sign of the cross, the point up to the skies or the genuflect after a score, overtones of religion in sports is not uncommon. Often, religion can be thought of as a personal or private matter. As long as the athlete performs to expectations, what they do and believe is their choice. However, what happens when sports and religion intersect? In this article about religion and sports, we’ll explore the role of religion and how it affects various athletes’ ideals and beliefs. We’ll also look into which religion doesn’t allow you to play sports in certain conditions and how religious athletes have responded.

What role does religion have in sports?

Historically, religion and sports were closely intertwined. Sporting events often had ties to religious ceremonies or festivals. These events acted as powerful symbols or metaphors of the transcendent. For example, the Olympic Games, held by ancient Greeks, were more of a festival or a celebration for their gods rather than merely a sporting event. While sports have become more secular today, religion still continues to have an impact. On a psychological level, studies have shown religion and spirituality enhance performance in sports. As with any human beings, athletes face their fair share of challenges and often cite religion as a key factor in overcoming their adversities. ... Read More

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