Stan Ellsworth is the Harley Davidson-riding host and creator of the American history program American Ride and History and website series, History and the Highway After completing a bachelors degree of history at Brigham Young University and a Masters in Psychology at the University of Utah, Ellsworth spent time in the National Football League, as a linebacker for the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks. He then moved on to be an NCAA coach at East Stroudsburg University (PA), at the University of Utah, the University of Ari­zona and the University of Pennsylvania.

When tragedy struck his life, and his wife died, Ellsworth returned to his Utah roots with his two young children. It was then that he launched his career as a high school history teacher, where he spent nearly 10 years in the classroom. While he didn’t exactly wear his biker regalia into the classroom, Ellsworth did bring his personality to his teaching, calling upon his coaching and football strategy skills to convey American history, particularly the battles. Ellsworth’s goal; both when he was in the classroom, and in his television program; has always been to “wake people up” to the stories of our founding fathers and mothers, and the sacrifices they made in creating this nation.

Breaking the mold of high school history teacher, this 300 lb muscle-clad former NFL player, speaks eloquently of our heritage and extols the wisdom and bravery of those who came before us. Stan Ellsworth removes the “bow tie and sweater vest” of history professors, puts on “skull rag and denim vest” and breaks down the stereotype. His adventurous spirit and love for the United States is contagious and engaging without going over the top. His approach is more like an invitation to walk (and ride) with him through the footsteps of history. He hopes the stories and “postcards” from the highways and byways of the country will make American history relevant to today’s audience, and motivate them to take an active part in our political system. 

WHILE WE CAN’T GO BACK AND FIGHT THE BATTLES OF SARATOGA AND GETTYSBURG, EXPERIENCE THE FIRST U.S. CONGRESS, SEE THE RAVAGES OF THE CIVIL WAR, OR WATCH OUR HERITAGE UNFOLD, WE CAN WALK THE GROUND WHERE THOSE EVENTS HAPPENED, I BELIEVE, THAT IF YOU’RE QUIET AND REFLECTIVE ENOUGH IN THOSE HALLOWED PLACES, YOU MIGHT HEAR SOME THINGS DEEP IN YOUR HEART THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOU.

– LET’S TAKE A RIDE

Stan Ellsworth, American Ride