Written by Tanya Terry
The Players Choir was founded to present an exciting opportunity for active and former NFL players to share their faith through song. The Players Choir performed two songs: the classic Bill Withers anthem “Lean on Me” and Justin Timberlake’s chart-topping “Can’t Stop The Feeling” on “America’s Got Talent,” (AGT), the top-rated television variety competition show. Despite the tough elimination they faced in the semi-final round, The Players Choir continues to express optimism about their present and future.
The ensemble appeared in a live show on the “America’s Got Talent” stage August 9.
2012 Super Bowl Champion Bryant McKinnie also talked to the Courier this month about his experience with the Players Choir.
The Players Choir made its debut in 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona at the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, launching with more than 40 active and former players.
“America’s Got Talent” has remained the No. 1 show of the summer for 16 straight seasons.
McKinnie explained how this year for the Player Choir was invited to sing on “America’s Got Talent.”
Melanie Few, founder, executive producer & NFL sanction holder of Results Marketing and Media (RMM), is also the founder of the Players Choir. Few had a discussion with “America’s Got Talent.”
“She asked if some of the guys from the choir wanted to be involved,” McKinnie explained.
McKinnie said the idea “went back and forth,” and ultimately, they decided they “wanted to give it a shot.”
In “America’s Got Talent Season 17,” Flint Native Terry Crews returned as host.
McKinnie described Crews as “a great person,” as well as a former NFL player.
“He kind of knew our journey and had a little insight about us because he comes from a similar background,” McKinnie said. “So, it was great to see him and great to have him showing us support.”
Members of the Players Choir have expressed they enjoy sharing their faith as part of the group.
To McKinnie, being in the Players Choir serves a purpose on multiple levels. He said it allows the public to see NFL players singing and dancing, but it also allows the players to reconnect with other guys who have been on similar journeys.
“We’re able to share with each other how we get through different things.”
McKinnie expressed his desire for the Players Choir to perform in the finals of “America’s Got Talent” as a Wild Card Bid. He said, however, just being able to be on “America’s Got Talent” has allowed people to see there is a Players Choir.
“We’re getting requests to come sing national anthems and perform at different events. So, it kind of opened the door up for other opportunities.”
According to his bio, McKinnie was the Minnesota Vikings’ seventh overall NFL draft pick in 2002. He started every game from 2003 to 2007, earning him a consecutive game starting streak. His remarkable record paved the way for his first selection to the NFL Pro Bowl following the 2009 season; however, injuries and illness prevented his participation. In the summer of 2011, McKinnie was placed on the Vikings’ injury list and then traded to the Baltimore Ravens. He was the left tackle every play during the Raven’s 2012-13 NFL Playoffs that would aid the team in winning the AFC Championship and the Super Bowl XLVII Championship against the San Francisco 49ers. He also received the high honor of being inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame that year. McKinnie went on to finish his NFL career in Florida, playing for the Miami Dolphins.
McKinnie said growing up in the church taught him about being a cheerful giver.
“Giving back helps people and puts them in good spirits.”
McKinnie has his personal foundation, the BMajor Foundation, which specializes in empowering single parent households, by promoting fitness and healthy living, and addressing mental health awareness and social needs. The Players Club also gives back to charity, which includes going to hospitals to sing.
McKinnie said the Players Choir has grown from being a once a year gathering to sing at Super Bowl time.
“It’s growing legs now and becoming a lot bigger.”
