Malcolm Mitchell

Mitchell Jarod Mitchell is an accomplished author, literacy advocate, and former professional football player with an extraordinary story of resilience, passion, and purpose. A wide receiver for the New England Patriots, Mitchell achieved the pinnacle of professional football by winning Super Bowl LI. His journey began as a standout Under Armour All-American in high school and continued at the University of Georgia (UGA), where he became one of the top ten all-time receivers in school history.

Mitchell’s promising National Football League (NFL) career was cut short due to knee injuries, but his transition from the football field to the world of literacy advocacy has inspired millions. In 2015, he published his first children’s book, "The Magician's Hat," and launched the "Read with Mitchell" initiative, igniting a passion for reading among young people. As the founder and CEO of the Share the Magic Foundation, Mitchell has transformed the literacy landscape by placing books in the hands of over 350,000 young readers and engaging more than 1.3 million students through his innovative programs. His foundation's initiatives, including virtual literacy platforms, are making an enduring impact on Title I schools and under-resourced communities.

Mitchell’s works, including "My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World," have earned him multiple accolades, such as the Children's Author of the Year by the Georgia Writers Association. His inspirational journey has been featured on CBS, ESPN, USA Today, CNN, and in Sports Illustrated Kids, among others. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of literacy, resonating with audiences from classrooms to boardrooms.

Mitchell’s advocacy extends beyond his books and Foundation. He has been recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including the Promise Hero Award from Colin Powell, the Pinnacle Award from the International Dyslexia Association, and the Champion of Children Award. In 2023, he was appointed to the Georgia Council on Literacy, where he works to improve literacy outcomes for students statewide.

Through his keynote speeches and appearances, Mitchell inspires audiences to overcome challenges, embrace the power of learning, and lead with purpose. Whether addressing corporate teams, educators, or students, he combines his experiences as an NFL champion and literacy advocate to deliver powerful messages about determination, leadership, and the transformative potential of reading.

Among his many accolades, Mitchell considers discovering a love of reading one of his greatest achievements -- a passion he continues to share with audiences around the nation.