One third of the dynamic cupcake entrepreneurial team, Bryan Hynson co-founded a Gigi’s Cupcakes franchise with his life-long friends and former NFL standouts, Brian Orakpo and Michael Griffin. The three all met as students at the University of Texas and had always planned on opening up a business together. Hynson runs operations for their cupcake shop, which has proven to be a true gem in the small town of Bee Cave, Texas and has garnered much success both locally and nationally.
Hynson is a distinguished auto lending consultant with extensive notable experience in sales. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Development from The University of Texas at Austin in May of 2008. Hynson’s creativity, leadership prowess, and charisma continue to fuel his impetuses to hone his craft, respectfully listen to the perspectives of others, and lend a helping hand to those in need.
Hynson is a native of Texas City, Texas- a small town right outside of Houston. He currently resides in Austin, Texas.
Two-time Pro-Bowler Michael Griffin’s stellar professional football career spanned 10 seasons in the NFL, including stints with the Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and the Carolina Panthers. Since retiring in 2018, Griffin’s focus has shifted to entrepreneurship, opening up a subsidiary bakery under the Gigi’s Cupcakes franchise outside of his hometown of Austin, Texas with his life-long friends, fellow NFL standout Brian Orakpo and college classmate Bryan Hynson.
Griffin’s dynamic football career can be traced back to his early days as a star athlete at Bowie High School, where he was a two-year starter at running back and also started at defensive back as a senior. He earned numerous accolades at Bowie including honorable mention All-State Class 5A honors on offense and was named Academic All-District and All-Central Texas as a two-way performer in the same year. Griffin also received the District 25-5A Offensive MVP and earned All-District honors as a junior. In addition to football, in high school Griffin also earned two letters in basketball as a guard and forward, and three in track & field, competing in the sprints and mile relays. He also qualified for the Regional track and field meet. Regarded as a four-star recruit, Griffin was the 9th-ranked cornerback recruit in the nation and the 60th player overall in his 2003 class.3
Griffin joined the Longhorns at the University of Texas in 2003 as a true freshman. His college career began strong making a remarkable eight blocked kicks that set a school career record and ranked second in NCAA Division 1-A history. As a senior in 2006, Griffin earned second-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 accolades. Griffin was an honors student in college majoring in youth and community studies before getting drafted as the 19th pick overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Titans. He later received his degree from the University of Texas’ College of Education in May 2017.
Griffin had an incredible 9 seasons with the Tennessee Titans where he made two Pro-Bowls, was a Second-Team All-Pro, and was noted as the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles by a safety with 912. Griffin briefly played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Carolina Panthers before retiring on May 6, 2018, when he signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Tennessee Titans.
Griffin’s magnetic dexterity has served him well throughout the years as a football player, entrepreneur, and most recently the star of a hit Microsoft commercial with his friend and former Titan teammate Brian Orakpo. Griffin resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Shantel and their three children.
Four-time Pro-Bowler Brian Orakpo’s impressive professional football career spanned 10 seasons in the NFL, including stints with the Washington Redskins and the Tennessee Titans. After announcing his retirement following the 2018 season, Orakpo has since emerged as a zealous entrepreneur with a burgeoning television career. He is recognized most recently as a cupcake guru, opening up a Gigi’s Cupcakes franchise in his hometown of Beecave, Texas with his friends, fellow NFL standout Michael Griffin and college classmate Bryan Hynson.
Known as the “workout warrior” from his college days at the University of Texas, Orakpo made an immediate impact for the Longhorns, earning him Defensive Freshman of the Year and first-team Freshman All-America by The Sporting News. Orakpo’s time as a standout collegiate athlete, afforded him many well-deserved accolades such as the Defensive MVP of the 2007 Holiday Bowl, and the Associated Press Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2008. In addition, he was the winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the best defensive player, the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the top defensive end, The Bill Willis Trophy given to the top collegiate defensive lineman, and the Lombardi Award, given to the best lineman or linebacker. He was recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American, after receiving first-team honors from the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He was the first Texas Longhorn defensive end to earn All-American honors since Tony Brackens in 1995.
Orakpo started off his NFL career strong. After being selected by the Washington Redskins as the 13th overall pick in the 2009 draft, Orakpo became the first Redskins’ rookie to make the Pro Bowl since RB/KR Tony Green in 1978. He started in all 16 games as a rookie and recorded 50 combined tackles (37 solo), a career-high 11 sacks, and two pass deflections. While with the Redskins, Orakpo’s endorsement contracts included one he signed in August 2011 with Geico, and he appeared in several commercials with the company’s signature “caveman” spokesperson. Orakpo also appeared in several commercials for Eastern Motors, a D.C. area car dealership. Orakpo had an impressive six seasons with the Redskins before signing with the Tennessee Titans. As a Titan, for four seasons Orakpo started in every single game except three due to an elbow injury, before retiring at the end of 2018.
