Harry F. Sydney III

Harry F. Sydney III is a three-time Super Bowl champion, former NFL player and coach, motivational speaker, and author recognized for his work in leadership, mentorship, and personal development. Sydney played six seasons in the NFL as a running back for the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers after three years in the USFL with the Denver Gold and Memphis Showboats. As a running back with the 49ers, he was a member of the teams that won Super Bowl XXIII and Super Bowl XXIV, and later earned a third Super Bowl ring as the running backs coach for the Packers during their victory in Super Bowl XXXI. Sydney holds the distinction of being the only documented NFL player to have caught touchdown passes from both Joe Montana and Brett Favre.

Sydney's path to professional football included overcoming significant personal challenges, including a childhood marked by abuse, alcoholism, divorce, and prejudice. He has dedicated his post-playing career to helping others navigate adversity and achieve personal growth. During his time with the 49ers, Sydney was an active member of a committee focused on reducing gang violence in San Francisco, collaborating with city leadership to improve community safety. He holds a degree in criminology and juvenile justice from the University of Kansas, which has informed his ongoing work with at-risk youth and men.

Sydney founded the male mentoring program My Brother's Keeper in Green Bay, Wisconsin, which provides mentoring services to help individuals live with integrity, respect, and standards. Through partnerships with the Green Bay Correctional Institution, the Brown County Juvenile Detention Center, and local school districts, Sydney has worked directly with boys and men to teach respect, integrity, responsibility, and goal setting. Since its inception, the program has helped thousands of individuals find success. The organization's name and mission gained national attention when President Obama launched a similarly named initiative to address opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color.

Sydney has extended his influence through sports broadcasting, co-hosting a weekly sports talk radio show for WDUZ The Fan 107.5 FM and 1400 AM in Green Bay. He is also the author of "Win from Within: False Starts, First Downs, and the Power of Second Chances," which explores his journey from a challenging upbringing to professional football, offering insights into resilience, integrity, and determination. The book features a foreword by Joe Montana and has received support from notable NFL figures including Jerry Rice, Brett Favre, and Mike Holmgren. Sydney's career in football, coaching, mentoring, and broadcasting underscores his commitment to personal development, community engagement, and the belief in the power of second chances.