The Inspiring Story of NFL Survival: From the Bottom of the Pile

The National Football League (NFL) is a fiercely competitive league, where only the toughest and most resilient athletes survive. For every star player who makes millions of dollars, there are countless others who struggle to make a living and stay in the league. This is the story of some of those players, who have overcome incredible adversity and triumphed against all odds.

The Undrafted

One of the most common paths to the NFL is through the draft, where teams select the best college players in the country. However, there are also a number of players who go undrafted and have to fight their way onto a team as a free agent. These players often face long odds, but they never give up on their dream.

Slow Getting Up: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile

by Nate Jackson

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	836 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	268 pages

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One such player is Kevin Johnson, who went undrafted out of Georgia Tech in 2015. Johnson spent his first year in the NFL on the practice squad of the Houston Texans, but he never gave up on his dream of playing in the NFL. In 2016, he made the Texans' 53-man roster and has since become a key contributor on their defense.

Another undrafted player who has made a name for himself is Trey Flowers. Flowers went undrafted out of Arkansas in 2015, but he signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent. Flowers quickly made an impact on the Patriots, and he was a key member of their Super Bowl-winning team in 2016. Flowers is now one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, and he is a huge reason why the Patriots are one of the most successful teams in the league.

The Injured

Injuries are a part of football, and they can be devastating for players who are trying to make it in the NFL. Some players are able to overcome injuries and return to the field, while others are forced to retire prematurely.

One player who has overcome a devastating injury is Alex Smith. Smith was the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers when he suffered a broken leg in 2018. The injury was so severe that many doctors thought that Smith would never play football again. However, Smith persevered through the pain and rehabilitation, and he returned to the field in 2019. Smith led the Washington Redskins to a division title in 2020, and he is now one of the most respected quarterbacks in the NFL.

Another player who has overcome a devastating injury is Adrian Peterson. Peterson was the starting running back for the Minnesota Vikings when he suffered a torn ACL in 2011. The injury was expected to end Peterson's career, but he worked hard to rehabilitate his knee and returned to the field in 2012. Peterson has since become one of the most prolific running backs in NFL history, and he is still going strong at the age of 35.

The Cut

Every year, thousands of players are cut from NFL teams. For some players, getting cut is the end of their dream. However, for others, it is just a setback.

One player who has been cut from multiple teams is Josh McCown. McCown has played for 12 different teams in his career, but he has never given up on his dream of being a starting quarterback. In 2017, McCown led the New York Jets to a 5-1 record as a starter, and he is still hoping to get another chance to lead a team to the playoffs.

Another player who has been cut from multiple teams is Brandon Marshall. Marshall has played for six different teams in his career, but he has never given up on his dream of being a Pro Bowl wide receiver. In 2015, Marshall caught 109 passes for the New York Jets, and he is still one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL.

The Triumph

Despite the adversity that they have faced, the players in this story have all triumphed. They have overcome injuries, been cut from teams, and gone undrafted. However, they have never given up on their dreams. They have persevered through the pain and the setbacks, and they have achieved their goals.

These players are an inspiration to us all. They show us that anything is possible if we never give up on our dreams. They show us that we can overcome any obstacle, if we have the courage to keep fighting.

The story of NFL survival is a story of hope and perseverance. It is a story about players who have overcome incredible adversity to achieve their dreams. These players are an inspiration to us all, and they remind us that anything is possible if we never give up.

Slow Getting Up: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile

by Nate Jackson

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	836 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	268 pages

FREE