Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell once said: "A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." A man who best exemplifies this quotation is 2006 Super Bowl Champion [from the Indianapolis Colts] and singer, the incomparable Mr. Ben Utecht. Although five concussions lead to his retirement from football, he was able to turn to his second passion in life, music.
On February 13, 2012, Suite101 catches up with Utecht, where he discusses being a part of piano sensation Jim Brickman's “Romanza” tour, as well as his holiday album Hope, and his alternate career choice. Finally, Utecht shares his advice for people who aspire to find success in music and sports.
Ben Utecht Talks "Romanza" Tour
Ben Utecht is the lead male vocalist of Brickman’s “Romanza” tour, and on February 12, 2012, they performed at New York City’s Best Buy Theater. “It is a dream come true for me, since here I am going from the football field to Broadway. It was something that I would have never imagined happening. It’s been a great opportunity for me to get a lot of consistent experience which is priceless,” Utecht says.
This past September, Utecht also had the privilege to perform with Steven Reineke at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club, situated in New York. “This is a historic jazz club, and to be a part of it was a special opportunity,” he adds.
Ben Utecht Talks "Hope"
On October 11, 2011, Utecht released his Christmas CD entitled Hope, where his vocals were reminiscent to those of such established artists as Josh Groban and Michael Amante. “My goal is to be a new voice in that genre, and I hope that people will feel the same way,” he acknowledges.
He notes that his three favorite tracks from the album include his rendition of “Ave Maria,” the title cut, as well as “In My Dreaming”; moreover, his favorite cover song to perform live is the Peter Gabriel classic “In Your Eyes.”
Utecht shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, and is very grateful towards his fans for their loyalty and support. “Keep it coming, and I am excited to share some new music with all of you in the near future,” he says.
Ben Utecht Talks Alternate Career Choice
As a rising musician, he reveals that the hardest aspect of his new profession involves traveling and the patience. “I have to be gone for weeks at a time, and it takes a lot of time and a lot of trust, and you are unsure if it is going to take off. It all comes down to the industry, and to the people listening,” he says.
Utecht would enjoy being a motivational speaker as his alternate career choice. A goal of his is to help young adults overcome stereotypes and bullying in school, and to inspire them to pursue their passions, whether it is performing arts or sports or both.
“Part of my job as an athlete, and now as a musician, is to be a role model and to lead by example. I would like to be an advocate and an ambassador who can stand up and show the youth that it is possible to do both and to do them well, and to encourage kids to follow their dreams. If you are pursuing something that you love to do, I believe that it will inspire you to be that much greater at it,” he remarks.
Ben Utecht Discloses his Dream Duets
Utecht was already fortunate to have done a duet with gospel queen Sandi Patty on his debut CD, and he lists pop sensation Adele and former American Idol alum and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson as his dream duet choices.
Ben Utecht Talks "Faith"
Utecht’s 2006 Super Bowl ring bears the inscription “faith” on it, and it is the only ring in the competition’s history to do so. “It was a major aspect to our team and our coach. It was a very special time for us, and it signifies what that team stood for: faith in each other, as well as our coaches and our organization. That was very important,” he states.
Ben Utecht's Advice for Hopefuls
For hopefuls who wish to go into sports or music professionally, Utecht recommends that they set their goals high and reach for the stars. “Work your craft to the best of your ability!” he exclaims. “Whenever you do that, and do it with all of your heart, I do believe that doors will open. I am a firm believer that hard work breeds success.”
Ben Utecht Connects with Fans
Utecht stays in touch with his fans via his social networks. “I am always on Facebook and on Twitter. I love building relationships with people, and they can get in touch with me via my official website. I love to respond to them,” the NFL vet concludes.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
Join the Conversation