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.
Videos
An astronaut's story of curiosity, perspective and change | Leland Melvin
STEM Career Playbook Featuring Hyundai's Olabisi Boyle
Celebrating Black Lives In The Space Industry: An Exchange Of Leadsership Stories & Experiences
Episode 3: A Journey into Space with Astronaut/Engineer and former NFL player, Leland Melvin
Celebrating Black Lives In The Space Industry: An Exchange Of Leadsership Stories & Experiences
A Conversation: Leland Melvin and Bill Nye
Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more
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
Fear vs. Intuition: How Michelle Poler Can Help You Finally Tell Them Apart
Learn how to tell fear apart from intuition using a simple decision-making exercise from Hello Fears founder Michelle Poler.
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Happiness at Work Starts with Progress, Not Perks
Happiness at work goes beyond perks. Discover the research-backed factor that drives real engagement and fulfillment.
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Resilience Lessons to Rebuild Your Life, with Military Veteran Travis Mills
Resilience keynote speaker Travis Mills shares how he rebuilt his life after losing all four limbs, with lessons on mindset, purpose, and never quitting.
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AI Impact in the Workforce Demands These Keynote Speakers
Discover how AI is reshaping work in 2026 and which keynote speakers can guide your team through the shift.
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Event Planning Strategies to Book the Right Keynote Speaker
Learn how to choose the right event keynote speaker by balancing executive expectations with what your attendees actually want.
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Ambition and Contentment Can Coexist. Here’s How
Ambition doesn't have to mean restlessness. Learn how to stay driven while finding peace in the present moment.
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