JON DORENBOS – MAGICIAN, NFL PLAYER & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ADVOCATE
Hood Hargett Breakfast Club May 2017 Reception and Breakfast Meeting with Jon Dorebos. Steve Huff Photos
Jon absolutely “wowed” America with his mind-blowing and inspirational performances on NBC’s hit television show – America’s Got Talent. Jon made it to the finals and placed third overall in the competition amongst tens of thousands of competitors.
When Jon Dorenbos is on stage, through his unbelievable magic, he emphasizes the importance of choice and openly shares his childhood tragedy. When he was twelve, his picture-perfect family was destroyed after his father murdered his mother. Jon chose to rise through adversity, set goals, no matter how high, and plan and execute the necessary steps required to accomplish these goals. He started learning magic at the age of twelve and is now considered a “master magician”, earning the respect of top magicians everywhere including casinos in Las Vegas.
After college at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP), he was signed as a long snapper by the Buffalo Bills in 2003 as an undrafted free agent, a long-shot to make the team. A two-time NFL Pro Bowler, Jon just embarked on his eleventh season with the Philadelphia Eagles and fourteenth (14th) year in the league.
This year the Eagles have nominated Jon for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for philanthropy and numerous charitable endeavors.
Jon hosts a television show with the Eagles and has won two EMMY AWARDS (2008 & 2015). He was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award in 2008. This award honors those NFL players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage and is selected solely by the by the votes of their teammates.
Jon’s inspirational life story of triumph over adversity has been retold on national television in features by HBO, FOX Sports, ESPN, E! True Hollywood Story: An American Story, ABC, and CBS. While performing the most amazing magic most have ever seen, Jon Dorenbos tailors his presentations to fit the needs of his audience. He inspires others by sharing his life experiences and NFL stories, relating them to corporate culture. He discusses the importance of discipline, teamwork, perseverance and the acceptance of failure in achieving a common goal. In his words, “Live in vision not circumstance”.