When assessing the most popular sports on the planet, the NFL is one of the biggest. From the hard hits fans love to the sport’s blend of strategic complexity, it’s a wonderful product. However, alongside the action on the field, it’s a sporting competition that has also provided some truly inspirational stories.
Reminding fans exactly why football is more than just a game, it has always featured heroes. These players have appeared on podcasts, are backed by bettors who regularly review NFL props and game lines, and are supported in the stands thanks to the journeys they’ve been on. Likewise, some players’ stories have led them to become team ambassadors, and others have seen them become unlikely champions.
While some of these stories deserve far more detail, below we briefly highlight some of the most inspirational stories from the American football sphere over the years. If you’re fascinated by them, there are books to read and podcasts to listen to, many of which take a deeper dive in these NFL heroes.
Tom Brady wasn’t rated
Arguably football’s biggest ever star, big things weren’t expected of Tom Brady. In fact, he was actually drafted in the sixth round, highlighting the lack of hype surrounding his name. In the end though, the rest is history, as Brady went on to win seven Super Bowls and more. For a player who was deemed too skinny, the consummate professional really did prove his doubters wrong by becoming one of the finest quarterbacks we’ve ever seen.
Alex Smith nearly lost his leg
Most fans have witnessed some horrific injuries in the NFL, although not many professionals would come back from Alex Smith’s devastating injury. After being told by doctors that he could lose his leg after 17 surgeries in 2018, Smith’s return to the gridiron felt highly unlikely. However, the former Washington Football Team legend made it back on the field and eventually went on to be named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Kurt Warner’s unexpected rise
Football players reach the top of the sport for a variety of reasons. Alongside shining in the college category, some players take a more unconventional route and aim to make it after playing in lesser known competitions like the Arena Football League and NFL Europe. Kurt Warner did exactly this while working in a grocery store. However, when he was earning $5.50/hour, the former Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Rams, and New York Giants hero probably didn’t think he’d eventually become a Super Bowl MVP and a Hall of Famer. Proving it’s never too late to make it, Kurt Warner’s unexpected rise is hugely inspirational.
Deion Sanders experienced poverty
Growing up in Florida, Deion Sanders had a tough childhood where financial struggles and parental divorce hindered his development. Despite the obstacles he faced, though, the former Super Bowl winner and NFL Defensive Player of the Year made it to the very top of the sport, with his talent standing out in the early stages of his career. While a number of other notable talents have overcome similar, not many have gone on to have the type of career Deion Sanders had.
Damar Hamlin united the sport
(Image via https://x.com/espn)
While rival fans clash and there are heated debates online, it’s just a sport at the end of the day. We were all reminded of that when Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field in 2023 due to a cardiac arrest, with the football community coming together. Thankfully, Hamlin survived and inspired football fans around the world, while he also went on to start his own foundation that has raised huge sums of money.
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