UW-RF Home > Public Affairs Home > This Month's News Releases

Public Affairs

For more information contact mark.a.kinders@uwrf.edu or brenda.k.bredahl@uwrf.edu.

Pro Football Player Shares His Story

APRIL 14, 2006--Former NFL defensive lineman Esera Tuaolo will visit the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on April 25 at 8 p.m. in the North Hall Auditorium to share his personal experience of being a gay player in the hyper-masculine culture of pro football. Through his presentation, “Creating a World of Tolerance,” Tuaolo hopes to inspire individuals to speak the truth without fear of intimidation.

For nine years, Tuaolo played on five NFL teams including the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. In 1999, he played in the Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons. Tuaolo felt that he needed to hide his sexuality, which eventually led him to drink excessively and to contemplate suicide. After retirement, Tuaolo decided to speak out, resulting in a powerful and inspirational story.

Cost is free for students, $3 for age 18 and under and $5 for the public. For more information contact the UW-RF student leadership center at 715-425-4911 or http://www.uwrf.edu/leadership/welcome.html. For more information about Tuaolo, visit www.eseratuaolo.com.

The UW-RF Performing Arts Committee and the Diversity Awareness committee of the Leadership Development and Programming Board sponsor the Wyman Series. Funding for the series is provided by student fees, which are allocated to various student organizations and committees for the productions.

-30-

Last updated: Wednesday, 19-Apr-2006 16:46:09 CDT