joe rhea

TOPICS -  • Adversity • Awareness • Disability

 • Inspirational • Leadership • Mental Health

• Motivation

jor rhea - PROGRAMS

  • “Bars, Cars, & Catastrophes,”
  • underscores the devastating impact of poor decisions—especially impaired driving and risk-taking—while promoting proactive habits that enhance safety, focus, and performance in high-stakes corporate settings


  • When Life Knocks The Hell Out of You-Beat The Odds
  • Shares my journey through the emotional and physical journey to recovery and the most important lessons I learned



  • Overcoming Adversity-Bring Out Your Inner Athlete
  • Being the best version of yourself you can

"Our staff and team were touched by your story and by your inspirational message. Your story is a shinning example that serves as a reminder to all of us to welcome every day with the belief and desire to make a difference, and to focus our efforts on being the best that we can be."

-Bill Self, Head Coach, KU Men's Basketball

"This September 2022, we had the honor of inviting Joe Rhea back once again to speak to our student athletes. Joe has spoken to eastern Illinois athletes tour times now. and every time Joe always leaves us floored with his ability to be able to captivate the room and keep college age students enthralled and enamored with what he says. His story is amazing and his ability to convey that story is even more impressive. This year we asked Joe to speak on the very important subject of mental health, and I've had several athletes come up to me since Joe left to tell me just how much they appreciated us bringing loe in and how much it meant to them. I even had a student email me the weekend after Joe speak to request his contact information. I reached out to Joe immediately and he quickly responded that he shares his contact information with anyone that wants it. So it is with great appreciation for Joe that I highly recommend Joe Rhea to you and any audience that wants a speaker to come in to motivate, inspire and lead. I know Joe will do for you what he did for us."

-Cindy Almon, Assistant AD for Academy Services, Eastern Illinois University

joe rhea - Biography

Joe Rhea is a highly sought-after speaker and resilience expert who captivates audiences with his remarkable story of overcoming catastrophic adversity. In 1984, at age 14, Joe suffered a broken neck during a football practice, resulting in paralysis from the neck down. Doctors said he may never walk again. Through relentless determination, mental toughness, and wise decision-making, Joe defied the odds—he learned to walk, run, snow ski, and play golf, while building a meaningful life as a speaker, father, and advocate.


As author of When Life Knocks The Hell Out of You: Beat The Odds, Joe delivers authentic, high-impact keynotes tailored for professional audiences. His presentations emphasize resilience, grit, goal-setting, leadership in adversity, and making smart choices under pressure—vital for thriving in demanding business environments. Drawing from his own battles with depression and post-traumatic challenges, he addresses mental health candidly, equipping teams to build psychological strength, prevent burnout, and convert obstacles into opportunities.


In 2020, Joe received the inaugural Honorary ESPY Award for Perseverance in Kansas City (presented by ESPN and local partners), recognizing his extraordinary spirit and inspirational influence. He partners with organizations like the Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation to amplify his message.


With over two decades of speaking, Joe Rhea energizes audiences with his genuine, high-energy style—leaving them motivated, resilient, and prepared to beat the odds in their professional and personal lives.

"I have know Joe Rhea for a long time. Even before the first time I saw Joe speak professionally he was on of my youngest and biggest fans.


Then one day I received an invitation to attend a tribute event hosted by the Olathe Public Schools. I was a guest for their "Kindest Kansas Citian Award Banquet." I learned that one of my youngest and biggest fans, Joe Rhea, was the keynote speaker.


Joe was a dynamic speaker and held the audience's full attention as he described his journey of overcoming his devastating football injury. It was at this presentation where I learned how much I had influenced Joe's life. I met Joe when he was 8 hears old. The Kansas City Royals would often have us appear at public events. It was at one of these events where I met Joe, had dinner with him and his family, and then attended his Cub Scout meeting. It seemed like yesterday when I heard Joe retell the story.


Joe's story is truly inspiring and motivational. His overcoming such tremendous odds and building a successful life and carrer is a testament to his character. I would recommend Joe to any corporation or college that is looking for a speaker that can challenge them to be the best they can be. As a speaker myself, I know when someone has the ability to make a difference in the lives of theri audience. Joe is without a doubt one of those speakers. I am grateful for the opportunity to know Joe and to hear him speak. I couldn't even imagine where my career would be today if I had to endure what joe did at such a young age.It i with great honor that I recommend Joe Rhea."

- Frank White, Jr., Kansas City Royals Hall of Face Second Baseman, 8x Gold Glove Winner, ALCS MVP, 5x All-Star

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joe rhea - MEDIA

"When Life Knocks The Hell Out of You: Beat The Odds"
After a paralyzing football injury in his teens, Joe Rhea's dreams of becoming a professional athlete were not to be, except in memory. The agony of physical and emotional pain in the following years held him hostage until he forged a new path to new dreams and a career as a writer and acclaimed motivational speaker. Inspiring you to triumph over life's unexpected traumas and trying times. A sports story for moms, dads, coaches and kids. 2020 ESPY Winner for Excellence in Sports Performance Award for Perseverance.