Join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as they celebrate athletes, coaches and participating communities at the 42nd annual Orange Bowl Prayer Breakfast. Baptist Health South Florida once again will sponsor the prayer breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 29, 7:30 a.m., at Jungle Island.
This year’s breakfast includes a raffle that features exclusive travel and leisure prizes. The breakfast will be emceed by former South Florida television sportscaster Khambrel Marshal and will feature former Florida State University football great Sammie Smith as guest speaker.
Smith was born and raised in Central Florida where he fell in love with football at an early age. While playing at Apopka High School he began a legendary football career and was recruited by FSU under Coach Bobby Bowden. At FSU, he demonstrated his extraordinary talents as a running back and played with football great Deion Sanders.
Smith was drafted in the first round by the Miami Dolphins under Coach Don Shula. As a running back with the Dolphins, he played with Dan Marino and later went on to play for the Denver Broncos with Coach Dan Reeves and John Elway. His NFL career ended when he was injured, and Smith retired from the game he loved.
Following his retirement from football, he made a bad decision that landed him in federal prison where he served several years. There he deepened his faith and accepted his calling to ministry after being released in 2001. For more than a decade, he has been speaking publicly about his experiences and working with student athletes through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He currently lives in Lake County, Florida, with his wife, Shalonda, and their children.
Tickets for the Baptist Health Orange Bowl Prayer Breakfast are $30 each or $500 to sponsor a table of 10. The event is open to the public. For ticket information, call 305-445-1600. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
