WWE star Titus O’Neil named Knight Parade Grand Marshal

TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2020) – The 2020 Krewe of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade, presented
by MOR-TV and co-sponsored by the City of Tampa, will feature WWE star and local
philanthropist Titus O’Neil as Grand Marshal. The illuminated parade takes place on
Saturday, Feb. 8 in historic Ybor City.
“Titus O’Neil’s athletic success has paved the way for his generous philanthropy, and he
has tremendous enthusiasm for empowering and encouraging local youth – the next
generation of Tampa leaders,” said Jimmy Piloto, Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago
member and 2020 parade chairman. “Serving as Grand Marshal is the perfect way to
celebrate his work in building a stronger community.”
WWE superstar Titus O’Neil, aka Thaddeus Bullard, is an accomplished professional
athlete and entertainer, as well as a dedicated philanthropist in the community. Through
his efforts, and the Bullard Family Foundation, which provides families and children
everywhere with moments, programs, and resources to help build character, strengthen
communities, and develop relationships that result in transformational changes for those
in need, he has helped raise millions for local and national charities. He has
also secured scholarships for student athletes and mentor at-risk youth, with a particular
focus on Hillsborough County Public Schools and most recently targeted families and
students in the Sligh Middle Magnet School and East Tampa area. O’Neil will be one
of the stars featured in WWE WrestleMania 36 taking place in Tampa in April 2020.
In addition, WMOR-TV personality, cultural and civic icon, and fan favorite Jerry
Springer returns as a special guest at the 2020 Knight Parade.

“We love having Jerry Springer be a part of the Knight Parade. Much like WMOR-TV
and the Krewe members, he has a strong commitment to giving back to the community,”
said Pam Barber, President and General Manager of MOR-TV. “MOR-TV is excited to
once again partner with the Knights of Sant’ Yago for this fun, family-friendly event in
Ybor City.”
Springer’s notoriety is due in large part to hosting his eponymous show for over 27
seasons. The chant, “Jerry, Jerry, Jerry,” is permanently embedded in pop culture, and
it can be heard along the parade route when he is a special guest.
Springer moved from stage to bench with the launch of “Judge Jerry” in 2019. The
syndicated, small-claims court show takes on actual cases from real people in a half-
hour. In each episode, Judge Springer hears cases and renders a verdict with a fair yet
firm hand and always leaves litigants with a dose of classic Springer wisdom.
The 2020 Knight Parade begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 as illuminated floats roll
down Seventh Avenue in historic Ybor City. The floats are accompanied by dozens of
marching bands, local dignitaries and thousands of participants as they throw scores of
beads to an expected 100,000 spectators.
Proceeds from the Knight Parade benefit the Krewe’s Education Foundation, which has
provided nearly $3 million in higher education scholarships since it was established in
1994. Each year, the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation awards
scholarships to deserving students at local colleges and universities, including USF.
For more information on the 2020 Knight Parade, visit www.KnightParade.com.

ABOUT THE KREWE OF THE KNIGHTS OF SANT’ YAGO:
Since the early 1970s, The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago has organized and
hosted the Knight Parade, an annual celebration of Tampa civic pride. Each year, the
Knight Parade, as well as other fundraising events, helps raise funds for the Krewe of
the Knights of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation, which has provided nearly $3 million in
scholarships for local students. Visit www.KnightParade.com for more information.

ABOUT MOR-TV:
MOR-TV is a Hearst Television owned and operated television station in Tampa Bay
and is one of America’s top Independent. MOR-TV features the best in off-network
comedies, talk, dramas and more, featuring The Big Bang Theory, The Goldbergs,
Mom, Last Man Standing, Modern Family, Family Guy, Chicago PD, The Kelly Clarkson
Show, Tamron Hall and more. MOR-TV is also one of three stations in a group that
includes MeTV Tampa Bay’s new classic television channel featuring the best of the
best of television programs, and estrellaTV Tampa Bay, the fastest growing Hispanic
entertainment channel in America. MOR-TV’s website is www.mor-tv.com.

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Contacts:

Missy Hurley

B2 Communications, representing

Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago

(813) 230-7736

missy@b2communications.com

David V. Lawrence

MOR-TV, Hearst Television Group

(813) 740-3206 (office)

(407) 399-0905 (cell)

dvlawrence@hearst.com