Honoring Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts as “Faith In Action” Award Recipient, Appearances By Sports Agent Nicole Lynn, NFL Players Donovan McNabb, Demario Davis, Kelvin Beachum, Justin Herron and More.
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 League draft 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.
Jalen Hurts Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Faith In Action” Award Honoree
SBSC SPECIAL HONOREE JALEN HURTS
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.
Mesa hosted big names in soul, gospel music for Soulful Celebration; The annual event is the NFL’s kick-off for a week long series of concerts, events and more.
MESA, Ariz. — Good music, faith and fellowship. On Wednesday evening in Mesa, the Super Bowl Host Committee hosted the 24th annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration featuring the biggest names in gospel, praise and soul music.
In 1999, the Super Bowl Committee designated the annual event to share uplifting and inspirational music preceding Sunday’s Big Game. With its rich historical ties to Black culture and celebration, the concert was a warm and soulful kickoff for the week’s festivities. Amongst the big names in attendance were Patti LaBelle, Tye Tribbett, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, the NFL’s own Player’s Choir and Israel Houghton, who was raised here in the Valley. The event also recognized Eagles’ QB Jalen Hurts as the 2023 ‘Faith in Action’ honoree.
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 evening brings together an ensemble of NFL players, gospel/contemporary Christian performers, comedy and award-winning musicians spanning all genres on one stage for a spectacular show filled with song, hope, laughter and uplifting messages of inspiration. This year’s show-stopping performers include the illustrious Patti LaBelle, joined by host Willie Moore, Jr., Israel Houghton, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Tye Tribbett, The Players Choir, Donovan McNabb, Demario Davis and Nicole Lynn.
MEET THE VISIONARY BEHIND SBSC
Melanie Few, Founder, Executive Producer, and NFL Sanction Holder of Results Marketing and Media (RMM). Melanie is the only female and person of color with an NFL sanctioned event. She also founded the (NFL) Players Choir in 2014, which has become a staple performance at Super Bowl Soulful Celebration. The Players Choir drew national recognition with their fan favorite appearances on “America’s Got Talent” in 2022 and NFL Honors during Super Bowl .
Melanie’s company RMM has partnered with agencies and corporations alike to create, plan and produce over two hundred integrated marketing events, representing more than thirty brands across sixty product categories.
