Biography

Book Leland Melvin through The Keynote Curators.

Leland Melvin is a space thought leader, astronaut, engineer, educator, and former NFL wide receiver for the Detroit Lions

Leland Melvin is the only person drafted into the National Football League to have flown in space. He was featured on National Geographic’s One Strange Rock, hosted by Will Smith, where he explained how his brain repaired itself after an injury that left him deaf and almost stopped him from ever going to space

Even after being medically disqualified to fly in space by NASA flight surgeons, Leland completed two Space Shuttle missions to help build the International Space Station. Served as the co-chair of the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEM Education Task Force, developing the nation’s 5-year plan for STEM education.

His memoir, Chasing Space, shares his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars, examining the intersecting roles of community, perseverance and grace that align to create the opportunities for success.

Consultant on National Geographic’s second season of Mars.

Contact us for Leland Melvin’s fees and availability.

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Videos

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Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances

Leland looks back on his uncommon life — he was the first person in human history to catch a pass in the NFL and walk in space. Leland will examine his life through the prism of success and achievement. How did he succeed where he rightly should have failed? What motivated him to overcome injuries, setbacks, expulsions, and debilitating deafness? Leland will not only recount his path with honesty and curiosity, but he will also mine the latest thinking by researchers, authors, and academics, applying their work to his own life – and by extension giving the audience applicable takeaways.

Blog Posts

Soft Skills You Need to Become a Great Event Planner

Master the soft skills that transform good event planners into great ones with expert insights from Emmy-winning producer Gabriella Robuccio.

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Master sound communication techniques from TED speaker Julian Treasure to transform your leadership through active listening and a better understanding of your environment.

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Discover how change management expert April Rinne transforms personal crisis into organizational resilience through proven strategies.

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