Biography

Book Jon Dorenbos through The Keynote Curators.

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 the Philadelphia Eagles’ franchise history.

Jon Dorenbos competed on Season 11 of America’s Got Talent where he showcased his skills as a sleight-of-hand Magic & Magician, making it to the finals and placing third overall amongst over 100,000 competitors. He then displayed his talent 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 show’s history. He also has been featured on HBO Real Sports more than any other guest in that show’s history.

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 worldwide. 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.

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Life is Magic - Even Now

In times of turmoil, difficulty and stress, stories have the power to inspire when we need it most. By any measure, Jon Dorenbos’ life has been full of adversity, but his story — heart-wrenching, joyful and hilarious — shows us a way to keep sight of the truth that Life is Magic, even now.

Life is a Vision, Not a Circumstance

Jon shares his inspiring story from losing his parents at the age of 12, working through the foster care system to making it to the NFL Pro Bowl. It’s an amazing story of overcoming adversity, heart and perseverance.

Testimonials

Jon is by far the most powerful, engaging, dynamic and authentic presenter I have ever hired in my 19+ years of producing conferences and events. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll remember what really matters in life and you’ll leave inspired to make a difference. This guy is for real.
– MICHAEL CLARKE, Director GSO B2B Marketing & Events, The Americas, Marriott International, Marriott International Luxury Brands
I told Jon, anytime I have an event, feel free, you have an open invitation. People gravitate towards him, it starts with 2 or 3 people, then 10, then 20. Next thing you know, nobody is listening to the band and everyone is surrounding Jon. His life experiences and determination separate him from the rest, and he is able to share that with everyone on stage.
– Jim Kelly - NFL Hall of Fame
This guy's not just okay; we're talking about awesome right here! He had me entertained for hours.
– Garth Brooks - Country Singer
He did go all the way! Why are you wasting your time playing ball, you were born to perform! You are a true talent. Thank You for an unbelievable experience.
– Chris Berman - ESPN Personality
Unbelievable. I have never seen anything like this!
– Dan Marino - Miami Dolphins
Jon is an absolute wizard and his ability to engage an audience is unparalleled.
– Simon Cowell - Producer/Creator, America’s Got Talent
Jon Dorenbos connected with our huge 10,000+ person audience from beginning to end, he was electric, impactful, and abundantly engaging. Jon's message is relatable, motivational and seamlessly interwoven in his magic. Our members were entertained and moved emotionally in a very unique way. Thanks Jon!
– NATA President - Tory Lindley
Jon Dorenbos was the speaker at our annual client appreciation event. His personality, talent, enthusiasm and inspirational story enthralled our clientele. He was approachable and considerate with anyone who wanted to meet him after the event. We would recommend Jon highly as the feedback we received rated Jon as the best speaker we had ever had at our event and one that will be difficult to top in the future.
– Michael F. Natale - President, Foundation Capital Management, LLC.

Booksby Jon Dorenbos

Life is Magic

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