Daunte Culpepper And American Idol’s “Big Mike” Join Orlando Citrus Parade

A pair of Knights will join the thousands of fans attending the Orlando Citrus Parade on December 30.  UCF and NFL star Daunte Culpepper will return to Orlando to serve as Grand Marshal of the 30th Anniversary of the parade while another UCF football alumnus, former American Idol finalist Michael Lynche, will be a part of the event’s nationally-syndicated television broadcast as the on-street commentator.

Culpepper, who recently completed his first season in the United Football League as quarterback of the Sacramento Mountain Lions, is known locally for rewriting the University of Central Florida’s quarterback record books. Culpepper was chosen in the first round (11th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.  He is a three-time Pro-Bowl passer and was twice named All-Pro in the NFL in 2000 and 2004.  He has played professionally for the Vikings (1999-2005), Miami Dolphins (2006), Oakland Raiders (2007), and the Detroit Lions (2008-2009).

Michael Lynche, a finalist in the ninth season of American Idol known as “Big Mike” by fans, is currently working on his first studio album.  A native of St. Petersburg, Fla., Lynche played defensive tackle for the University of Central Florida football team from 2001-2002.

Lynche joins telecast co-hosts Giuliana and Bill Rancic from the Style Network hit show Giuliana and Bill.  Giuliana is also the co-anchor of E! News and Bill is the first season winner of The Apprentice.

In addition to multiple high school marching bands, the Orlando Citrus Parade will include university marching bands from teams participating in the Capital One Bowl, the University of Alabama, and Michigan State University, as well as high-stepping equestrian units and dance teams. The one-hour broadcast of the parade will be syndicated nationally and viewed by millions.