Book Leland Melvin through The Keynote Curators
Biography
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 fees and availability
Videos
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.
For Meeting Planners
Get in TouchContact US
Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.
A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.
Related Inspirational & Motivational Speakers
Blog Posts
Why Remote Work Is Quietly Breaking Your Team’s Ability to Innovate
Shawn Kanungo explains why remote work quietly damages innovation, even when it boosts individual productivity. Here's the real cost.
Read More
Networking Redefined: Eat, Drink, and Succeed, with Laura Schwartz
Laura Schwartz reveals what real networking looks like: service, presence, and community over status and self-interest.
Read More
Toxic Workplace Culture Starts Quietly and Grows in Silence
A toxic workplace rarely starts with cruelty. It starts with silence. Here's how leaders can spot it early and build real trust instead.
Read More
How to Design Events People Actually Remember with Carrie Davenport
Carrie Davenport on why great events are built on human connection, not just agendas. Lessons for event planners, leaders, and teams.
Read More
Q4 Isn’t a Marketing Strategy Until Clarity Leads the Way
Q4 isn't a marketing strategy. It's a test of clarity, judgment, and what your brand chooses to remember when the noise fades.
Read More
What Great Service Looks Like
Kevin Boehm explains what real service looks like when plans break, from a rough restaurant table to a blackout mid-speech.
Read More
Connecting on Stage Through Our Vulnerabilities
Nicole Malachowski on why sharing our vulnerabilities, not our wins, is what actually connects with an audience.
Read More
The Case for Creating Better Problems with Jason Feifer
Jason Feifer explains why chasing perfect solutions is the wrong goal: real progress means learning to choose better problems.
Read MoreOur Services
Keynote Speakers Topics
© 2026 The Keynote Curators. All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
The Keynote Curators, 8275 South Eastern Avenue, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89123
Local (310) 299-4595 | Toll Free (888) 585-8715 | info@thekeynotecurators.com
The Keynote Curators - Top Keynote Agency, USA.
