PRIORITY SPORTS SPEAKERS

Retired NBA Player
Executive Basketball Advisor at Butler University
College: Butler University

Accolades:
NBA All-Star (2017) | Horizon League Player of the Year (2010) | FIBA U-19 Gold Medalist (2009)

Notes:
Gordon Hayward is an NBA All-Star who recently retired from the NBA after a 14-year career.

He went to Butler University, where he led the Bulldogs to the 2010 NCAA Championship game and became a household name for his clutch performances and all-around skill.

He was drafted ninth overall by the Utah Jazz in 2010 and developed into an NBA All-Star.

In 2017, he was traded to the Boston Celtics and immediately suffered a gruesome injury that sidelined him for a whole year. After battling through an extensive recovery, Hayward got back on the court and continued to be a reliable scorer, playmaker and teammate.

He played for the Charlotte Hornets and Oklahoma City Thunder before retiring at the end of the 2024 season. recognized for his professionalism, leadership, and balanced game on both ends of the court.

He and his wife, Robyn, have four kids, three girls and one boy. They went viral in 2018 for a gender reveal video where Gordon found out he was having his third girl, famously saying “Daddy’s always happy.”

He is Catholic and has put his faith prominently in his life since retiring.

Topics: Faith, Family, Motivation, Perseverance, Recovery, Teamwork

Links: “Daddy’s always happy” gender reveal video (2018),, Gordon Hayward Opens Up on Retiring From the NBA, Why He Didn’t Sign with the Heat, & NBA Trash Talk (2024), Gordon and his faith

Retired NFL Player
Mental Health Advocate
Athletes for Care Founder
College: University of Iowa

Accolades:
2nd overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft | Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (2003)

Notes:
Robert Gallery is a retired NFL player best known for his strength, leadership, and resilience on the offensive line.

Gallery starred at the University of Iowa, where he became one of the most dominant linemen in college football. A consensus All-American and winner of the 2003 Outland Trophy, he was selected second overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2004 NFL Draft. Over his eight-year NFL career, Gallery played primarily with the Raiders and later with the Seattle Seahawks, earning respect for his toughness and consistency in the trenches.

Since retiring from football, he has become an advocate for former athletes’ health and wellness, specifically CTE. He himself has suffered from brain trauma, mental health issues, and other abusive behaviors due to his football career and CTE. He has been outspoken about the treatments he has used and what has helped him overcome the effects of his football career. Gallery launched Athletes for Care to support research, advocacy and real solutions for athlete mental health.

Topics: Brain trauma, Mental health, Perseverance, Recovery

Links: Podcast: NFL Veteran’s Battle with Brain Injuries, Rock Bottom & Finding Life-Saving Treatment in Mexico (2025), Ibogaine saved Retired NFL Player Robert Gallery’s life. Now he’s paying it forward (2025), Athletes For Care Website