Clemson football legend Levon Kirkland to speak on new book at Brooks Center

Clemson and NFL football legend Levon Kirkland will speak about his new book, "Run Bonnie Run!" at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, October 22, at 7 p.m.

Kirkland's book is the true story of a young boy, Bonnie, who dreamed of playing football in the NFL, despite never playing on an organized team. The story is based on Kirkland's on life and is intended to inspire children to chase their dreams and overcome challenges, regardless of their background or circumstances.

"We are excited to host one of Clemson's all-time football greats as he shares his story in this new book," said Clemson Libraries Dean Chris Cox. "We hope that his talk will be an inspiration for readers of all ages to follow their dreams and pursue their passions."

Hosted by Clemson Libraries and the Brooks Center, the event is free and open to the public. Click here to register to attend.

A native of Lamar, South Carolina, Kirkland played linebacker for Clemson, earning consensus All-American honors in 1991. He is a member of the Clemson Ring of Honor and Clemson's Hall of Fame, as well as the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1992 NFL draft, he played nine seasons with the Steelers and later played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection and named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.

After his playing career, Kirkland was a linebackers coach for the Florida A&M Rattlers. He returned to Clemson in 2023 and serves as Director of Sophomore Transition and Player Development for the football team. He earned his bachelor's in sociology in 2004 from Clemson and a master's in psychology in 2023 from Grand Canyon University.