Larry Csonka
NFL Legend and Hall of Famer
Even from the beginning it seemed destined that football would become Larry Csonka’s life. Born on December 25, 1946 in Stow, Ohio a husky 9 pound 13 ounce Christmas gift to his parents and a future generation of football fans. By age 16, he already stood 6’3″ and weighed 237 pounds. In 1968, Csonka was…
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Full Bio
Even from the beginning it seemed destined that football would become Larry Csonka’s life. Born on December 25, 1946 in Stow, Ohio a husky 9 pound 13 ounce Christmas gift to his parents and a future generation of football fans. By age 16, he already stood 6’3″ and weighed 237 pounds.
In 1968, Csonka was the Miami Dolphins’ first round draft pick. Csonka and power running became synonymous in the NFL. He charged so tenaciously through defenses that his name became a household word and his nickname, Zonk, became a new American verb. From 1971-1973, he led the Dolphins to three Super Bowl appearances, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors along the way. He and halfback Jim Kiick were affectionately known as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and were mainstays in the Dolphins’ perfect 17-0-0 season in 1972. Csonka earned the MVP award of the Dolphins’ Super Bowl VIII victory over the Minnesota Vikings by rushing 33 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns. In 1973, he was voted Super Athlete of the Year by the Professional Football Writers Association. His long-standing career rushing record for the Dolphins of 6,737 yards stood until 2010.
Csonka’s importance to the game of football was exemplified when he was elected to the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1987. His inclusion in that prestigious group came in only his second year of eligibility.
Larry has continued to work in the “public eye” through national commercial ads including the popular Miller Lite commercials of the late 80’s, numerous celebrity guest appearances on outdoor shows and host of the original popular competition series, American Gladiators from 1990-1993. He and Audrey Bradshaw, currently host and produce the outdoor adventure/travelogue series, “NAPA’s North to Alaska” which airs on the NBC Sports Network every Sunday morning @ 10:30A, EST. This top-rated program showcases adventures in the Last Frontier, its people, culture, wildlife, rich history and Larry’s enthusiasm for outdoor sports and conservation.
Csonka also travels the country visiting various clubs and corporations as a Sports Humor/Motivational Speaker. His speeches are laced with humor and dramatic personal experiences, and have been well received by some of the nation’s top companies. Larry continues his charitable work with the Outdoor Dream Foundation where he assists with fundraising and helping kids with life-threatening and terminal illnesses realize their dream fishing or hunting adventure.
Csonka is an Alaska resident. After residing several years in Anchorage, he and longtime partner, Audrey Bradshaw, are new residents of Wasilla. They also maintain a home in Florida and a farm in Ohio. They are happily owned by their yellow lab, Lace.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Sports Humor/Motivational
Larry opens with an introduction of himself, a little about his background, childhood and family, what led him to the game of football – followed by humorous stories of his life and experiences in the NFL. The motivational focus is on the Dolphins’ 1972 perfect season which required sacrifices, commitment to excellence, and teamwork.
Welcome to the NFL!
The Path to Perfection
The Winning Edge
Videos
NFL's Larry Csonka Speaks About His Childhood
Leadership
Books
News
Testimonials
Larry Csonka certainly made the evening with his entertaining stories and the fact that he stayed around to meet our people. His talk had everyone in stitches. He certainly is one individual we would want to see again.
HomeBase, Inc.
The group Pirelli Cables and Systems North America was ecstatic. Larry was everything I assured them he would be and more.
Pirelli Cables and Systems North America
I want to thank you again for your camaraderie and sharing at our national sales meeting in January. You left the team with very good memories of the evening through stories from your career in football.
Motorola, Inc.
We greatly enjoyed his comments at our most recent annual Marketing Conference with special consideration for the unselfish time spent signing numerous autographs.
NAPA Columbia
Larry was awesome! His keynote was very interesting, engaging, and entertaining. Our audience really enjoyed him.
CA Technologies
I have heard so many comments from our members about how much they enjoyed your presentation… Your accessibility on the show floor was also a big hit with the members and exhibitors.
Safari Club International
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