Former NFL Player Cecil Collins Announced as Keynote Speaker for LINC, Inc.’s 25th Anniversary Milestones Gala

**Cecil Collins: A Life of Faith, Football, and Redemption**

Cecil Collins is a man of God whose remarkable journey is defined by resilience, faith, and a passion for youth empowerment. After spending 13 years in prison, Cecil emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, dedicating his life to spreading the message of hope and salvation threw the Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Before his trials, Cecil was a standout athlete. He made history as the first-ever Mr. Football in Louisiana, showcasing his extraordinary talent as a running back. His impressive career continued at LSU, where he left an indelible mark, and later with the Miami Dolphins, earning recognition as a record holder for rushing yards in high school football in the state of Louisiana. Cecil’s inspiring story was captured in the Emmy-winning documentary “Cecil vs. The Diesel,” available on YouTube, which chronicles his journey from the football field to personal challenges and ultimately to spiritual awakening. Now residing near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with his loving wife Elena and son CJ, Cecil is not only a devoted family man but also a passionate coach. He recently led his son’s football team to a Super Bowl victory in the LA Prospects flag football league, instilling the values of teamwork and perseverance in the next generation. In addition to his coaching, Cecil works as an electrician and actively participates in his faith community. He attends Bellfort Church of Christ online and the Healing Place in Baton Rouge, where he shares his love for God, especially with the youth. His mantra, “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light,” reflects his commitment to guiding others on their spiritual journeys. Cecil Collins is a living testament to the power of faith, transformation, and the impact one person can have in their community.

LINC, Inc. is thrilled to announce that Cecil Collins, former LSU standout running back and former Miami Dolphins player, will serve as the keynote speaker for its highly anticipated 25th Anniversary Milestones Gala. This landmark event will be held on Thursday February 20, 2025, at Daniels Hall in Union Station at Cape Fear Community College, celebrating LINC’s remarkable quarter-century journey of empowering individuals and strengthening communities through providing interim housing and wrap-around services for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Cecil Collins, once a promising star on the football field, faced significant challenges that reshaped his life and career. His story of resilience, redemption, and reinvention serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth and change. Following his release from 13 years of incarceration, Collins has dedicated his life to inspiring others through motivational speaking and mentorship, sharing lessons of accountability, perseverance, and hope.

“Cecil Collins’s story aligns perfectly with LINC’s mission to empower individuals to overcome obstacles and build brighter futures,” says Frankie Roberts, Executive Director of LINC, Inc. “His journey reflects the transformative power of second chances and underscores the importance of support systems, values we hold dear at LINC.”

The 25th Anniversary Milestones Gala will not only honor the organization’s legacy of service but also highlight its commitment to fostering inclusive opportunities for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. Proceeds from the event will directly support LINC’s ongoing initiatives.

In addition to Collins’s keynote address, the evening will feature a celebratory dinner presented by Chef Keith Rhodes of Catch Restaurant, beverage service from Mister Bartender Port City, live music from the Darryl Murrill jazz band, and an awards ceremony recognizing M.E.R. Transitional Living Campus graduates, as well as key contributors to LINC’s success over the years.

Event Details:

What: LINC, Inc.’s 25th Anniversary Milestones Gala

When: Thursday, February 20, 2025, 6-8:30pm

Where: Daniels Hall at CFCC, 502 North Front Street

Tickets: Purchase tickets and sponsorship packages online

For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information, or to learn more about LINC, Inc.’s mission, contact Anne Rose, Director of Development and Communications, arose@lincnc.org