Meet ‘AGT: Fantasy League Magician, Former NFL Player Jon Dorenbos
Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC Reading Time: 2 minutes
As the highly anticipated America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League gears up for its premiere on New Year’s Day in 2024, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite acts. Among the chosen acts, one individual stands out for his incredible talent, resilience, and captivating story—Jon Dorenbos.
Who is Jon Dorenbos?
Jon was born on July 21, 1980, in Humble, Texas. However, his life took an unexpected turn when tragedy struck at the tender age of 12. Jon’s father murdered his mother, resulting in his traumatic childhood and an unfortunate series of foster homes. Despite these challenges, Jon found solace and escape in the world of magic.
Jon’s passion for magic began when he stumbled upon a magic shop at the age of 13. Intrigued by the art form, he started learning tricks and honing his skills, eventually becoming a self-taught magician. Magic became more than just a hobby for Jon—it became a way for him to heal and find hope amidst the darkness.
In addition to his magical pursuits, Jon discovered another talent that would shape his future—football. Excelling as a long snapper, he played college football at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and later went on to enjoy a successful career in the NFL. Jon played for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and ultimately found a home with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for a decade and earned two Pro Bowl selections.
Jon Dorenbos Placed Third on AGT Season 11
In 2016, at the peak of his NFL career, Jon competed in Season 11 of AGT. His mind-bending magic and inspirational backstory made him an instant fan favorite.
Jon wowed the judges with jaw-dropping card manipulations and interactive mind-reading tricks. His smooth presentation and witty personality perfectly complemented his technical wizardry. Several of his illusions involved the judges themselves, like when Simon Cowell smashed a bottle containing a very accurate prediction of his drawing.
During Judge Cuts, Jon brought tears to many viewers’ eyes by honoring his late mother with an emotional magic tribute. His sincerity and showmanship earned him Guest Judge Ne-Yo’s Golden Buzzer, sending him straight through to the live Quarterfinals.
He ultimately finished in third place, but Jon succeeded in bringing magic to millions through his time on AGT.
