National Quarterback Club Reveals Keynote Speakers of 2018 Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction
PHOENIX, ARIZ. – The National Quarterback Club, in collaboration with the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club, is pleased to announce Retired Navy Seal Darren McBurnett and Retired U.S. Army Major Ed Pulido as keynote speakers for the 2018 Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on January 19, 2019 at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch commencing at 5 p.m.
"In a time of consternation and lack of grace in our world, at home and abroad, it is refreshing to bring two outstanding men to address the topics of the visible and not so visible costs of conflict,” said Don Kile, President of the National Quarterback Club. “McBurnett and Pulido are outstanding American war veterans, but their character is deeper than their war and combat records. That character sets them apart and has put them at the head of their class.”
The ceremony will present the National Quarterback of the Year awards in the high school, college and professional ranks. Additional awards presented during the evening will include the inductions of Jim McMahon and Danny White into the National Quarterback Hall of Fame, and Legacy Recognition Awards honoring Jim Kelly (HOF 2005) and Ken Stabler (HOF 1994) for their on-going contributions to their communities through the good works of their charitable foundations.
"McB and Major Ed will bring an important message about the beauty of human kindness, perseverance and strength to a room full of people who know and understand those elements of the human spirit,” said Kile. “McMahon, White, Kelly, and the late Stabler represent these characteristics in their greatness. It will be a grand time to blend these men from so many walks of life into a single evening of celebration."
Retired Navy Seal Darren McBurnett
Darren McBurnett (SEAL) Ret. is a combat veteran and diverse, multi-faceted operator. As a SEAL platoon leader and senior enlisted advisor, he deployed numerous times into combat zones in four U.S. operational theaters. He participated in Operation Iraq Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Kosovo crisis, Liberia, and Operation Inherent Resolve. With a 24-year career as a United States Navy SEAL, he trained and operated with multiple SEAL teams to include SEAL Team Two, SEAL Team Four, SEAL Team Eight, SEAL Team One, SEAL Team Three, and SDV (SEAL Delivery Vehicle). He also developed military free fall courses of instruction for Advanced SEAL Tactical Operations Command and John F. Kennedy Army Special Forces Operational Command, training over 400 U.S. special forces operators from all four military branches of service. He spent two years deployed in the Middle East with a Joint Special Operations Task Force working with U.S. SOF in support of all U.S. engagements in the region. He was a member of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team and an instructor at the Naval Special Warfare Basic Underwater Demolition School. Throughout his distinguished Naval service, he received 49 individual, unit, and campaign honors, including a Bronze Star. Read more on Darren in the attached bio.
Retired U.S. Army Major Ed Pulido
Major Ed Pulido, U.S. Army (Ret.) is the Sr. VP of the Folds of Honor Foundation a Veteran’s charity which provides the spouses and children of the fallen and wounded educational scholarships. Additionally, he is a Founding member of Warriors for Freedom Foundation a leadership institute focused on the mental, physical and wellness support of our wounded Veterans and their families. He is the spokesperson for AROGA Health. Finally, Major Ed is the Founder of Warrior Nation, a movement focused on the rights of liberty, freedom and patriotism with an autobiography entitled Warrior for Freedom: Challenge, Triumph and Change, the Major Ed Pulido Story. Read more on Darren in the attached bio.
To purchase tickets to the 2018 Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, visit: https://bit.ly/2IQIgTG. For more information about the National Quarterback Club, visit: www.nationalqbclub.com. A limited number of media credentials can be reserved by emailing info@gcsgridiron.com.
About the National Quarterback Club
The National Quarterback Club is guided by a comprehensive mission, a clear vision, and consistent values. Through its various award programs, the club recognizes outstanding athletes for their qualities and achievements on and off the playing field, and serves as a model for comprehensive excellence in athletic achievement, academic success, and greater social affinity.
In 1985, the National Quarterback Club began a tradition of hosting annual fundraising events to honor the National Quarterback of the Year recipients. Annual awards dinners have been hosted in great sports cities such as Washington D.C., Miami, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Green Bay, Denver, St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Houston.
The National Quarterback Club was founded as a non-profit organization by long-time sports advocate, Robert J. Goeghan. The group initially served as a social sports organization specifically hosting the annual luncheons for his hometown team, the Washington Redskins. In 1985, celebrating its 20th year of continuous support, he expanded the reach of the club to create the National Quarterback Club to bring national attention to the top quarterbacks from professional, collegiate and high school ranks.
About Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club
The Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club is the steward of the Ed Doherty Award and is the most meaningful advocate of high school football in the State of Arizona. The mission of the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club is to represent Arizona amateur athletics by bringing national attention to the extraordinary qualities of our young people and serve in the pursuit of athletic achievement, academic advancement and greater social affinity.