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

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

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Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

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

Why Top Event Planners Choose Authenticity Over Polish, with Anthony Scaramucci

Authenticity drives audience trust and engagement. Learn how keynote speakers use real talk to transform events with insights from our guest Anthony Scaramucci.

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Best Leadership Speakers for Logistics & Supply Chain Conferences (2026)

Planning a logistics or supply chain leadership summit? This definitive guide to the Best Leadership Speakers for Logistics & Supply Chain Conferences covers selection criteria, vetted speaker ideas, comparison snapshots, sample agendas, buying tips, FAQs, and quick links to relevant resources on The Keynote Curators (TKC).

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Best Leadership Speakers for Insurance Conferences (2025)

Planning an insurance conference or leadership summit? This definitive guide to the Best Leadership Speakers for Insurance Conferences shows what works now—selection criteria, vetted speaker ideas, comparison snapshots, sample agendas, buying tips, FAQs, and quick links to relevant resources on The Keynote Curators (TKC).

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The Last 8%: Why High-Performing Teams Say What Others Won’t (And How to Build Yours)

High-performing teams share the hardest 8% of conversations. Learn how connection and courage drive team success for event professionals.

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How to Turn Adversity Into Stepping Stones for Success with Magie Cook

Keynote speaker Magie Cook shares how shifting your mindset transforms adversity into power and turns setbacks into stepping stones for success.

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Best Leadership Speakers for Financial Services Conferences (2026 Guide)

Planning a bank, fintech, insurance, or wealth management event? This definitive guide to the Best Leadership Speakers for Financial Services Conferences shows you what works now: selection criteria, vetted speaker ideas, comparison snapshots, sample agendas, buying tips, FAQs, and direct links to relevant resources on The Keynote Curators (TKC).

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