Positive Athletes

As a professional athlete most known for building a multi-sport legacy as an All-Star player with the Atlanta Braves and an All-Pro selection with the Atlanta Falcons, Brian helped make sports history, as a leader on both the baseball and football fields. But since his retirement, through his Brian Jordan Foundation, which helps children strive to reach their full potential, he has continued to be an exceptional Positive Athlete. The foundation’s educational program awards scholarships to deserving young people. Through a three-core program model, which includes literacy, health & fitness and scholarships, the Brian Jordan Foundation is successful in building stronger young people and helping them achieve their full potential.

As a native of Georgia, (a graduate of Lagrange High School) Tyrone played 14 years in the National Football League and was a starter 12 of the 14. He is a two – time Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots: Super Bowl XXXVlll (38) and Super Bowl XXXlX (39). Tyrone was a first round pick in the NFL Draft out of Fort Valley State where he was an All-American and inductee of the Division II Football Hall Of Fame and SIAC Football Conference Hall Of Fame. Tyrone resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Jennifer and children Nakai, Tyra and Tyson. He is an Author of “Ultimate Success In The Game Of Life” and the inventor of the “T38 Multi-Training Sled”. He believes that, “All things are possible with God”.

Aa s University of Georgia Bulldog, Aaron broke the SEC record for completions, passing yards, touchdown passes and total yards, and remains second all-time in the SEC for career pass attempts. His decorated career at Georgia has made him one of the most memorable SEC players of all time. Off the field, Aaron was and continues to be just as engaged and interacting in various causes, including youth football camps, and spending time with the Extra Special People (ESP) organization. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, Aaron is proud to call Atlanta his off-season home, and continues to pursue any opportunity to be engaged in and give back to the Atlanta community and entire state of Georgia.

Nicknamed “The Stinger”, this former Atlanta Hawk played 10 seasons in the NBA and is now a television basketball analyst for Fox Sports South. He can be seen on Hawks Live, the pre-game, half-time, and post game show for the Atlanta Hawks. Mike has written four books sharing the inspirations and accomplishments of past African American heroes who faced obstacles of oppression, racism, bigotry, ignorance and hate, as well as a book entitled “Lessons In Success from the NBA’s Top Players”. The Stinger also created an All-Star Basketball Camp for the Hearing-Impaired which is the first basketball camp for hearing-challenged athletes and is offered every summer free of charge to as many as 120 deaf athletes across the country.

From Alpharetta, Georgia, this former Georgia Bulldog star has overcome advresity. After three knee surgeries, Michael is pursuing his dream to play in the NFL. A four-year starter for the Bulldogs, Michael received several distinctions for his achievements on the field including the Coach’s Leadership Award and Newcomer of the Year. Off the field, he excelled in the classroom and earned 4-time SEC Academic Honor Roll distinction. He was nominated in the the UGA Student-Athlete Leadership Academy. Through all of the highs and lows of his career, Michael has relied on his strong faith in the Lord. His message of responding positively to adversity is one that he emphasizes to people through his public speaking. He is now training for the NFL in Athens, GA and is speaking in communities and churches.

Drive, determination, resiliency, intensity, and humility. Any of these characteristics can be used to describe linebacker Rennie Curran. Considered an undersized player by numerous critics going into college, he quickly silenced any by becoming an All-American football player at the University of Georgia. He was drafted in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Rennie has “The Liberian Dream” tattooed on his left bicep, and rightfully so. He has great pride in his Liberian heritage. This pride was brought on by the hard work and determination he witnessed from his family during their numerous struggles with adversity. His book entitled “Free Agent – The Perspectives of a Young African American Athlete” is a must read for all ages, especially young athletes. Curran’s experiences in life have paved the way for him to become the man that he is today. He still lives his life through the lessons he learned from his family.

A Lawrenceville, GA native (and graduate of Central Gwinnett High School) Jonathan enters his 4th season in the National Football League, his first three seasons with his hometown Atlanta Falcons. Massaquoi attened Troy University in Alabama before being selected in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Falcons. Since his rookie season, Jonathan has strived to be as engaged as possible in the Atlanta community, and values giving back as much as he can to the city that built him into the man he is today. Jonathan served as the NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 representative for the Falcons; a league-wide initiative that encourages children to be active and play at least 60 minutes a day. During the 2013 season, Massaquoi was named the Atlanta Falcons Community All-Star and Man of the Year finalist. He looks forward to continuing his NFL career with the Tennesee Titans, and continuing to be heavily engaged with the Atlanta community.

One of the most popular Pittsburgh Pirates of all time, Roberto Clemente’s pride and humanitarianism won him universal admiration. For 18 years, Clemente starred in the Pirates outfield, winning four National League batting crowns and batted .317 in his career, with 240 home runs and 1,305 RBIs. Despite an unorthodox batting style, he amassed 3,000 hits. He also won 12 Gold Glove Awards, displaying a precise and powerful arm. Clemente earned National League MVP honors in 1966 but achieved his greatest fame in the 1971 World Series, in which he batted .414.

Tragically, Clemente’s life ended at age 38 when he was the victim of a plane crash while flying relief supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims.

After his untimely death, Roberto was honored for his “outstanding athletic, civic, charitable, and humanitarian contributions,” and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Congress in 1973.

Major League Baseball so revered him that the Roberto Clemente Award was created in 1973 and is given annually to a player who demonstrates the values Clemente displayed in his commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others. Each club nominates a player in September. The winner is selected from 30 nominees during the World Series.

The Roberto Clemente Foundation was created with a mission is to serve as the bridge for youth to become responsible members of their communities through sports, education and community service.

Roberto’s Kids continues the legacy and commitment to social responsibility of the late, great Clemente. The organization helps kids define the skills an athlete needs to possess to be a vital part of the team and are the same skills he needs to be a vital part of his community. They must recognize and accept the consequences of the actions and decisions they undertake-Character, Leadership, Integrity. They must hold a caring attitude towards themselves and others-Respect and Responsibility. They must learn a strong sense of control and competence, and learn to recognize and accept individuality and cultural diversity-Sportsmanship.

College

• Played four years at Robert Morris University of College Hockey America … Set an NCAA record with 3,809 career saves.
• As a Senior (2008-09): Second in the conference with a .909 save percentage … Named to the All-CHA First Team … Made 50+ saves on four occasions.
• As a Junior (2007-08): Earned All-CHA First Team honors … Led the conference with a .913 save percentage and ranked third with a 2.82 goals-against average.
• As a Sophomore (2006-07): All-CHA Second Team selection.
• As a Freshman (2005-06): Named to the All-CHA Second Team and the All-CHA Rookie Team … Recorded 40+ saves in nine games.