Don McPherson

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5 out of 5

Activist, Educator, Feminist, Entrepreneur, College Football Hall of Famer

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New York, NY, USA
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Don McPherson Biography

Do McPherson is a feminist and activist who authored "You Throw Like a Girl: The Blind Spot of Masculinity," which chronicles 36 years of harnessing the power and appeal of sport to address complex social issues and focuses on a quarter century of work on gender-based violence prevention.

Prior to publishing "You Throw Like a Girl," McPherson was an All-America quarterback at Syracuse University and is a veteran of the NFL and Canadian Football League. As captain of the undefeated 1987 Syracuse football team, McPherson set 22 school records, led the nation in passing, and won more than 18 national “Player of the Year” awards, including the Maxwell Award as the nation’s best player, the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award and the inaugural Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He was second in the Heisman Trophy voting. In 2008, McPherson was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2013, Syracuse University retired his #9 jersey.

Since 1984, McPherson has delivered school and community-based programs addressing issues such as drunk driving, alcohol and substance abuse, bullying, youth leadership, and mentoring. Upon retiring from pro football in 1994, he joined Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society as national director of Athletes in Service to America. In 2002, he founded the Sports Leadership Institute at Adelphi University, for which he served as executive director until 2007.

In 1995, McPherson turned his focus to the issue of “men’s violence against women” as director of Sport in Society’s Mentors in Violence Prevention Program, taking over for the program’s founder, Jackson Katz. McPherson emerged as a national leader and advocate for the prevention of sexual and domestic violence. He has conducted workshops and lectures for more than 375 college campuses, community organizations, and national sports and violence prevention organizations. His programs and lectures have reached millions.

McPherson has served as a board member, consultant, and advisor for several national organizations, including the MS Foundation for Women, the US National Committee for UN Women, and the National Football Foundation. McPherson was a member of the NCAA Task Force on Sexual Violence and the NCAA Board of Governors Commission to Combat Sexual Violence. Currently, he serves on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, NYC Chapter of the National Football Foundation, and is a member of the advisory board of the Center for Ethical Leadership in Media and the Solidarity Council of Vital Voices.

McPherson has twice testified before the United States Congress and has worked closely with the U.S. Departments of Education and Defense on issues of sexual violence in education and the military, respectively. He has provided commentary on numerous national news programs, was featured in O Magazine, and appeared on the "Oprah Winfrey Show." McPherson also created and hosted “Training for Life” on MSG Varsity, a life-skills TV show that examined a myriad of social issues and sports. In 2012, "Training for Life"'s episode on "Sports Parenting" was nominated for an Emmy Award. He has also worked as a college football analyst for ESPN, BET, and NBC and spent six seasons as the lead studio analyst for Sportsnet New York’s coverage of Big East and American Athletic Conference football. In 2000, while a board member of the Nassau County Sports Commission, McPherson created the John Mackey Award, which recognizes college football’s outstanding tight end.

McPherson has received several honors in recognition of his service, including the Frederick Douglas Men of Strength Award, given by Men Can Stop Rape, Champions for Change, presented by Lifetime Television, The Creative Vision for Women’s Justice, presented by the Pace University Women’s Justice Center, and a Leadership Award from the National Center for Victims of Crime. McPherson is the 2021 recipient of the William Pearson Tolley Medal for Distinguished Leadership in Lifelong Learning, presented by Syracuse University’s School of Education and the 2020 National Football Foundation’s Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football. Most recently, McPherson received the George Arents Award, Syracuse University's highest alumni honor, and “Letter Winner of Distinction,” the highest honor bestowed on a former student-athlete. These honors signify a lifelong mission to use a unique social position to serve the greater good.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/09/2024.

Don McPherson Speaking Topics

  • Women’s Issues

    "Men Have Gender Too!" For far too long "gender studies" and differences have been seen through the eyes of women. The lack of male perspective has led to a narrow view of men and how to communicate/work with them. As women assume a greater role in American business and culture, how they understand masculinity and their relationship with men become critically important to their success.

  • Work – Life Balance

    “BE Where You Are” We have all been taught to identify where we want to "go;" to set our goals high and shoot for the stars. We've also been told to cherish the journey. With life's many distractions this delicate balance is often very difficult. This lecture helps people to identify, live and work in the moment. It's not where you want to go…it's where you want to BE that is important.

  • Overcoming Adversity

    “Back to the Manual” The more difficult challenges become, the more important it is to consider the basics. From the basics we can see the road map to correction and we are reminded of our initial motivation.

    “Disregard All Extraneous Stimuli” Focusing on your mission and goals is more difficult in today's instant gratification and highly saturated media/communication environment. Focus requires strategy and practice.

  • Transition Issues

    “Life is Not an Event” It's hard to see "down the road" when there are sharp turns blocking your sight. And, no game is won or lost on game day. Sustained success comes from understanding that life is a process and success is measured in the aggregate of the span, not the glitz of a moment.

  • Motivational

    “Spend Time with Your Dreams” Most teams and organizations fail to realize that their best ideas, synergy and work occurs when they are preparing to present their work to a client, in performance, etc. Our preparation is what makes us better and what strengthens our resolve and performance.

    “Mastery in Practice” The little things we do everyday, in preparation for larger tasks are the foundation of success. Those minute skills that we take for granted because they were drilled in us and have become rote understanding, are also the ways in which we problem solve, create opportunities and ultimately achieve success.

  • Creating a Positive Work Environment (Teamwork/Leadership)

    “One Down, One to Go” When teams and organizations succeed, the effort to reach that moment typically requires many factors and individuals coming together. Very often that effort makes milestones to feel more important than they actually are in the big picture. Successful organizations use early success to build team and focus while maintaining an eye on the ultimate prize.

    “Our Best Moments Happen in Practice” Most teams and organizations fail to realize that their best ideas, synergy and work occurs when they are preparing to present their work to a client, in performance, etc. Our preparation is what makes us better and what strengthens our resolve and performance.

Don McPherson Videos

  • Wrote His Book 20 Years Before Publishing It | Elvis Duran Show
    Former NFL quarterback Don McPherson's new book "You Throw Like a Girl: The Blind Spot of Masculinity" is available now!
  • Don McPherson – The Blind Spot of Masculinity
    http://www.stvincent.edu | Former All-America and NFL quarterback Don McPherson spoke to the Saint Vincent College community on Oct. 29, 2018, on...
  • 2016 MVP Student Leadership Summit Keynote- Don McPherson
    2016 MVP Student Leadership Summit Keynote Speaker - Don McPherson. Alan Heisterkamp. Loading... Unsubscribe from Alan Heisterkamp?

Speaker Lists Featuring Don McPherson

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Don McPherson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Women’s Issues, Work – Life Balance, Overcoming Adversity, Transition Issues, Motivational and Creating a Positive Work Environment (Teamwork/Leadership). The estimated speaking fee range to book Don McPherson for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Don McPherson generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Tony Porter, Thomas Henderson, Mónica Ramírez, Keith Smith and Eric Boles. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Don McPherson for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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