Joe Rhea

5 out of 5

Motivational Resilience Expert & Author; ESPY Award Winner for Perseverance; Lead Speaker, Think First Foundation

Kansas City, MO, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Joe Rhea Biography

Joe Rhea is a Kansas City-based keynote speaker, author, disability activist, and motivation expert known for his compelling comeback story in the field of public speaking. At age 14, Rhea sustained a broken neck on the football field and was paralyzed from the neck down, with doctors initially predicting he would never walk again. His recovery began when he regained some feeling in his left leg, leading to a pivotal decision: to work through significant pain and adversity or face life in a wheelchair. Rhea chose to fight, a choice that shaped his future.

Rhea is no longer in a wheelchair and is able to walk, run, and ski. After several days of paralysis, he gradually learned to walk again and regained about half the strength in his upper body. He remains partially paralyzed in his upper extremities but walks without visible signs of injury. His recovery included challenges with anger, depression, drug use, and disappointment before he found his calling as a motivational speaker. Rhea incorporates these experiences into his presentations, addressing topics such as mental health, resilience, and perseverance.

Rhea has been a leading college athletic speaker, presenting to more than 150 universities and athletic departments. As the lead speaker for the Think First Foundation of Kansas City, a brain and spinal cord injury prevention organization, he has connected with individuals who have survived catastrophic injuries. Over two decades of speaking to athletes, Rhea has shared his journey of overcoming a spinal cord injury and developed presentations on mental health, drug and alcohol awareness, overcoming adversity, and achieving goals. He has also served as a keynote speaker at the National Disability Matters Conference in Charleston, further establishing his role in disability advocacy.

Following his injury, Rhea redirected his aspirations from athletics to a career as a writer and motivational speaker. He authored the book "When Life Knocks the Hell Out of You, Beat the Odds," which explores his perspective on resilience and personal growth. The book is associated with his recognition as the ESPY Winner for Excellence in Sports Performance Award for Perseverance.

Rhea received the First Honorary ESPY Award for Perseverance in Kansas City. He is recognized by audiences ranging from student-athletes to corporate leaders for his impactful storytelling and ability to address emotional and motivational topics. Rhea is frequently invited to speak at student-athlete orientations at major universities, where he is known for engaging presentations and the use of impactful media. His life and work emphasize that defining moments do not have to set limits, and he is committed to sharing that message widely.

BOOK Joe Rhea

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 06/01/2026.

Joe Rhea Speaking Topics

  • ATHLETES WITH DEPRESSION?

    A program that is designed to help today’s college athlete to learn how to deal with mental health issues like depression. As depression is at an all time high in colleges.

  • Drinking and Driving Prevention

    Adveristy Athletics Motivation Inspiration

Joe Rhea Videos

October 27, 2018

October 27, 2018

Joe speaking to the athletes at Kansas University about Depression/Mental Health

  • How do I book Joe Rhea to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Joe Rhea for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Joe Rhea, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Joe Rhea or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Joe Rhea

    Speaking fees for Joe Rhea, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Joe Rhea are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Joe Rhea, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Joe Rhea speak about?

    Joe Rhea is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Athlete, College, Disability, Football, Inspirational, Mental Health, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Resilience, Sports Motivation, Storytelling
  • Where does Joe Rhea travel from?

    Joe Rhea generally travels from Kansas City, MO, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Joe Rhea’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Joe Rhea for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Joe Rhea for your next private or corporate function.
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Joe Rhea is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as ATHLETES WITH DEPRESSION? and Drinking and Driving Prevention. The estimated speaking fee range to book Joe Rhea for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Joe Rhea generally travels from Kansas City, MO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Amy Purdy, Rudy Ruettiger, Rocky Bleier, Jason Romero and Ryan Tannehill. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Joe Rhea for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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