One of Chicago's most recognizable, personable, and professional athletic celebrities, Michael Singletary has been a dominant force throughout the years—far beyond the football season. Indeed, his piercing eyes, game-time intensity, and successful and dominant style of play are remembered by even the occasional football viewer. His impressive stats and numerous achievements not only earned him a place in the NFL record books, but also in NFL history as one of the greatest inside linebackers to have ever played the game. Off the field, this gentle, educated, and professional individual projects determination and commands respect. His keen sense of business and people coupled with a very positive attitude make him an excellent television/radio personality, commercial endorsement spokesperson, fascinating guest speaker, and knowledgeable business associate. After graduating from Baylor University with a management degree and a communications minor, Mike started his career in the business community. He has negotiated his own player and endorsement contracts, as well as directed several entrepreneurial business ventures. National endorsement opportunities have demonstrated Mike's ability to be an excellent choice for influencing people. Brown's Chicken, Canfield's, LensCrafters, Riddell, Acura/Honda Motors, Marshall Field's, NFL Properties, and the First Colonial Bank are just some of the corporations and groups that have selected him as the key person to promote their products and services. Motivation is another one of Mike's strong qualities, making him the perfect speaker for Fortune 500 companies and various organizations. He discusses such topics as teamwork, corporate diversity, leadership, and success. Mike has a strong commitment to help those who are less fortunate, and a major portion of his time is set aside to do volunteer charity work and promote drug and child abuse education. He is the spokesperson for CAPS (Child Abuse Prevention Services), Just For Youth, The Mill (rehabilitation for troubled youth), and the Lawndale Community Center for Underprivileged Kids. He hosts an annual 8-ball pool tournament held in Chicago that benefits abused children and participates in numerous NFL-sponsored charity events. Mike's football career, lasting twelve years as #50 of the Chicago Bears, could fill several record books. Twice he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. In addition, he has been honored with the Bart Starr Award for high moral character, the Whizzer White Award, and the Dapper Dan Award. He played in a record-setting ten consecutive Pro Bowls, and, as team captain for ten years, led the Bears to the Super Bowl XX victory. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1998 in his first year of eligibility and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995. A hero to some, a true professional, and a generous person, Michael Singletary was truly a tremendous football player. More than anything, he is a person who exemplifies outstanding character and leadership as an athlete, family man, community member, corporate spokesperson, and businessperson. He commands respect and projects determination during every season of the year.
