From Super Bowl Champion to Music Mogul: Bryant McKinnie
As a man of many talents, Bryant McKinnie isn’t new to the Grind he is True to it in every sense of the word. The 2012 Super Bowl Champion, is a solid fixture in both the sports and music industries. McKinnie, mostly recognized for his unrivaled contributions as an offensive lineman to the University of Miami Hurricanes, NFL Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins football teams. First noticed for his athletic ability at Woodbury High School in his hometown of Woodbury, New Jersey; McKinnie played Defensive lineman for the Thundering Herd football team, lettered twice in track & field competing in the 400 meters, shot put, and discus events.
Recently on my radar during his appearance on America’s Got Talent as a member of The Players Choir. Bryant took to the stage to perform Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ in front of a sold-out crowd and the judges we have grown to love. As Bryant continues to move in multiple realms, I had the opportunity to go beyond the Industry Hustle and talk to the mogul himself. A conversation that covers a multitude of ventures, take a listen as Bryant McKinnie talks about the Music, the Podcasts, as well as What’s Next in the near future.
Bryant McKinnie on Social Media
Instagram / Twitter / Facebook
At the age of 19, McKinnie transferred from Lackawanna Junior College, on a full scholarship, to attend the University of Miami; the place providing the platform for the world to fall in love with the 6-foot 8-inch football sensation. While as a Hurricane, McKinnie was a First Team All American, First Team All-Big East for 2000-2001, an Outland Trophy Recipient, a Jim Parker Award Recipient, finished 8th overall for the Heisman Trophy, named CNN Sports Illustrated “Player of The Year”, and deemed the key part in securing the 2001 National Championship for the Miami Hurricanes.
McKinnie was the Minnesota Vikings’ seventh overall NFL draft pick in 2002. He started every game from 2003 to 2007, earning him a consecutive game starting streak. His remarkable record paved the way for his first selection to the NFL Pro Bowl following the 2009 season; however, injuries and illness prevented his participation. In the summer of 2011, McKinnie was placed on the Vikings’ injury list and then traded to the Baltimore Ravens. He was the left tackle every play during the Raven’s 2012-13 NFL Playoffs that would aid the team in winning the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl XLVII Championship against the San Francisco 49ers. He also received the high honor of being inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame that year. McKinnie went on to finish his NFL career in Florida, playing for the Miami Dolphins.
McKinnie has an immense passion for service and gives back to his direct communities. Through initiatives such as “operation turkey” which is held on Thanksgiving Day, to sponsoring less fortunate high school students for their senior prom and spearheading a celebrity basketball game to benefit Breast Cancer research. His philanthropic spirit has helped to build schools and wells in Uganda, Africa teaming up with Pros 4 Africa. McKinnie hosted a star-studded fundraiser to benefit Laureus Sport for Good Foundation; an organization started by Dr. Nelson Mandela that aids children in need worldwide through the positive power of sport.
Today, McKinnie owns a record label, BMajor Music Group, and is the Founder and President of BMajor Foundation—Dedicated to empowering Single Parent Households, by promoting fitness and healthy living, and addressing mental health awareness and social needs.
McKinnie is also known as an influencer to many of the brands and businesses. He has a vast professional and social network, having strong relationships with mega stars in sports, entertainment, corporate, technology, collegiate, and the fashion world.
McKinnie enjoys hosting two weekly podcasts, Bleav in Vikings with Host Dustin Baker, Raun & Sally, discussing topics weekly about the Minnesota Vikings. Mac and Meeka Live with co-host & Basketball Wives Reality Star Meeka Claxton, discussing sports, trending topics, and relationships.
McKinnie is also the Chief Operating Officer of Letz Chat which offers real-time language translation solutions geared towards your specific business needs for outreach and communication providing over a hundred languages. He also has a strong relationship with partner Comcast and has participated for Letz Chat in the Comcast NBC Sports Tech Accelerator Program.
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