Jon Dorenbos

Jonathan Paul Dorenbos ( DORN-boss; born July 21, 1980) is an American former professional football player and magician who was a long snapper in the National Football League (NFL), earning two Pro Bowl selections.

Dorenbos played college football for the UTEP Miners and was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He also played for the Tennessee Titans and the Philadelphia Eagles, with whom he played 11 seasons and played in 162 consecutive games. After getting traded to the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 preseason, it was discovered Dorenbos had an aortic aneurysm that required immediate surgery and ended his career. The Eagles went on to win Super Bowl LII that season, and it was announced Dorenbos would get an honorary Super Bowl ring.

Dorenbos has a parallel career as a professional magician. He was a finalist on season 11 of the television program America's Got Talent, performing his magic acts. He finished in third place for the season.

Early life

Dorenbos was born in Humble, Texas and grew up in Woodinville, Washington. On August 2, 1992, when he was 12, his mother, Kathy, was killed by his father, Alan, a software specialist. His father was charged with and convicted of second-degree murder, and sentenced to 13 years and eight months in prison. Dorenbos was sent to a foster home. After a legal battle, he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Susan and Steve Hindman. To ease his mind, Dorenbos turned to performing magic. Dorenbos had a brief reunion with his estranged father in 2019, and said that he has forgiven him for murdering his mother.