Spencer Paysinger has worn many hats throughout his life, such as a Super Bowl-winning linebacker, a screenwriter and producer for the acclaimed television series “All-American,” as well as a local entrepreneur. However, during his keynote address at MIT’s 51st annual celebration honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Paysinger expressed a preference to frame his journey in broader terms: assessing whether he has managed to assist others throughout his path.

“As I stand here today discussing Dr. King’s mission, Dr. King’s aspiration, and the reason we are gathered today, I believe it all connects back to community,” Paysinger stated. “I wish to be judged by my contributions to others.”

The importance of reaching out to others, in both joyous and challenging times, resonated throughout the annual gathering, which occurred in MIT’s Walker Memorial (Building 50) on Thursday. Paysinger pointed out that his journey has been defined by his role as a “team player” and finding fulfillment in collective achievements.

“For me, I thrive when I have individuals on either side of me striving for the same ambition,” Paysinger remarked. “We may hold differing beliefs and come from various backgrounds, including race and economic status. … Ultimately, it transcends to the mindset we need to adopt. It is grounded in community and togetherness.”

The event showcased a variety of speeches from students, campus leaders, and guests, paired with musical interludes, drawing hundreds from the MIT community.

In her introductory comments, MIT President Sally A. Kornbluth commended Paysinger, pointing out that his “resolve and grit are an inspiring example for us all.”

Kornbluth also discussed the principles, and significance, of MIT itself. She noted that American universities have historically “served as a point of national pride and a source of global admiration. … They, as well as we, have always been regarded as epicenters of excellence in creativity, innovation, and an inexhaustible source of leadership.”

Looking ahead, Kornbluth emphasized that the MIT community will persist in seeking excellence and fostering respect for one another.

“MIT operates in the talent sector,” Kornbluth expressed. “Our achievements, and fulfilling our noble mission, hinge on our capability to attract exceptionally talented individuals and establish a community where everyone earns their right to contribute meaningfully. … Every person at MIT belongs here because they merit it. Every staff member, every faculty member, every postdoctoral researcher, every student—each one of us. Each individual is a full participant in this community, and every member is esteemed as a human being, recognized for their contributions to our mission.”

Paysinger praised the diverse group of speakers and the welcoming ambiance at the event, where participants mingled around lunch tables, interacting and getting acquainted both before and after the series of talks.

“You all have actively and genuinely altered my perception of what MIT represents in just 45 minutes,” Paysinger noted.

During his NFL career, Paysinger served as a linebacker for the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Carolina Panthers from 2011 until 2017, participating in 94 regular-season contests and five playoff matches. He took part in Super Bowl XLVI, when the Giants triumphed over the New England Patriots, a fact he humorously referenced multiple times to his audience from Massachusetts. Paysinger’s former teammate with the New York Giants, linebacker Mark Herzlich, was also present on Thursday.

Paysinger was raised in South Central Los Angeles, which has long been viewed from the outside as a hazardous and impoverished area. While he did indeed face those challenges, Paysinger mentioned that his childhood neighborhood also had its wholesome “all-American” aspects, as children raced bicycles down the street and built friendships. He attended Beverly Hills High School, excelling as a wide receiver, before committing to the University of Oregon, where he transitioned to linebacker. In his senior year, 2010, Oregon and Paysinger reached the national championship game of college football.

In his address, Paysinger stressed the various twists and turns of his football journey, from shifting positions on the field to changing teams. He pointed out that, much like in life, stepping outside of our comfort zones can lead to long-term growth.

“I felt apprehensive and insecure when my coaches decided to implement that change for me,” Paysinger admitted. However, he added, “I understood that by embracing the discomfort of that moment, the potential rewards on the other side could be substantial for me.”

The NFL soon called, along with a Super Bowl ring. Yet, beyond the realm of athletics, Paysinger encountered a profound shock in 2015 when his former Giants colleague and dear friend Tyler Sash passed away unexpectedly at the age of 27. This led Paysinger to contemplate life after football more thoughtfully, prompting him to seriously engage in screenwriting, even while his football career continued.

“All-American,” now entering its 7th season on the CW Network, draws loosely from his own experiences, reflecting the dynamics of his life as a player and team member. It has grown into one of the longest-running sports-themed shows on television. Paysinger is also an entrepreneur who established Hilltop Kitchen and Coffee, a series of restaurants in underserved areas around Los Angeles, and has played a role in nurturing other local businesses as well.

Although each new endeavor presents unique challenges, Paysinger asserted that we can often achieve more than we realize: “I approach things not from the perspective of determining if I can or cannot accomplish something, but rather if I want to or not.”

Sophomore Michael Ewing delivered welcoming remarks and introduced Paysinger, reciting a quote from King that served as a central theme for this year’s celebration: “We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience.”

For his part, Ewing remarked, “When I read these words, I envision a society that strives to improve its circumstances, tackle existing challenges, and forge a more positive and equitable environment for all.” He continued, at MIT, there exists “a community where students, faculty, and others unite to excel at the highest levels, driven by a collective desire to learn and evolve. … The process of collaborating, disputing, and creating alongside those who are different—this is the pathway to growth and progress.”

The annual MLK Celebration included further reflections from students, such as second-year undergraduate Siddhu Pachipala, a dual major in political science and economics. Pachipala began his comments by sharing a past social media exchange he had with a congressional account, regretting the tone he initially took.

“In hindsight, I view it as a missed opportunity,” Pachipala stated. “Why was my first response … to turn it into a confrontation? … We train ourselves to think that if we’re not making points, we’re failing, and acts of kindness are seen as traps, that an outstretched hand must be rejected. Martin Luther King Jr. perceived politics as something deeper. He held a profound vision of justice, one we gather today to honor. However, he understood that justice requires a foundation: friendship.”

Elshareef Kabbashi, a graduate architecture student, shared further insights, noting that “Dr. King’s vision was never restricted to a single movement, nation, or moment in history,” but was focused on establishing “human dignity everywhere.”

E. Denise Simmons, the mayor of Cambridge, also spoke, commending “the entire MIT community for upholding this tradition for 51 years.” She continued: “It’s Dr. King’s wisdom, courage, and moral clarity that have illuminated our path forward. I urge each of you to keep that light shining.”

The luncheon included the announcement of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Awards Recipients, awarded this year to Cordelia Price ’78, SM ’80; Pouya Alimagham; Ciarra Ortiz; Sahal Ahmed; William Gibbs; and Maxine Samuels.

On a day filled with reflections on King and his aspirations, Paysinger highlighted the importance of community by referencing another of his favorite King quotes: “Every person must choose whether to walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the measure. Life’s most persistent and pressing question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”