2019 CELEBRITY GUESTS An Evening with Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders was born July 16, 1968 in Wichita, Kansas. He is known for his electric running style and ability to make razor sharp cuts on a dime. Barry is widely considered as one of the greatest NFL running backs of all time and holds many records still today for his position. The NFL confirmed his elite status by inducting Sanders into the NFL Hall of Fame on August 8, 2004.
Barry won the Heisman Trophy while playing football for Oklahoma State University in 1988. The Detroit Lions selected Barry with the third overall draft pick in the 1989 NFL draft. Sanders played 10 All Pro seasons in the NFL, all for the Lions, averaging over 1,500 rushing yards per season. Sanders won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award in 1997, rushing for 2,053 yards and 11 touchdowns that year. Sanders left the game just 1,457 yards short of being first place on the list for the NFL all-time rushing record at that time.
Today, Barry’s time is focused on his family, community and charitable projects, and being a top ambassador for the NFL and its partners. In 2013, Barry was featured on the cover of EA Sports Madden 25 anniversary edition, in two TV commercials for both Pepsi and Nissan. He is a timeless icon in professional sports.
NFL Records
- 10 Consecutive Seasons with 1K+ Yards Rushing
- 14 Consecutive Games of 100+ Yards
- Most Seasons 1K+ Yards Rushing – 10 (Tied)
Rushing Stats
- Rushing Yards: 15,269 (currently 3rd all-time)
- Average Yards per Carry: 5.0
- Touchdowns: 99
Receiving Stats
- Total Receptions: 352
- Receiving Yards: 2,921
- Average Yards per Reception: 8.3
- Touchdowns: 10
CELEBRITY MC Jock Climie
Former Montreal Alouette slotback Jock Climie is now in his sixth season as an analyst on TSN’s CFL studio show.
Climie teams up with host Rod Smith and fellow analysts Chris Schultz, Matt Dunigan and Milt Stegall during the pre-game, halftime and post-game shows for TSN’s CFL broadcasts. A 12-year CFL veteran, Climie offers analysis and commentary from a former player’s perspective, breaking down the plays and key match-ups throughout the season.
Climie is an accomplished football player with an abundance of insight and knowledge. His ability to articulate the ins and outs of football as well as his passion for the game has made him a favourite among fans. His enthusiasm and experience complement the other members of the talented and dedicated CFL broadcast team.
Climie, was selected fourth overall by the Toronto Argonauts in the 1990 CFL College Draft and went on to a successful career with the Argos, Ottawa Roughriders and Alouettes. The three-time divisional CFL All-Star retired from the league with 56 touchdowns and 627 receptions (top 10 all-time) for 9,619 yards.
In the offseason he is a partner at Ottawa law firm Emond Harnden in Ottawa.
AUCTIONEER & CO-HOST Stuntman Stu
Stu Schwartz began his career as “Stuntman Stu” doing stunts for an Ottawa rock station in the 90s. His career quickly took off and he became one of Ottawa’s celebrity morning men on MAJIC 100 and master of ceremonies at many events in the Ottawa commuity.
In addition to his morning show, Stu has done weather for CTV Ottawa, announced at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics and was the PA announcer for the Ottawa Senators. His list of clients for his MC and celebrity auctioneer work is vast and varied. Stu works with the United Way, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, CHEO, The Queensway Carleton Hospital, The Ottawa Sens Foundation (for whom he has launched his own wine in support), but to name a few. Stu is a master auctioneer at fund raising events and his confident, classy and quick witted personality make every auction a huge success.
A victim of bullying as a child, in 2011 he created the #NoMoreBullies campaign where he and his morning show visit local schools to speak and educate children about the horrible effects of bullying.
Stu is a proud recipient of a United Way community builder award, Canadian Association of Broadcasters Gold Ribbon award, was named Algonquin College’s top alumni in 2003, and is a recipient of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
In February 2016, Stuntman Stu was diagnosed with Leukemia and began his treatment at The Ottawa Hospital. The diagnosis was one that shocked Stu and the Ottawa community. Since then he has been working with The Ottawa Hospital Foundation to raise funds and awareness about Leukemia and Stem Cell Research.
Previous Celebrity Sports Dinner Hosts and Guests:
Past celebrity guests include:
2018 – Jerome “the Bus” Bettis
2017 – Jerry Rice
2016 – Jim Kelly
2015 – Emmitt Smith
2014 – Mark Messier
2013 – Pete Rose
2012 – Bo Jackson
2011 – Joe Montana
2010 – Dan Marino
2009 – John Elway
2008 – A Tribute to Canadian Hockey Legends:
- Wayne Cashman
- Dale Hawerchuk
- Glenn Anderson
- Billy Smith
- Paul Henderson
- Darryl Sittler
- Peter Mahovlich
- Steve Shutt
- Yvan Cournoyer
- Brad Park
2007 – 15 Years of Ottawa Senators Hockey:
- Jean Beliveau
- Chris Nilan
- Steve Shutt,
- Rick Middleton
- Terry O’Reilly
- Bryan Trottier
- Henri Richard
- Rejean Houle
- Billy Smith
2006 – Legends of Hockey:
- Guy Lafleur
- Yvan Cournoyer
- Brad Park
- Dale Hawerchuk
- Rejean Houle
- Peter Mahovlich
- Gerry Cheevers
2005 – Bobby and Dennis Hull
2004 – Marv Levy
2003 – The Coaches Panel:
- Jacques Martin
- Brian Kilrea
- Joe Paopao