Bill Bates Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Bill Bates, born on June 6, 1961, in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a former professional American football player renowned for his tenure as a safety with the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). During his 15-season career from 1983 to 1997, Bates became a fan favorite and was instrumental in the Cowboys' success during the 1990s, contributing to three Super Bowl victories in 1992 (Super Bowl XXVII), 1993 (Super Bowl XXVIII), and 1995 (Super Bowl XXX). Bates' football journey began at Farragut High School in Knoxville, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and track and field. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, where he was a four-year starter at safety under coach Johnny Majors from 1979 to 1982. Known for his hard-hitting style and dependable tackling, Bates received second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors during his junior and senior seasons. Despite going undrafted in the 1983 NFL Draft, Bates signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. His relentless work ethic and standout performances on special teams quickly earned him a roster spot. In his rookie year, Bates was named the NFL's Special Teams Player of the Year, and in 1984, he became the first NFC player selected to the Pro Bowl specifically for his contributions on special teams. Throughout his career, Bates was recognized for his leadership and character both on and off the field. He received the Bob Lilly Award, voted on by fans, four consecutive years from 1990 to 1994, honoring the Cowboy player who best displayed leadership and character. After overcoming a significant knee injury in 1992, his teammates awarded him the Ed Block Courage Award in 1993. After retiring as a player, Bates transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys and later as the special teams coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is a dedicated family man and has been actively involved in community initiatives, including founding the Bill Bates Foundation for Children.