NFL
Ten years as the kicker for the San Diego Chargers. Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, NFL Comeback Player of the Year, All-Pro, and inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame
Speaker
Whether speaking to corporate executives, legislators, medical professionals, graduates, or sitting at the bedside of an anxious patient, Rolf's life-changing lessons can be applied to virtually any challenge—personal or professional
patient advocate
Leading organizations in the healthcare industry call upon Rolf to lend his experience and expertise on how to effectively incorporate the patient voice
entrepreneur
As founder of Legacy Health Strategies, the Grateful Patient Project and the Legacy Foundation, Rolf has dedicated his life to serving others
DISCOVER YOUR INDOMITABLE SPIRIT
Rolf's third season as a placekicker in the NFL was cut short when he collapsed on a cross-country team flight while battling ulcerative colitis. He would need two emergency surgeries within six days as his life hung in the balance for six weeks in the intensive care unit. It was Rolf's faith, personal drive, family, and teammates that encouraged him through those darkest hours and aided in his triumphant and improbable return to the NFL. Following his NFL career Rolf devoted his life to patient advocacy and to sharing his amazing story.
Rolf's journey is one of courage, hope, and determination and illustrates the strength of the indomitable human spirit. Through his powerful message he issues a stirring challenge - to embrace the devastating circumstances of life and turn them into an incredible opportunity for growth.
What People are Saying About Rolf Benirschke
GERRY PROEHL
PRESIDENT & CEO,
DERMATA THERAPEUTICS
Rolf is one of the most compelling speakers I've ever heard... when Rolf's done, the audience is on their feet giving him a standing ovation, he's that good
JEFFREY ESSAKOW
PRESIDENT, PROTEA PROPERTIES,
FOUNDER, CHALLENGED ATHLETES FOUNDATION
This is a speaker who gets it, who understands how to connect with an organization and their mission
DOUG MYERS
PRESIDENT & CEO,
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
Ethics and integrity. This man, you believe him, you believe in him, you want to help him because you know he wants to help you
Rick Valencia
President, Qualcomm Life
Rolf was born with an ability to immediately connect with people. He is a connector, he is a great communicator, he's brilliant so he's able to really understand what it is that moves you or what it is that's important to you. Rolf is right at the very top of the list in terms of people who credibly and with humility can connect with anybody and really, you come away feeling better after you've spent time with him.
Carly Bazzett
Executive Director, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
When he speaks, everyone stops, everyone actually stops to listen and you can see their emotions change. The audience leaves that room ready to take on anything and so much of that comes back to the way he delivers a message. After hearing Rolf speak, you always leave feeling so inspired and ready to take on the world.
