Leland Melvin has the best official NASA photo ever. But you know what’s even more amazing? His inspiring story!
After being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1986, Melvin’s football career was cut short due to several injuries. Instead of giving up, Melvin tackled a new challenge: getting into space. He began working for NASA in 1989 and has logged more than 565 hours in space over the course of his career.
If that wasn’t enough, Melvin is the only person–in history–to have been drafted into the NFL and fly in space. But he didn’t make it to the International Space Center because of his football skills.
Melvin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, a Master’s degree in materials science engineering, and four honorary doctorates for his service in education, the sciences and philanthropy.
As a NASA researcher and astronaut, Melvin is passionate about getting kids excited about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education, and has even taken his talents to Sesame Street.
These days, Melvin can be seen on Lifetime’s show, “Child Genius” or speaking about science, photography, technology, and of course, space.
Take a look:
January 30, 2015
Wow, I can’t wait to show this to my 11yr old football and science fanatic son! He won’t feel so odd anymore. He could really have a career path similar to Mr. Melvin. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story.
January 30, 2015
No problem! Super glad we get to share these stories for our boys!
March 11, 2015
Oh, I wish the young people realize nothing is impossible, go for it, what ever you want in life can be yours!!
March 12, 2015
I am so blessed that I found this amazing blog. Leland Melvin is an amazing man, I will carry his legacy in my heart when I begin to feel the pressures of racism. Gotta build up the biographies of the black people who are doing great things so I can have a never ending flow of motivation in my life!