Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek’s network of contributorsJon Dorenbos is the self-proclaimed “happiest dude” he’s ever met. And the Philadelphia Eagles alum-turned-magician has overcome a lot in his 44 years of life to feel that way.When looking over the resume of the two-time Pro Bowler, it may seem like the accomplishments of several different people. Dorenbos could only be described as a modern-day Renaissance Man: someone who has followed his heart and talents from the football field to the world stage as a sought-after keynote speaker. In between, he has forged a path as a mentor and guide, harnessing the power of overcoming past pain and adversity to help others find their own strength.”I am a life person. I’ve been through a lot in my life. I think I’ve overcome some things, but more importantly, I’m happy,” he told Rob Stott on the Independent Thinking Podcast.For Dorenbos, his childhood was marked by tragedy — his father murdered his mother when Dorenbos was 12 years old. After entering the foster care system, Dorenbos discovered the transformative power of magic. “I used it as a means to escape my reality,” he said.
NFL alum Jon Dorenbos.
NFL alum Jon Dorenbos.
Jon Dorenbos
But it was going through therapy as a child that truly changed his life — remembering one specific instance that the America’s Got Talent alum called his “aha moment.””I remember a moment where my therapist said something and my answer was … I shouldn’t have said it. And I remember the moment I looked up and he didn’t care,” Dorenbos recalled. “And he goes, ‘Good for you. … If that’s how you feel, good for you.’ He goes, ‘Jon, I’m not here to judge you. I don’t care what your thoughts are, I just want to get you to understand them, to feel them, and then to express them and say them, whatever it is, there’s no wrong answer in this room.”The NFL alum utilizes the mindset he gained from therapy as a tool to his happiness today — both professionally and personally.”It doesn’t matter what business you’re in … if you’re at peace within yourself, if you’re at peace at home, if you can find happiness, if you can have moments in time not define who you are, rather refine who you are, when bad things can happen, can you take those and find motivation in defeat?” he explained on the podcast. “Can you choose to live in vision, not in circumstance? Can you choose to not make excuses?”
Jon Dorenbos announces the Philadelphia Eagles’ 83rd overall pick during round three of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 29, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jon Dorenbos announces the Philadelphia Eagles’ 83rd overall pick during round three of the 2022 NFL Draft on April 29, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
David Becker/Getty Images
“When you do all these things, that is a message of life,” he explained. And to me, if you can take these things … come to terms of your reality, find forgiveness, and when that happens, a piece of your soul opens that you see hope and happiness. And that’s the direction you go.”Dorenbos’ memoir, Life Is Magic: My Inspiring Journey From Tragedy to Self-Discovery chronicles this outlook on life, as well as his deeply personal revelations alongside his public triumphs.In his post-NFL career, Dorenbos has traveled the world as a keynote speaker, hired by Fortune 500 companies and large associations. He has headlined a Cirque Du Soleil production show in Las Vegas, works with Tony Robbins, and does many entertaining speaking engagements each year.
