Chris Draft

Chris Draft is a former American football linebacker who played for numerous reputable teams such as the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams, and Buffalo Bills. His football career started at Stanford University where he participated in football and baseball, distinguishing himself as a three-year starter at linebacker and senior captain. His prowess led to his selection in the 1998 NFL Draft and subsequently resulted in a 12-year career in the NFL. Over his career, Draft demonstrated his skills on the field with a total of 667 tackles, 16 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 5 interceptions.

Off the field, Draft was equally as dedicated and involved. He was a finalist for the esteemed Byron "Whizzer" White Award in 2004 and 2008, and received the 2007 NFL Alumni "Spirit Award". He was also named the Man of the Year for the Carolina Panthers in 2006. In addition to these accolades, Draft utilized his platform for community engagement. He hosted a television show called "The Draft Report" in the Atlanta Metro Area and participated in various national service projects and community sports activities.

Post his football career, Draft established the Chris Draft Family Foundation with a focus on family, education, healthy lifestyles, and character development. Following the demise of his wife, Keasha Rutledge, from lung cancer in 2011, he co-founded Team Draft, a national campaign aimed at changing the face of lung cancer. His foundation enables survivors and their caregivers to enjoy sports games while raising awareness about lung cancer at cancer centers across the country. Chris Draft's contributions to football and his community have been widely recognized, exemplifying his dedication both on and off the field.