Darren Woodson: NFL Legend
- Highlights:
- Culture
- Empowerment
- Teamwork
- Travels from: Dallas, TX
- **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000
Keynote Topics
Creating Cultures of Excellence
Darren coaches others how to tackle the challenges of leadership, build a winning team, and compete to be the best. He inspires organizations to move beyond the mediocre and to create cultures of excellence by leaving them with the motivation to be a compelled leader.
In Real Estate spaces, he brings his current knowledge and investment of the subject and speaks directly to the challenges you may be facing. Especially in the, “New Normal.”
What are the cultural differences between mediocre teams and winning teams, whether they are in sports or business? In this speech, Darren Woodson (5 time Pro Bowl safety and 3 time NFL Super Bowl Champion with the Dallas Cowboys) describes what leaders must embrace in order to build a culture of excellence with their teams.
Learn how to embrace change, competition, and confrontation within your organization.
Cultures of excellence embrace:
- (hard) change
- (honest) confrontation
- (healthy) competition
- and… individuals with (heartfelt) character
Read Full Bio
A three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Darren Woodson is often recognized as one of the greatest players to wear a Dallas Cowboys uniform.
A native of Phoenix, Woodson played football at Marvale High School as a running back and linebacker. He attended Arizona State University, where he was a converted linebacker for the Sun Devils and earned his Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies.
In the 1992 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Darren Woodson in the second-round (37th overall). Throughout his 12 seasons (1992-2004) with the Cowboys, he earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitters and most ferocious safeties in the NFL.
Woodson retired in 2004 as the Cowboys’ All-Time Leading Tackler with 1,350 career stops and registering career totals of 11 sacks and 23 interceptions. Throughout Darren Woodson NFL career, his dependability, athleticism and aggressiveness helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl Championships (Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII and XXX) – securing him an elite position in the club’s history.
In 2015, Woodson was inducted into the prestigious Cowboys “Ring of Honor.” He was also named to the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame (2009) and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2017).
Upon retiring from the NFL, Woodson joined ESPN as an NFL analyst in 2005. He appeared on “NFL Live” and “SportsCenter” and also participated on the network’s coverage of the Super Bowl, NFL Draft and NFL training camp specials. After 14 years with the network and commuting weekly to Bristol, Connecticut, Woodson announced his retirement in 2019.
Transitioning from the NFL to a post-playing career is not easy for most athletes —but Woodson has found consistent success. In 2017, Woodson joined esrp and bridged his storied football career and entrepreneurial spirit with commercial real estate.
In May of 2022, esrp merged with Cresa, the world’s only global commercial real estate advisory firm that exclusively represents occupiers and specializes in the delivery of fully integrated real estate solutions operating from over 380 offices in 15 territories.
Darren Woodson offices at the Dallas Cowboy World Headquarters – The Star, Cresa’s primary office in the Dallas-Fort Worth region as a Managing Principal and is an active Board member where he is directly involved with the firm’s overall vision, growth, and strategy.
Darren Woodson focuses on locating, developing, and defining business relationships across a variety of industries and markets. He brings his innate leadership skills and passion for creating winning strategies to meet clients’ real estate needs, while delivering a high-level of service. Clients include NTT DATA, Argo Data, ExamSoft and MTX Group.
Beyond his remarkable talents and dedicated leadership, Woodson has made significant contributions to his community and is actively involved with organizations like: Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, C5 Foundation, My Possibilities, Interfaith Housing Coalition, Children’s Cancer Fund of Dallas, Happy Hill Farm Academy, Send a Kid to Camp, Salvation Army, Athletes in Action, DART Safety Team, and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Darren Woodson
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (15)
Rachel Druckenmiller is a dynamic motivational keynote speaker and singer whose mission is to ignite energy, courage, and confidence in individuals and organizations. With a unique blend of authentic storytelling, engaging performance, and practical insights, Rachel captivates audiences and drives them to take inspired action. Her ability to connect on a deeply personal level makes […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Motivational Speakers
- (13)
Colonel Chris Hadfield woke up the world (on Twitter) every day while living aboard the International Space Station for over five months with the words “Good morning, Earth.” Since blasting off from Kazakhstan in December 2012, Hadfield has become a worldwide sensation, harnessing the power of social media to make outer space accessible to millions […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Leadership Speakers
- (14)
Robyn O Brien leverages her expertise to guide businesses of all sizes through the evolving demands of 21st-century consumers. With a profound understanding of the intersection between food, health, and business, Robyn has become a renowned figure globally, reshaping corporate strategies and advocating for a healthier, more sustainable future. Recognized as one of the foremost […]
- Travels from: Boulder, CO
- Business Speakers
- (87)
Ermira “Mira” Murati is an influential Albanian-born engineer, entrepreneur, and one of the most prominent voices in artificial intelligence (AI) today. With a track record of spearheading world-changing AI initiatives, Mira is committed to making advanced AI accessible, ethical, and understandable for the public. In early 2025, she founded Thinking Machines Lab, a public benefit […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (53)
Chef Brian Malarkey is a culinary virtuoso known for his expertise in modern American cuisine. With an illustrious career marked by innovation and creativity, he has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. Malarkey’s unique approach to cooking involves blending diverse flavors and techniques, resulting in dishes that are not only delicious but also […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Chefs Speakers
- (30)
- (4)
Chaunte Lowe, an extraordinary athlete and motivational speaker, is a four-time Olympian and the American record holder in the women’s high jump. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming an icon of resilience and determination is nothing short of inspiring. Known for her tenacity, Chaunte has not only excelled in athletics but also overcome significant […]
- Travels from: Orlando, FL
- Summer Olympians
- (92)
In a world where business leaders are lauded for being cutthroat, Marcus does it all with heart and compassion for the people, process and product he aspires to elevate. But as with many success stories, his road has not always been an easy one. If you or your client is looking for an interactive Business […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Business Speakers
- (43)
Laura Brown in the world of fashion media is renowned for her dynamic leadership as the Editor in Chief of InStyle, one of the foremost authorities in the industry. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Laura has left an indelible mark on the landscape of fashion and media, shaping trends, amplifying voices, and […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Journalism Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
