24TH ANNUAL SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION HOSTED BY WILLIE MOORE, JR. SCORES BIG
PHOENIX, AZ -- The 2023 Super Bowl Soulful Celebration was a night of uplifting performances, unique tributes, and words of encouragement by NFL players Demario Davis (New Orleans Saints), Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles), and hosted by syndicated radio personality Willie Moore, Jr.
One of Gospel music's prolific artists, Tye Tribbett, kicked off the show with "Get Up" & "We Gon Be Alright,” which brought the audience to its feet. Grammy-winning contemporary gospel artist Israel Houghton set the atmosphere by performing "You Are Good" and "Moving Forward.” The powerhouse gospel music artist Kierra Sheard-Kelly took the audience higher with "Something Has To Break" and a spirited collaboration of her song "Miracles" with the Players Choir. Comprised of current and former NFL Players, the choir celebrated their 15th milestone year in the same city where they first performed together as a group back in 2008. Other players making appearances include Kelvin Beachum of the Arizona Cardinals and Justin Herron of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The legendary Patti LaBelle closed out the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration by performing her signature hits “Something Special (Is Gonna Happen Tonight),” “If Only You Knew,” and more, which kept the audience on its feet, dancing and inspired.
This year's honoree Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback, Jalen Hurts, received the "Faith In Action" award, which honors current and former NFL Players making an impact in their communities and the lives of others off the field. Nicole Lynn, Hurts' sports agent and the first black woman to represent a National Football Leaguedraft pick, serves as the president of football operations for Klutch Sports Group and accepted the award on Jalen’s behalf.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration brings together NFL players, gospel and contemporary Christian performers, comedy, and award-winning musicians on one stage for a spectacular show filled with song, hop, laughter, and uplifting messages of inspiration. Produced by Melanie Few, the only woman and person of color, and an NFL-sanctioned event during Super Bowl week.
Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture, formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC), is founded and executive produced by Atlanta-based marketing consultant Melanie Few. Conceived in 1999 as a gospel brunch in Miami, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration continues as the only multicultural program and inspirational event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend. The annual event joins together key NFL Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian and mainstream GRAMMY® Award winning artists, and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of uplifting music, laughter, and inspirational messages.
In addition to uplifting and inspiring audiences with musical tributes, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration honors current and former NFL players making an impact in their communities, and in the lives of others off the field. This year's honoree is Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts. Previous special honorees include Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, Tim Brown, Russell Wilson, Tony Dungy and Troy Vincent, among others.
"I'm truly honored to receive the 'Faith in Action' award just because I know how much faith that it's taken -- faith and work and belief, courage and perseverance; being steadfast throughout everything," said Hurts in a pre-recorded video message.
"The beautiful part is it's just the beginning of it and everyday I get the opportunity to dictate how the story goes and that's something I embrace; that I enjoy. I find it thrilling in being able to determine my own destiny; be the master of my own fate. So, I'm blessed to receive the award. I'm blessed to represent the Philadelphia Eagles and my community, and really blessed to have the opportunity to, whoever is watching this, to encourage them to keep going in whatever they're chasing too. So, it's all an honor. "
Nicole Lynn, Hurts' sports agent and the first Black woman to represent a National Football League draft pick, serves as the President of Football Operations for Klutch Sports Group and accepted the award on Jalen’s behalf.