Orakpo’s charismatic agility and keen instincts have served him well throughout the years as a football player, entrepreneur, and most recently star of a hit Microsoft commercial with his friend and former teammate Michael Griffin. Besides being an unconventional pastry chef running his cupcake business alongside his partners, Orakpo also has his hand in several other business ventures including one with his brother Mike Orakpo. The Orakpo brothers partnered together to launch an app called Athlete Connect, which is positioned to be the Uber of athlete training, serving as a hub in which trainers can connect with athletes seamlessly. Orakpo and his wife Bitura reside in Austin, Texas with their three children.
Ed Mylett grew up in Diamond Bar, CA. as the only boy in the family with three younger sisters. His father was his first example of what it takes to succeed in life.
Ed decided from a very young age that since he would have to work in life, he might as well work for himself and call his own shots. He realized right away that he was not going to spend his life working for someone else and building their dreams. His wife Kristianna, who had been his sweetheart since they were teenagers, shared that same vision of life. Her father was an engineer who worked hard so her mother could stay home with her six children.
Their initial dream was for Ed to play major league baseball, but an injury sidelined any chance he had for professional athletic career. After putting in countless hours of practice and hard work into baseball for so many years, he wasn’t sure what to do next with his life.
While his personal and family life thrived, Ed’s career goals stalled. After several job changes, he came across an exciting, entrepreneurial opportunity in the financial services industry with World Financial Group. During their early years in the business, he and Kristianna faced a number of challenges. Ed was always gone in the evenings calling on people and speaking in meetings, and the couple still was not prospering financially. They also couldn’t spend much time alone, but they still found joy with being in business with each other.
While Ed has always been more concerned with dreaming big and working hard, Kristianna focuses on establishing financial and family security. He finally convinced her that if she would let him work really hard for three to five years, they would have the next 50-60 years to do whatever they wanted to do. Then finally, his consistent dreaming and effort paid off and his business grew and thrived into a nationwide team of associates, which has turned out some of the most inspirational and successful leaders in the industry. Ed and Kristianna went from being a typical young couple struggling financially, to becoming millionaires while still only in their 30’s.
Their business today doesn’t just provide the Mylett family with a tremendous income, but it also allows them to have an incredible lifestyle and the freedom to do whatever they want, when they want.
Today, Ed is one of the premier business leaders, peak performance experts, and motivational speakers in the world. He has a passion for mentoring and coaching others on what it takes to become a champion in all areas of life. He has shared the stage and has very close personal relationships with other business legends such as Tony Robbins, John Maxwell, Phil Knight and many others.
Erin began her career with Fox Sports-Florida South as a freelance reporter and Tampa Bay Lightning reporter for the Sunshine Network. She joined ESPN in May 2004 as a reporter for the network’s National Hockey League coverage and quickly become a fan favorite. Andrews currently reports for FOX Sports’ “A Team FOX NFL Sunday, for sideline coverage and features, a show that records a staggering 56.4 million unique viewers. Andrews earned 3rd place with her dancing partner Maksim Chmerkovkiy on the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars. She later returned to the show as a permanent Co-Host and will wrap her 8th season alongside Tom Bergeron this fall. Her recent notable appearances include her coverage of Super Bowl LI & Super Bowl XLVIII, the 2015 & 2014 World Series and host of FOX’s Prime Time College Football Pregame Show. Erin has become one of the most recognized and respected female sports broadcasters in the industry.
Television host and personality October Gonzalez was recently seen alongside Jamie Foxx on the popular game show “Beat Shazam.” On television, Gonzalez has contributed to a wide range of shows including “E! True Hollywood Story,” “FabLife” and “Play It Forward,” a documentary on Showtime. She has also established herself as a guest host, providing her wit and persona to daily talk shows “The View,” “Entertainment Tonight” and “Rachel Ray.”
Born October Calinda Vegas-Russell, October is married to former NFL pro-bowler and current FOX Sports Analyst Tony Gonzalez. They raise four children together, Nico, Malia, River and Sophia in Los Angeles, CA.
