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

Bill Curry's journey in football began in College Park, Georgia, where he was born on October 21, 1942. He attended Georgia Tech, playing under the legendary coach Bobby Dodd. Despite being drafted in the 20th round of the 1964 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, Curry's determination and work ethic propelled him to a successful professional career. During his ten-year tenure in the NFL, Curry played as a center for teams including the Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers, and Los Angeles Rams. He was part of the Packers' victories in Super Bowls I and II under coach Vince Lombardi and later contributed to the Colts' triumph in Super Bowl V. His on-field performance earned him two Pro Bowl selections and established him as a respected leader among his peers. Transitioning from player to coach, Curry took on head coaching roles at Georgia Tech (1980–1986), the University of Alabama (1987–1989), and the University of Kentucky (1990–1996). His leadership at Alabama led to an SEC Championship in 1989, and he was honored with the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award the same year. Beyond the field, Curry served as the president of the NFL Players Association from 1973 to 1975, advocating for players' rights during a pivotal time in the league's history. He also ventured into authorship, co-writing "One More July" in 1977 and publishing "Ten Men You Meet in the Huddle" in 2008, which received acclaim for its insightful portrayal of the NFL. Curry's commitment to education and athletics culminated in his role as the inaugural head coach for Georgia State University's football program, where he coached from 2008 to 2012. His career, marked by resilience and leadership, continues to inspire many in the realms of sports and personal development.