Former NFL player Reggie Rivers – now a journalist, author and motivational speaker – will deliver the lecture “The Business of Football: Leadership Strategies from the NFL” at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in Andersen Hall, Room 15.

The free, public lecture is the keynote address in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications’ Hearst Speaker Series on Diversity and Modern Media. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

As a media personality and business owner with a history in newspapers, radio and television, Rivers has plenty of advice to offer journalism students and others interested in the field.

Rivers received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and his master’s degree in global studies from the University of Denver.

He played running back for Southwest Texas State on a full athletic scholarship, racking up 2,500 career yards and being named to four All-American teams. He played for the Denver Broncos from 1991 to 1996, earning several team honors.

Rivers began working for Denver radio station KOA during his NFL career. He has been a columnist for the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post, and hosted a talk show on Denver radio station KHOW from 1997 to 2002. Since 2006, he has been the weekend sports anchor for Denver TV station KCNC.

Rivers is also the author of five books, including the award-winning novel “The Colony: A Political Tale.”