Former Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez currently serves as a FOX Sports studio analyst. Since the 2017 NFL Season, Gonzalez has been a fixture on FOX NFL Kickoff, Fox’s hour-long NFL pregame show preceding FOX NFL Sunday, airing each Sunday at 11:00 AM ET during the NFL season.
Gonzalez started his television career as host of a local Kansas City show. He also is an author of two books, and an entrepreneur, developing multi-media programs that celebrate and advocate sports for children in an educational format. In April 2015, “Play It Forward,” a documentary about Gonzalez and his brother premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was seen on Showtime. Tony can also include actor on his resume, recurring in multiple episodes of NCIS as the character Special Agent Tony Francis, as well as making his feature film debut in the 2017 blockbuster “xXx: Return of Xander Cage” alongside Vin Diesel.
Multi-platinum selling recording artist Wiz Khalifa burst on the scene with mainstream success with the release of his first major label debut, Rolling Papers, in March 2011, which spawned the hugely successful hits “Black and Yellow,” “Roll Up” and “No Sleep.”
He has earned a career total of seven Grammy nominations, including this year’s nods for Best Rap Song (“We Dem Boyz”) and Best Rap Album (BLACC HOLLYWOOD). Other nominated tracks include the chart-topping “Black and Yellow,” 2012’s RIAA platinum-certified “Remember You (Feat. The Weeknd),” 2011’s “Young, Wild & Free (Feat. Bruno Mars),” Wiz’s 3x platinum-certified, top 10 smash partnership with Snoop Dogg (featured on their 2011 collaborative soundtrack, MAC & DEVIN GO TO HIGH SCHOOL), and Maroon 5’s 2012 worldwide hit, “Payphone (Feat. Wiz Khalifa).” Wiz Khalifa’s most recent album, Blacc Hollywood, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart. His current hit, “See You Again,” off the FAST AND FURIOUS soundtrack, catapulted to the top of the charts across 93 countries.
More than just a music powerhouse, Wiz is also a fashion-forward icon and entrepreneur. His Taylor Gang Ent. label and brand recently united with leading active lifestyle brand Neff for a 26-piece apparel collection. They also launched Freshko, a new lifestyle brand co-created by Sketch, a well-known graphic artist from San Francisco. Additional highlights include partnerships with luxury headwear designer Flat Fitty, RAW® rolling paper (www.rawthentic.com), and Converse. For more information please visit www.wizkhalifa.com.
Curt Menefee’s secret to success comes in three steps: you have to work hard, be passionate and enjoy life. Throughout his career, Menefee has achieved all three. After following his passion for sportscasting to major markets like Dallas and New York, Menefee was named the studio host of “FOX NFL Sunday” alongside Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson and Michael Strahan. Not only is Curt the host of the award-winning and most-watched pregame/halftime show in sports, but “The OT” wrap-up show on FOX which he also hosts was the #4 rated property in all of primetime last year. He also hosts UFC on FOX as well as UEFA Champions League on FOX.
Menefee began his broadcasting career during college, juggling schoolwork with a five-day internship schedule at a local station near his alma mater, Coe College. His hard work paid off as he followed his passion for broadcast sports to Jacksonville, Madison, Des Moines and finally Dallas, where he won four Katie Awards, the Texas equivalent of an Emmy, for Best Sportscast and Best Sports Special. He then achieved success in New York City, where he won an Associated Press Award for Best Sports Reporter in New York and became one of the most popular on-air personalities in the city.
In the time since, he has moved up the ranks, filling roles as a radio host and play-by-play caller for FOX’s NFL and NFL Europe League coverage before moving to his current position in 2006. Menefee has also been the play-by-play announcer for Showtime’s ShoBox: The New Generation, the network’s program focused on most promising prospects in boxing. With additional appearances on MLB, UEFA Champions League, and International Boxing Organization broadcasts, Menefee has amassed a list of credentials rivaling anyone in the industry.
Outside the studio, Menefee has compiled quite the collection of passport stamps, as well. Since graduating from college, he has been to all seven continents, nearly 70 countries, and many of the world’s most famous landmarks. With favorite vacation spots including New Zealand and much of South America, Menefee approaches both his life and his career from a truly global perspective.
Pro football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders can currently be seen across several NFL Network television series, including Thursday Night Football, 21st and Prime and NFL Gameday, serving as an analyst for the highly-rated Sunday program. During the football season, Sanders interviews top playmakers and provides pregame, halftime and postgame analysis. An eight-time Pro Bowler, and two-time Super Bowl champion, Sanders played 14 NFL seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens. A two-time All-American at Florida State, Sanders was the first-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons in 1989. He is the only person in professional sports history to play in the World Series and the Super Bowl. A philanthropic at heart, Sanders, alongside Stand Together, launched Prime 5, a $21 million fundraising initiative that will support for-purpose organizations that can empower Dallas residents to transform their lives and find a path out of poverty.
