A look back at the 2016 NSC Congress & Expo

Terry Bradshaw has a keen interest in safety and health, but do forgive the Hall of Fame quarterback if his reasoning is a little selfish.

“I am an ex-professional football player, so the National Safety Council and I have a lot in common. I’m all about preventing injury – to me,” Bradshaw told a packed ballroom Oct. 17 during the Opening Session of the 2016 NSC Congress & Expo in Anaheim, CA.

Jokes and laughter were plentiful during Bradshaw’s speech, which should not surprise anyone who has heard his lighthearted banter with studio colleagues during his more than 20 years as an analyst on the “Fox NFL Sunday” pregame show.

Bradshaw spoke about the importance of happiness and gratitude in life, and he drew parallels between success on the football field and workplace safety, as both require teamwork, communication and leadership.

“That’s what we have here: Heroes sitting out here this morning,” Bradshaw said. “We’ve got to stop taking life for granted. We’ve got to start taking life serious. You do. You’re in the business of saving lives. You’re in the business of preventing injuries.”

During his high-energy speech, Bradshaw left the stage to shake hands, give bear hugs and pose for selfi es with audience members.

“You have to say to yourself, ‘I don’t want to be normal – I want to be special,’” Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw’s speech followed remarks from NSC President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman and NSC Board of Directors Chair-man John Surma. Both emphasized NSC’s goal to eliminate preventable deaths in our lifetime.

When Hersman asked audience members whether they believed zero deaths could become reality, nearly everyone stood in agreement.

“We will eliminate preventable deaths in our lifetime,” Hersman said. “We know this is a bold idea, but it’s one that we cannot ignore.”

Hersman also welcomed to the stage during her remarks Moti-vational Keynote speakers Charlie Morecraft and E. Scott Geller, who were participating in their final NSC Congress & Expo after being a mainstay since 2006.