Blake Bortles Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Blake Bortles, born on April 28, 1992, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, is a former professional football quarterback renowned for his dynamic playing style and significant contributions to the NFL. Raised in Oviedo, Florida, Blake attended Oviedo High School, where he excelled in both football and baseball. As a senior, he completed 151 of 233 passes for 2,211 yards, throwing 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He concluded his high school career with a Seminole County record of 5,576 passing yards and 53 touchdowns. Recognized as a three-star recruit, Blake chose to further his football career at the University of Central Florida (UCF), turning down offers from other institutions. At UCF, Blake's collegiate career was marked by impressive achievements. In his junior year, he earned the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Offensive Player of the Year honors and was named MVP of the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. Over his three-year tenure as a starter, he amassed 3,581 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in his final season, also rushing for 272 yards and six touchdowns. His leadership propelled UCF to a 12-1 record, securing the AAC championship and a victory over Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl. These accomplishments led to his induction into the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021. In the 2014 NFL Draft, Blake was selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, making him the highest-drafted player in UCF history. During his tenure with the Jaguars from 2014 to 2018, he set franchise records for single-season passing yards and touchdowns. The pinnacle of his career came in the 2017 season when he guided the team to its first division title and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game since 1999. Despite these highs, his career was also marked by challenges, including leading the league in interceptions in 2015. After his time with the Jaguars, Blake continued his NFL career as a backup quarterback with teams such as the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints. Throughout his eight-season career, he accumulated 17,649 passing yards, 103 touchdowns, and 75 interceptions. Post-retirement, Blake has remained engaged in the football community, participating in various charitable activities and expressing interest in coaching. His journey from a promising high school athlete to an NFL quarterback reflects a career filled with both notable achievements and valuable lessons.