Two-time Emmy winner and Super Bowl Champion Michael Strahan currently co-hosts ABC’s “Good Morning America” and serves as an analyst for “Fox NFL Sunday.” Prior to joining the ranks of the top sports broadcasters in the country, Strahan’s entire 15-year football career was typified by the charisma and sportsmanship that made him a seven-time Pro-Bowler, and one of only four players ever to lead the NFL in sacks for two seasons. His spectacular NFL career resulted in Strahan being named to the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
Partnering with longtime friend Constance Schwartz to form SMAC Entertainment, Strahan brings his skills, determination, leadership, experience and humor to the multi-dimensional talent management, music, branding, and production company. Through SMAC, Strahan executive produces “Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker’s Wild,” an updated version of the classic game show, as well as “Tackle My Ride.” SMAC engineered the launches of Collection and MSX by Michael Strahan, two men’s clothing and accessory lines with J.C. Penney. Dedicated to many charitable works, Strahan donates his hands and heart to numerous charities including St. Jude Children’s hospital, The USO and HELP USA. A father of four, Strahan currently spends his time between New York and Los Angeles.
The Emmy Award-winning, pop-culture phenomenon is re-imagined and better than ever! Hosted by Pro Football Hall-of-Famer and celebrated TV personality Michael Strahan, every episode will have $100,000 up for grabs.
The hottest stars will team up with players from across the country to take on the timeless war of words, racing across the clock to give and guess clues in one of TV’s all-time great word-association games.
From Executive Producer Michael Strahan, Super Bowl Champion LaMarr Woodley and master car builder James Torrez are surprising deserving fans with current NFL players from their city. Watch as NFL fans get their current ride turned into the ultimate fan car.
From Executive Producers Tom Brady, Michael Strahan, and Gotham Chopra comes ‘Religion of Sports’, a docuseries that travels the world to answer the question: why do sports matter?
Executive Produced by Michael Strahan, Play It Forward is a rousing portrait of All-American NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez and his older brother, and wingman, Chris. Over the course of a year- his final in the NFL- future hall-of-famer Tony puts his heart on the line to achieve the one dream that has always eluded him: Superbowl glory. At the same time, Chris, whose own football aspirations were thwarted by an injury, works to realize his very different ambition of becoming a professional firefighter. Equally full of heart and tension, Play It Forward is an uplifting and entertaining look at these two driven brothers both on and off the field.
TBS has teamed up with entertainment icon Snoop Dogg with Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker’s Wild. Snoop Dogg, who counted The Joker’s Wild as his favorite game show growing up, hosts TBS’ new version set in his very own casino that includes a gigantic slot machine, giant dice and playing cards. The game features a variety of categories with a Snoop-a-fied touch and includes cameos by Seth Rogen, Wiz Khalifia, Karlie Kloss, Michael Strahan, Method Man, Regis Philbin, Kelly Osbourne and Karrueche Tran. Streetwise questions and problem solving, not just book smarts, rule the floor with all the action controlled by the one and only Snoop D-O Double G.
Nickelodeon’s 1st Annual Kids’ Choice Sports Awards was held on July 17, 2014, at the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Hall of Fame Athlete/Talk Show host Michael Strahan hosted the ceremony to celebrate kids’ favorites in the sports world.
NFL players seem to have it all; yet when they retire, many experience depression and financial trouble. Through the lens of a new science, this edition of “State of Play” follows NFL legend Brett Favre and two other extraordinary players as they search for happiness after leaving the sport they love.
Collection by Michael Strahan, the line, will encompass suit separates, sport coats, dress shirts, neckwear, belts, and accessories. Although it is not a big and tall collection, the line will offer extended sizes up to 60. Strahan worked with the design team to choose styles and fabrics that reflect his style. They include traditional patterns such as bird’s eyes herringbones, and windowpanes
MSX by Michael Strahan is in athletic-inspired functional, pieces designed for men and boys always on the go. Classic tee’s, polos, and active staples merge with trendy favorites and like joggers and chinos. Upgraded details like no-chafe seams, auto-lock zippers, UV protection, and quick dry stretch technology help deliver quality comfort at a great price
From defensive end to fashion designer, Michael Strahan continues to diversify his portfolio. The former NFL star-turned-TV host is expanding his ongoing partnership with JC Penney by debuting a collection of affordably-priced luggage. “Expanding my brand with JC Penney was a natural next step,” Strahan adds. “A classic, high-quality, [yet] affordable, suitcase is a great addition to Collection by Michael Strahan and something everyone can use.”
