Hosts and Host Committee
Thank you to our hosts, former Cowboys players Chad Hennings and Preston Pearson, and Chef Kent Rathbun!
Chad and Preston joined as our Cowboys Legends Honorary Hosts in 2008
and Kent has been with the event since day one!
Chad Hennings
An accomplished lineman in high school, Hennings chose to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and postponed his entry into the NFL to fulfill his commitment. Hennings flew 45 missions in support of Operation Provide Comfort in Northern Iraq, and received two aerial achievement medals for his actions. After his discharge, Hennings joined the Cowboys as a defensive lineman. He spent his entire 9-year career with the Cowboys, retiring in 2001 with three Super Bowl rings.
Preston Pearson
Pearson played in the NFL for 14 years, beginning his career with the Baltimore Colts in 1967 before being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970. Pearson completed his career with the Dallas Cowboys from 1975-1980, having played in five Super Bowls with three different teams. A native of Freeport, Illinois, Pearson is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where he also played college basketball.
Kent Rathbun
Celebrity Chef Kent Rathbun has been with Taste of the Cowboys since day one, hosting the event in the parking lot of his restaurant. Kent has been a respected leader in the Dallas dining scene for more than two decades. His unforgettable menus and extraordinary dining experiences have not only attracted local acclaim, but international attention as well. Whether it’s creating the elaborate flavor profiles you experience in his dishes or working to bring a restaurant to life, Kent has spent his life dedicated to creating outstanding culinary experiences. In 1999, Kent created a fine dining concept called Abacus. Since then, he has developed Jasper’s, Hickory, Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen, Imoto, and most recently, Rathbun's Curbside BBQ.
Host Committee
Anna and Raj Asava
Christie and Elbert Choi
Lane Conner
Julia and James Gerstmann
Evie Karlson and Marshall Hillman
Meredith Jeter
Ginny and Jeff Kissling
Christy Lara
Meghan Hambacher Wilkinson &
Jim McNeese
Leigh Robinson
Whitney Strauss
LuAnn Tarango
Michelle VanPelt
Emily and Jeff Wolfe