Leland Melvin graduated from college in 1986. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions. He also played with the Dallas Cowboys.
After a three-year NFL career he went to work for NASA. In 1998 he became an astronaut and flew on two space shuttle missions to the International Space Station: STS 122 and STS 129. He then became the associate administrator of NASA's Office of Education until he retired from NASA in 2014.
Listen to how Leland Melvin describes race relations and social justice.
I am amazed I have never heard of him, I think I have seen him but it was in passing like in a collage of Black astronauts. His story of going from college, to the NFL and then becoming an astronaut is so amazing and what you picture the trajectory of most former NFL players. However after listening to him, his childhood and upbringing, education was very important in his household and he loved science from childhood. Hearing that it is not a surprise he ended up at NASA. It reminded me of my grandfather when he spoke of the bread truck, bringing something home and transforming it. His reflection of the talk with his parents about the police and how one encounter could have changed his life for the worse, just like his exposure and nurturing by his parents allowed his talents to flourish.
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DeleteI completely agree with your opinion and judgment about Leland Melvin. Being a African American and being an NFL player, then becoming an astronaut was a miracle. I have confirmed many of my friends changing careers so quickly. However, the change from a sport to an astronaut is staggering. In the video above, he presented the life, childhood, growth, and educational background he is enjoying.
DeleteAs you can see, he has a passion for science since childhood. Maybe because African-Americans' social judgment still exists, so many other black Americans have chosen sports for their career. Nevertheless, his passions are limitless. He chose to study and pursue and donate to American science. Leland Melvin is an image for people who cross the boundaries of races and live their dreams. Thank you for the relevant look.