COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Tony Romo will appear as the second speaker in the 2010 KeyBank Gridiron Legends Luncheon Series presented by the College Football Hall of Fame. Romo has one of the most motivating success stories in recent NFL history, after ascending from the ranks of undrafted free agent - and three-year back-up quarterback - to a record setting, two-time Pro Bowl selection for the Dallas Cowboys.
"The Gridiron Legends Luncheon series consistently brings the biggest and most relevant names in College Football to the community," said Hall of Fame Executive Director Lisa Klunder. "We are elated to host an event for the general public that allows football fans the opportunity to hear from one of the most influential quarterbacks in the game today. Attendees will be inspired by his passion and enthusiasm for the game."
Romo's contributions at a collegiate level at Eastern Illinois University are equally inspiring. He was the first player in Eastern Illinois and Ohio Valley Conference history to win the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the nation's top player at the NCAA Division 1-AA level. He finished his career holding school and conference records with 85 touchdown passes.
Romo is the second speaker in this annual series, which runs from March-June. Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly spoke to a sold out crowd on March 23, 2010. This extraordinary multiple-event series features players, coaches and media personalities reflecting on their thoughts, experiences and memories of the game. Many times extremely humorous as well as poignant, this event is one of the best the Hall of Fame offers and should not be missed. Past speakers in the series have included Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Bo Jackson, Bobby Bowden, Drew Brees, Mike Ditka, Archie Griffin, Lou Holtz, Keith Jackson, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning among many others. The remaining speakers in the 2010 series will be announced soon.
"We're proud to sponsor the 2010 KeyBank Gridiron Luncheon Series," said KeyBank President Randy Foster. "We value our relationship and affiliation with the College Football Hall of Fame, and are pleased to support this event and an organization that does so much for our community. I encourage you to bring your clients, friends and family to this lunch and the entire series. I know you will enjoy the experience."
The Hall of Fame is also proud to announce a new partnership with WNDU for the Gridiron Legends Luncheon Series. Sports Director Jeff Jeffers, a 30-year veteran sports anchor known as "the dean of local sports" will serve as the emcee for the series.
Luncheons consist of a question and answer session with the featured speaker, a video presentation and lunch. Questions will also be taken from audience members. Tickets for individual luncheons are $35 per person or $270 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased at the Hall of Fame ticket counter or by calling 574-235-5717. Each luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m.
The location of the four luncheons is subject to change, so please check the Hall's Web site at www.collegefootball.org or call 574.235.5717 as each luncheon date approaches. Returning as media sponsors in 2010 are the South Bend Tribune, WSBT Radio Newstalk AM 960 and Pathfinders Advertising and Marketing. This is the 14th consecutive year KeyBank has sponsored the luncheon series. For more information on the 2010 KeyBank Gridiron Legends Luncheon Series, and to print an order form, visit www.collegefootball.org
