I sat in my old room, looking at the football on the shelve, feeling it laughing at me.
In college at Baylor, I’d been a star wide receiver, dreaming of making it big in the NFL, But I wasn’t picked in the NFL draft. Then I started as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts. However, Colts called me back to practice. A second chance! Then something went wrong with my knee and I had to give it up. The next season, the Seattle Seahawks invited me to minicamp. They cut me at the end of the preseason.
Was that my fate? How would I move forward? I wept bitter tears. Then I got a call unexpectedly. A guy asked me to speak in his school. I wrote down all I should say. But the minute I stepped on stage, my mind went blank. I had no idea how to help these teens. All I could talk about was what I’d been through.
Those kids asked me questions afterward, hungry for more. I got a huge welcome, bigger than I ever got on the football field. That’s when it hit me: You needn’t be perfect to help people. All you have to be is real.
My life was coming. Without planning it, I had a whole new calling. I began posting to YouTube every day. The videos took off, getting thousands of views. It was inspiring. The comments and questions came pouring in. People came to ask for advice and help I’d never be able to offer if I were playing on Sunday.
Today I do many speaking engagements. Every day I post a video and respond to all those questions from people, always speaking from the heart, I’m still in progress. We all are, having so many ways to grow, and so much to learn and pass along.
12. Which can best describe the author’s dream of playing in the NFL?
A.Unreal. | B.Funny. | C.Failed. | D.Strange. |
13. How did the author feel when he was making the first speech?
A.Confident. | B.Pleased. | C.Bored. | D.Nervous. |
14. What can we know about the author?
A.He is warm-hearted. |
B.He is good-looking. |
C.He wants to be a player. |
D.He wants to ask for advice. |
15. What may be the best title for the text?
A.Find a way to get success |
B.Be yourself to help others |
C.Make progress little by little |
D.Stick to your dream to the end |