Jon Dorenbos
Former NFL Player and Magician
Tuesday, April 16 | 1:30–2:45pm | Great Hall
Jon Dorenbos played 14 seasons in the NFL, notably making the Pro Bowl twice as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as being the Ed Block Courage Award recipient and the Eagles Walter Payton Man of the Year. He also holds the record for the most consecutive games played in Philadelphia Eagles franchise history. Jon competed on Season 11 of America’s Got Talent where he showcased his skills as a sleight-of-hand magician, making it to the finals and placing third overall amongst over 100,000 competitors. He then put his talent on display as a guest on Ellen, who quickly became one of his biggest fans and advocates.Jon appeared on Ellen more than any other guest in the history of the show. He also has been featured on HBO Real Sports more than any other guest in the history of that show as well. He retired from the NFL after he was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition requiring 15 hours of emergency open-heart surgery.
Known for his great sense of humor and positive outlook on life, Jon uses his skills as a magician and his incredible life story to inspire audiences around the world. He wrote a book titled Life Is Magic that draws a roadmap for how to shut that self-doubting voice up by choosing to find happiness in every situation. Producer Mike Tollin has optioned the book and is making it into a feature film. The screenplay is being written by John Gatins, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the drama film Flight with Denzel Washington.
Recently Jon has headlined a successful Cirque du Soleil production on the Las Vegas Strip and is frequently hired by Tony Robbins to speak to his top customers from around the world - further demonstrating that he truly is a unique, world-class blend of entertainment and motivation.