Former NFL Star Named As 2026 Greenwich High School Commencement Speaker

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich High School has announced that former NFL All-Pro and Greenwich High School graduate John Sullivan will serve as the school’s 2026 commencement speaker.

Graduation is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Cardinal Stadium, weather permitting.

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"The future is bright for the entire class of 2026," GHS Principal Ralph Mayo said. "At Greenwich High School, our dedicated staff prepares our students to succeed at this chapter of their lives locally, regionally, nationally, or globally. History has documented that our Cardinals become productive members of society and once they leave, they look back fondly on their foundational time on Hillside Road. John Sullivan is a perfect example of what it means to be Cardinal in Greenwich."

Sullivan, a member of Greenwich High School’s Class of 2003, played 11 seasons in the NFL as a center for the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Rams. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft out of the University of Notre Dame and became the Vikings’ starting center in 2009. He held the position for seven seasons and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2012.

During the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Sullivan helped the Rams win consecutive NFC West division titles and started 31 of 32 regular-season games.

The Rams advanced to Super Bowl LIII, where they faced the New England Patriots. The Patriots won 13-3.

"Greenwich High School played an extremely important role during the formative years of my life," Sullivan said in an announcement from Greenwich Public Schools. "I am forever grateful for the entire Greenwich High School community; without the support I received from friends, teachers, coaches, and everyone at GHS, my life would be completely different. When the high school reached out about speaking at the 2026 graduation ceremony, it was an honor to be able to accept the opportunity, and I am looking forward to the ceremony in June."

At GHS, Sullivan earned four varsity letters in both football and wrestling, along with one each in rugby and track.

He helped lead the Cardinals to FCIAC championships in 2001 and 2002, earned All-State honors from 2000 through 2002, and was named the 2002 Gatorade Connecticut Player of the Year. He also was selected to play in the 2003 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

In wrestling, Sullivan won three Connecticut State Open heavyweight championships from 2001 to 2003 and placed seventh at the NHSCA Senior Nationals, earning All-American status.

After retiring from football following Super Bowl LIII, Sullivan entered the financial services industry in 2020. He is now a partner and director of business development at Integra Global Advisors in Stamford.

Sullivan also coaches youth sports teams with the Glenville Mavericks, including teams involving his sons Harry and George. He has been married since 2014 to Ariel Sullivan, a New York Times bestselling author.