Former NFL Player and Motivational Speaker Presents at Labette Community College

Labette Community College TRIO Talent Search hosted Kendall Gammon, former Kansas City Chiefs player on campus Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Gammon addressed TRIO Talent Search high school students, LCC athletes, student body, coaches, and LCC staff, on having a positive attitude to help to succeeding in life.
Gammon, a native of Rose Hill, Kansas earned his BSED at Pittsburg State University (PSU), where he played for the Gorilla football squad from 1987 to 1991. He served as captain in his final two years for PSU, before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992. After serving as the long snapper for the Steelers and the New Orleans Saints, Gammon signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2000. When he retired from the NFL in 2006, he became a member of the Chiefs Radio Network for 12 years. He currently serves as the assistant to the President of Pittsburg State University.

Gammon brought a meaningful mental health message that connects with youth and young adults. He encouraged the audience to have a positive mindset, both physical and emotional. As he juggled rings he talked about balance in life. “The struggle you are in today,” stated Gammon, is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.” He finds connections are important in life and shared about his childhood abuse from his mother. He reassured the audience that each one mattered, they have influence, and are enough.

The NFL player highlighted a story of a letter he received after giving a young boy a game ball in Kansas City. Years later, the same person message Gammon online to thank him again for the ball. Gammon sent a message back asking if he still had the game ball, which the man replied with a picture of him holding the ball. “If we give out more game balls the world would be a better place,” Gammon stated. “What game ball do you have to give?”  His message was to take every opportunity to give a positive message. The more positives given the more likely it will take hold is Gammon’s theory.

Gammon has written two books and speaks all around the country on emotional communication, and power of gratitude along with other topics.