Lifetime Achievement Award

KEVIN M. BYRNE, JOUR '71

Monkton, Md.

Kevin Byrne was the youngest director of public relations in the NFL when he joined the then-St. Louis Cardinals in 1977. It was a sign of great things to come.

An integral part of the Baltimore Ravens franchise for 31 years, Kevin today oversees the Ravens’ public and community relations departments, the content for baltimoreravens.com, and many of the team’s print publications. His duties have included contract negotiations, directing the team’s marketing and broadcasting department, and serving on committees to interview and select Ravens head coaches. At the NFL’s request he has provided media relations assistance at 25 Super Bowls and two Pro Bowls.

Kevin’s Ravens staff was honored with the annual Pete Rozelle Award by the Pro Football Writers of America, and he has been invited to speak before numerous national groups, including NFL head coaches and front-office managers. He also worked for the Cleveland Browns and Trans World Airlines.

While at Marquette, Kevin was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society, and a four-year member of the wrestling team.

He and his wife, Sally, have four children: daughter Shannon and sons Sean, Tim and Conor. Tim and his wife, Jen, have a son, Wyatt, who is 1.

Fun facts about Kevin:
Hometown: Cleveland
Favorite quote: “Life is a series of adjustments.”
Someone alive or dead he’d like to have dinner with: Al McGuire
The Marquette faculty member who had an impact on Kevin: Ed Pepin
Favorite Marquette memory: Being unable to type in his first journalism class.  
In grade school, Kevin wanted to be a sportscaster.
Most influential person in Kevin’s life: His wife, Sally