Danny Kanell
College Football Analyst, ESPN Networks
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Danny Kanell
Biography
Danny Kanell is a college football analyst for ESPN networks and co-host of the weekday ESPN Radio program Russillo & Kanell. He joined ESPN in 2010 as a college football game and studio analyst, primarily on ESPNU, and currently works ESPN's Thursday, Friday and Saturday studio coverage. He previously called the ABC Saturday afternoon college football game, in addition to ESPN's Friday night game telecasts. He also served as an analyst for the College World Series Regional and Super Regional games on ESPNU.
On August 31, 2015, ESPN Radio launched the weekday afternoon (1 - 4 p.m. ET, simulcast on ESPNEWS) program, Russillo & Kanell, hosted by Kanell and longtime ESPN Radio voice Ryen Russillo. Prior to this, Kanell had been a frequent contributor to various ESPN Radio programs including SVP & Russillo, Mike & Mike and more.
In 2012 Kanell was one of three hosts on ESPNU's late-night entertainment show UNITE. Prior to joining ESPN, Kanell was an NFL and college football analyst for WQAM Miami and CBS4 Miami.
Kanell's athletic expertise spans both the collegiate and professional level in multiple sports. After playing quarterback at Florida State for four years, he was drafted into the NFL by the New York Giants in 1996 and also played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Denver Broncos until 2004.
While he played football throughout college, his freshmen and sophomore year Kanell also played baseball for the Seminoles. He was drafted by the New York Yankees after his junior year at Florida State and had been previously drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers while in college. It was his passion for football that eventually lead him to pursue an NFL career first. However, he did break from football in 2001 and returned to baseball, playing in the minor leagues for the Atlantic League's Newark Bears. He played at first base, third base and designated hitter.
Kanell is an active member of the Orange Bowl Committee and the Heart Gallery of Broward County, as well as the Chairman of the Board for Rocketown Florida, a non-profit entertainment facility for youths. A 1996 graduate of Florida State, Kanell was selected as the 1995 ACC Player of the Year and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete. He is a member of the 2008 ACC Football Championship Legends Class and the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame. Kanell was inducted into the Florida State Hall of Fame in 2012.
Danny Kanell
Featured Keynote Programs
Leaders Lead
A lot of people claim to be leaders. But the real leaders are the ones who actually get people to follow. Danny Kanell gives his 4 secrets to getting people to follow you wherever you want them to go. As a major college and NFL quarterback it was Danny Kanell’s job to get his teammates to follow. It wasn’t always easy getting guys motivated but Danny found the keys to maximizing the effort of those around him. Whether on the field or in the workplace these secrets will build a following of people ready to go where you want them to go.
Turning Adversity into Growth
It’s inevitable. At some point things will go off the rails. It’s easy to be positive when things are great. But what happens when things go wrong? When you don’t get that long awaited promotion. When you aren’t able to close that deal. Those are the times when it’s most critical to keep a positive mindset. Having lost on the biggest stages, been cut by 3 different NFL teams, and fired from his dream job, Danny Kanell can speak from experience! But despite all of these seeming failures he has been able to stay positive and live a successful, accomplished life. He’ll give you his keys to personal character growth in the midst of adversity.
Mastering the Comeback
Coming back from the brink of disaster isn’t easy. But Danny Kanell knows from his personal experience that it can be done. He masterminded one of the greatest comebacks in college football history while playing quarterback at Florida State University. With his team trailing 31-3 with only 10 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, Kanell directed 4 touchdown drives to lead his team all the way back from almost certain defeat. More important than the comeback itself were the real life lessons that he took from that historical day
Living a B+ Life
It’s not a grade. It’s a lifestyle.
Being positive is a way of life. It’s something Danny Kanell has chosen to follow. But it’s more than reciting a few cliches when you wake up in the morning. It’s about dealing with people. It’s about how you approach your work. It’s about real life applications that will make you a happier, more productive person. Danny will share his own secrets on how to stay positive through even the toughest of hardships.
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