Leland Melvin was chosen by the Detroit Lions in the 11th Round of the 1986 NFL Draft. Leland also participated in the Toronto Argonauts and Dallas Cowboy Football Training Camps before leaving football for a higher calling, Space. After leaving Football, Leland received a Master in Material Science Enginner and studied fiber optics at Langley. After Leland completed his post graduate research work, he was higly recommended to NASA.

Leland was selected by NASA JSC in June 1998. Leland reported for training in August 1998. Astronaut training included orientation briefing tours, numerous scientific and technical briefings, intensive instructiion in Shuttle and International Space Station Systems, Physiological Training and Ground School to prepare for T-38 flight training, as well as wilderness survival techniques.

After completing his training with success, Leland was assigned to the Astronaut Office Space Station Operation Branch and the Education Operation Branch, and the Education Department at NASA, headquartered in Washington, D.C. As co-manager of NASA's Education Astronaut Program, Leland Melvin traveled across the country, engaging thousands of students and teachers in the excitement of space exploration and inspiring thousands of thousands to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Leland next assignment was in the Robotics Branch of the Astronaut Office. Once completing his training in the Robotics Branch, Leland was assigned to the historical STS-122 Mission, that will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus Laboratory to the International Space Station today.

During Leland's flight, he will command the robotic arm that will be used to lift a new scientific laboratory out of the shuttle's cargo hold, and place it on to the International space Station. The discipline and the training regiments that Leland learned on the gridiron and his training at NASA will come together for a Super Bowl Vicotry. Touchdown!

Note: Hear Leland's historical interview with Ida Muorie by visiting Sportsmavericks website.

About Sportsmavericks Show With Ida Muorie
"Sportsmavericks Show is your on-line resource for sportsparents, athletes and educators. Ida R. Muorie, host of Sportsmavericks debut in the summer fo 2004 on voiceamerica network with the only internet radio program that targeted parents of athletes. With Sportsmaverick success, voiceamerica was able to launched a new sports network under (www.modavox.com/sports/).

"Sportsmavericks takes sports off the kitchen table, and captures some of the most unique, undiscovered and courageus stories in sports. Muorie uses the show to anchor parents into the process of helping elite athletes achieve excellence in academics and sports."

"Sportsmavericks educate and promote integrity in sports from high school, college to the pros. Looked for the Sportsmavericks Television show to debut early 2008."