In 2017, Erin Andrews partnered with On Campus Market to launch a high end dorm room essentials line that included everything from trendy throw pillows, towels, bedding, to storage solutions. They have distribution in over 900 campuses nationwide and with products like those found in Erin’s line, help incoming and returning students seamlessly order everything they need to create an environment that will allow them to thrive throughout their academic career.
Created by Tom Brady, Gotham Chopra, And Michael Strahan, Religion Of Sports engages global audiences with premium sports content. Religion Of Sports goes beyond the highlights and the box scores into the deeper stories that drive athletes & fans, and shows us why sports matter so deeply. Today, the Religion Of Sports flagship Show Is A Six-Episode Documentary Series. An Arresting, Cinematic journey that explores the ways in which sports of all kinds can function as Religion, for both Athlete and Fan – God and Worshipper – Alike.
MichaelStrahan.com is a destination that highlights the world of Michael Strahan, a multi-talented athlete, media personality, and now the inspiration behind an eponymous fashion line. In order to engage audiences to his site, and ultimately drive them to an ecommerce platform to purchase his clothing line, MichaelStrahan.com will showcase a behind the scenes tour that embodies the spirit and personality of Michael himself. Content will highlight behind-the-scenes look at his Michael’s life, which is distinctly unique and compelling—and something that no other website can replicate or emulate. Examples include articles around Michael’s professional life, his time at home with family, his likes and hobbies and everyday activities. Presenting the general concept of Raising Your Game through the unique lens of Michael Strahan will take the site’s content to the next level.
DEION’S DOUBLE PLAY takes a close look at an unbelievably eventful few days in the life of Deion Sanders, the two-sport athlete and NFL Hall of Famer whose love of the spotlight spawned the self-given nickname “Prime Time.” No event encapsulates Deion’s limitless abilities and unparalleled conviction like the 24 hours in October of 1992, when Sanders sandwiched a pro football game between a pair of postseason baseball games in two different cities, located one-thousand miles apart.
When partner and co-founder of SMAC Entertainment Constance Schwartz says that she can handle anything, she isn’t kidding. In the early 1990s, Schwartz spent a decade working as a marketing and branding executive at the NFL, working her way up to hold positions in programming, sponsorships, events and management. She eventually relocated to join The Firm, a high-profile artist and talent management company, where she created the first strategic marketing and sponsorship division and became responsible for identifying and securing talent partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.
In 2010, Schwartz partnered with retired NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan to launch SMAC Entertainment, a multi-dimensional talent management, music, branding and production company. Schwartz currently oversees a multitude of television projects setup with primetime cable and broadcast networks. Producing projects include “$100,000 Pyramid,” “Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker’s Wild,” Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards, as well as documentaries “State of Play: Happiness,” “Play It Forward,” “Religion of Sports,” and more. Outside of SMAC, Constance currently serves on the board for the Jam Master Jay Foundation, Cedar Sinai Sports Spectacular and launched the Snoop Youth Football League. She currently serves as a mentor for the non-profit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Two-time Emmy winner and Super Bowl Champion Michael Strahan currently co-hosts ABC’s “Good Morning America” and serves as an analyst for “Fox NFL Sunday.” Prior to joining the ranks of the top sports broadcasters in the country, Strahan’s entire 15-year football career was typified by the charisma and sportsmanship that made him a seven-time Pro-Bowler, and one of only four players ever to lead the NFL in sacks for two seasons. His spectacular NFL career resulted in Strahan being named to the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
Partnering with longtime friend Constance Schwartz to form SMAC Entertainment, Strahan brings his skills, determination, leadership, experience and humor to the multi-dimensional talent management, music, branding, and production company. Through SMAC, Strahan executive produces “Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker’s Wild,” an updated version of the classic game show, as well as “Tackle My Ride.” SMAC engineered the launches of Collection and MSX by Michael Strahan, two men’s clothing and accessory lines with J.C. Penney. Dedicated to many charitable works, Strahan donates his hands and heart to numerous charities including St. Jude Children’s hospital, The USO and HELP USA. A father of four, Strahan currently spends his time between New York and Los Angeles.
