Decorated Combat Veteran; Actor Known for "The Outpost" & "Poker Face"; Author of "Rise: A Soldier, a Dream and a Promise Kept"

Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Daniel Rodriguez Biography

Daniel Ray Rodriguez is a combat veteran whose life story spans military service, college football, authorship, and acting. Rodriguez served 15 months in Iraq before deploying to Afghanistan, where he participated in the Battle of Kamdesh. For his actions, he received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device. After returning home, Rodriguez faced psychological challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse.

Motivated by a promise to a fallen friend, Rodriguez committed to changing his life. While unemployed and managing PTSD, he shared a video of his training efforts online, which gained significant attention. This led to his recruitment as a wide receiver for the Clemson University football team. Rodriguez received the Armed Forces Merit Award from the Football Writers Association of America and the American Hero Award from the Walter Camp Foundation. He later joined the St. Louis Rams.

During his time with the Tigers, Rodriguez published the autobiography "Rise: A Soldier, A Dream and a Promise Kept," chronicling his journey from Kamdesh to Clemson. The book appeared on the New York Times best-selling sports books list and established Rodriguez as an author and public speaker on topics such as resilience, military service, and mental health.

Rodriguez has also pursued an acting career, appearing in productions including "The Outpost," "Poker Face," and "Medal of Honor." His filmography includes "The Creator," "Air Force One Down," "Hard Home," and "Risqué." In "The Outpost," Rodriguez portrayed himself, drawing on his real-life experiences. In addition to acting, he performs as an independent recording artist under the name Danny del Ray. Rodriguez's career encompasses military service, sports, literature, public speaking, and entertainment, contributing to ongoing conversations about veterans, mental health, and personal transformation.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/29/2026.

Daniel Rodriguez Speaking Topics

  • Determination, Grit, and Perseverance: The Journey from Kamdesh to Clemson

    Daniel Rodriguez shares the unforgettable story of how he survived one of the bloodiest battles in Afghanistan and lived to pursue his dream of playing college football. Never asking for a handout, only a chance, he reminds audiences what it means to take control and work to succeed. With grit, determination, and the power of social media, he inspires audiences to tap into their potential and work to make their lives meaningful. An emotionally-moving storyteller, he shares how he found his way out of darkness and accomplished his unlikely dream, coming back from the edge of war in order to honor his friend’s life and create a new one for himself. This powerful keynote resonates with anyone who has ever fought for what they wanted.

Daniel Rodriguez Videos

Today, I'm Brave Speaker Series III - Daniel Rodriguez

Today, I'm Brave Speaker Series III - Daniel Rodriguez

Daniel Rodriguez encourages us to push through the challenges in our lives to dream big, set goals and stay driven. He fought in the infamous ...

Meet 2015 Veteran Leadership Honoree Daniel Rodriguez

Meet 2015 Veteran Leadership Honoree Daniel Rodriguez

Meet 2015 Veteran Leadership Honoree Daniel Rodriguez. We were proud to honor this Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient and Clemson University...

  • How do I book Daniel Rodriguez to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Daniel Rodriguez 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 Daniel Rodriguez, 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 Daniel Rodriguez or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Daniel Rodriguez

    Speaking fees for Daniel Rodriguez, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Daniel Rodriguez are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Daniel Rodriguez, 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 Daniel Rodriguez speak about?

    Daniel Rodriguez is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include College, Football, Leadership, Military, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Sports Motivation, Veterans, World Affairs
  • Where does Daniel Rodriguez travel from?

    Daniel Rodriguez generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, 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 Daniel Rodriguez’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Daniel Rodriguez 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 Daniel Rodriguez for your next private or corporate function.
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Daniel Rodriguez is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Determination, Grit, and Perseverance: The Journey from Kamdesh to Clemson. The estimated speaking fee range to book Daniel Rodriguez for your event is available upon request. Daniel Rodriguez generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Rocky Bleier, J.R. Martinez, Tom Voss, Nate Boyer and Jason Redman. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Daniel Rodriguez for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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