Keynote Named for Hope House's Everyday Hero Luncheon
Christian Okoye, Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame Running Back, also known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” will join Hope House as the keynote speaker at the annual Everyday Hero Luncheon, April 4, 2019, at the Hilton President Kansas City. This Everyday Hero Luncheon recognizes several individuals, organizations and businesses that have made significant contributions to Hope House through time, talent, and resources.
Okoye, the former All-Pro running back grew up in Nigeria. He played soccer until he was 17, and was a sprinter and thrower on his high school track team. After his arrival at Azusa Pacific University in 1982, Christian won seven National Titles in shot put, discus and the hammer, and amassed 17 All American honors in track & field and football.
In 1984, despite having attained marks more than sufficient to qualify, Christian was omitted from his country’s 1984 Olympic team. Frustrated, he abandoned track and field and joined his college football team. Having played football for a mere three years, Christian was drafted in 1987 by the Chiefs in the second round. During his seven seasons in Kansas City, Christian set a number of Chiefs rushing records, including total yards in a season, attempts in a season, touchdowns in a season, attempts in a single game, 100-yard games in a season, and was the first Chiefs running back to rush for 1,000 yards for more than one season.
Christian’s outstanding 1989 season culminated in an array of awards, including Running Back of the Year (101 in Kansas City & NFL Alumni) and First Team All-Pro (2x). The National Football League Players Association voted Christian the American Football Conference MVP, and he received the Mackie award for most touchdowns in the AFC. Christian garnered Most Valuable Player honors from the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Quarterback Club of Washington DC named him the League MVP. Christian received the Courage Award in Baltimore, which was named after Ed Block. Retired in 1993, Christian lives in California and has three 3 children: daughters Tiana and Laylah, and son Kosi. Okoye is now a member of NAIA Track and Field Hall Of Fame, Kansas City Chiefs Hall Of Fame/Ring Of Fame, Missouri State Sports Hall Of Fame and Senior Bowl Hall Of Fame. In 2006, Christian became the President/Founder of the California Sports Hall Of Fame.
Hope House is thrilled to have Christian as the keynote as we celebrate and honor our “everyday heroes”.