Graduation season is a time of celebration, reflection, and inspiration. Over the years, many legendary athletes have taken the stage as commencement speakers, sharing their unique perspectives and life lessons. Here are some of the most memorable speeches from the world of sports.

A.J. Brown, Ole Miss, 2025

Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown returned to his alma mater, Ole Miss, to deliver a powerful speech. He emphasized three key principles: running your own route, self-awareness as a form of leadership, and thinking bigger than today. His humorous take on the pressure of impressing everyone from professors to group chats resonated deeply with graduates.

Key Quote: "Success isn't owned. It's rented, and rent is due every single day."

Rob Hale, UMass, 2023

Boston Celtics co-owner Rob Hale spoke about resilience and the importance of bouncing back from failure. He shared personal stories of his business challenges and encouraged graduates to take risks. Hale’s generous gesture of giving each student $1,000, with the instruction to gift half to someone in need, left a lasting impact.

Key Quote: "It's okay to fail. Don't let the fear of failure define you."

CJ McCollum, Lehigh, 2023

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum highlighted the importance of intentionality and adaptability. He spoke about how adversity can be a catalyst for growth, sharing his own journey from being denied a starting position to breaking school records.

Key Quote: "Successful people are intentional people."

Allyson Felix, USC, 2022

Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix spoke about finding her voice and standing up for herself, especially in the face of inequality. Her story of fighting for a new sponsorship deal while pregnant inspired graduates to advocate for change.

Key Quote: "Your voice has power, and you have to use your voice, even if it shakes."

Jay Wright, Villanova University, 2022

Former Villanova basketball coach Jay Wright shared stories of determination and resilience, drawing parallels between his coaching philosophy and life lessons. His speech was a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork.

Key Quote: "Your determination, resiliency, and fortitude will go down in history."

LeBron James & Megan Rapinoe, Graduate Together Special, 2020

LeBron James and Megan Rapinoe addressed the Class of 2020, a generation defined by the challenges of the pandemic and social injustices. Their messages of resilience and community building were both timely and timeless.

Key Quote (Rapinoe): "Demand better together." Key Quote (James): "Pursue every ambition, go as far as you can possibly dream."

Sabrina Ionescu, University of Oregon, 2020

Sabrina Ionescu, one of the most decorated college basketball players, spoke about moving forward despite setbacks. Her half-court shot during the speech became a symbol of aiming high and never giving up.

Key Quote: "If you are passionate about something, tell the world."

Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech University, 2020

Fresh off his Super Bowl win, Patrick Mahomes encouraged graduates to chase their own 'Super Bowl' in life. His message of perseverance and determination was both motivational and relatable.

Key Quote: "As Red Raiders, we're built to persevere."

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Drew University, 2016

Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar called for a reimagining of the American dream, urging graduates to prioritize their own values and redefine success on their own terms.

Key Quote: "Each generation must customize the American dream to fit their own circumstances."

Muhammad Ali, Harvard University, 1975

Muhammad Ali’s speech was a masterclass in humility and compassion. He spoke about the importance of love and selflessness, leaving a lasting impression on the Harvard Class of 1975.

Key Quote: "The first and most important thing that we all must try to understand is the cultivating of the heart quality."

These speeches, delivered by some of the greatest athletes of all time, offer timeless wisdom and inspiration for graduates and non-graduates alike. Their messages of resilience, determination, and compassion continue to resonate, proving that the lessons learned on the field can indeed translate to life beyond the game.