We are pleased to have Ken Harvey, a former NFL linebacker, join us our guest speaker at this year's Gala & Auction on March 8. After a successful football career and motivational media projects, he continues to inspire others by sharing his story at events. As a devoted father, community leader, and man of faith, Ken Harvey embodies the values of hard work, humility, and service to others. He is looking forward to speaking and mingling with at us at ECS!
Ken Harvey is a former NFL linebacker, author, and motivational speaker whose life story exemplifies resilience, faith, and purpose. Born on May 6, 1965, in Austin, Texas, Ken’s journey to success was not without challenges. After dropping out of high school for a semester, he worked multiple jobs before earning his GED and pursuing college football at the University of California, Berkeley. His determination led him to become an All-Pac-10 player and the 12th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft by the Phoenix Cardinals.
Ken played six seasons with the Cardinals before signing with the Washington Redskins in 1994. During his five years in Washington, he earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections (1994–1997) and solidified his reputation as one of the franchise’s greatest linebackers. He retired in 1999 with 89 career sacks and was later inducted into the Redskins Ring of Fame and named one of the “80 Greatest Washington Football Players.”
Post-retirement, Ken transitioned into a multifaceted career as an author, philanthropist, and advocate for children and families. Harvey explored various ventures, including motivational speaking, writing, and eventually filmmaking. He directed and wrote the film "Ugly Enough" (2019), which showcases his ability to tell meaningful stories through a cinematic lens. He has written several books, including a children’s book titled "When Chocolate Milk Moved In," which uses storytelling to teach important life lessons. He also collaborated with actor Terry Crews on another children’s book project. Ken emphasizes themes of faith, perseverance, and compassion.
