Renowned Clemson football and NFL legend Levon Kirkland delivered a talk at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 22, highlighting the release of his new book, “Run Bonnie Run!”
The event, which drew a very engaged Clemson audience, showcased Kirkland’s journey through his personal story of resilience and ambition.
Kirkland’s book tells the inspiring tale of a young boy named Bonnie, who dreams of playing in the NFL despite never having played on an organized football team. The name comes from Kirkland’s little sister: she called him “Lebon,” a nickname that later became “Bonnie.”
In his book, Kirkland drew from his own life experiences to encourage children to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. “I pay respect to Bonnie in this. I feel that Bonnie had a vision and a will to hold on to, to become the football player I was,” Kirkland expressed.
He wants children to read his book and know that they, too, can chase their passions, regardless of their background or what other people say. “I hated the nickname Bonnie for so long in my childhood, but looking back at it, I thank Bonnie, young me, for having the imagination and dream he had.”
When asked how he found the time to write, Kirkland said, “You have to make the time and be intentional with it. I tried to write every day. It’s funny; ideas would come to me at night, and I would write them in a journal I had nearby.”
After diving into his new writing journey, Kirkland stressed, “I encourage everybody to reach deep in yourself and gain your imagination again.”
Originally from Lamar, South Carolina, Kirkland is widely celebrated for his accomplishments as a linebacker at Clemson, where he earned consensus All-American honors in 1991. Kirkland explained, “Once I visited Clemson University. I just had a great feeling. I knew it was where I wanted to play.” His legacy extends beyond Clemson’s Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame. After being drafted in 1992, Kirkland played a nine-season career with the Pittsburgh Steelers before continuing his NFL journey with the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles.
“Football and I had a special connection,” Kirkland recalled. “I remember catching a ball one day when I was young and saying, ‘One day, I’m going to play pro ball.’”
This event provided a unique opportunity for the Clemson community to hear from one of its most celebrated athletes, who continues to inspire through his work on and off the field.
