This edition of the Underdog Newsletter features:
From fish factory worker to the top of his sport
How undersized players make it to the NFL
An unlikely path to stardom
And much more. But first…
Trivia Question of the Week (submitted by Sue C.)
How many reporters from either New York or Philadelphia were in attendance when Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single game?
A) 0
B) 3
C) 12
D) 27
The answer is at the end of this email! Look for the ⭐ emoji.
Kenny Moore’s Unlikely Path to Becoming a Star NFL Cornerback
Kenny Moore II didn't play organized football until his senior year of high school.
Yet he put together a spectacular season, helping Lowndes High School go 9-2 on their way to the playoffs.
The defensive back continued his football career in his hometown at Valdosta State University. But even college ball wasn't a guarantee.
“I didn’t expect to play. I was actually about to go to the Air Force my second semester of college if I did not play my freshman year," Moore told the VSU Spectator.
"It was all God. It’s just the path he wanted me to take."
Fast forward to June of 2019: Kenny Moore II becomes the highest-paid slot corner in the NFL.
His advice for student-athletes today?
"Be a person with a good head on your shoulders. Be a student first. Take care of business. Anything you put your mind to – if it’s football or it’s not – try your hardest at everything you do."
A quick word from our sponsor:
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🗞️ More Inspiring Stories
Football is a game of strength. But at the sport’s highest level, athleticism comes in all shapes and sizes. [Joker Mag]
“It was definitely a roller-coaster of emotions.” Cleveland infielder Tyler Freeman spoke about how he learned to persevere through two shoulder injuries to make it to The Show. [MLB.com]
After losing his leg in a car crash, 51-year-old Andrew Pearson inspired everyone at a 5-kilometer walk for charity. [The Lincolnite]
“I’m always going to have that chip on my shoulder.” CB Kader Kohou is a D2 alum who proved he belongs on an NFL field. [Sports Illustrated]
Speaking of Division 2, the level has produced plenty of pro talent. We dug deep to compile every notable NFL player who came from a D2 program. [Joker Mag]
Jonas Vingegaard went from working in a fish factory to winning the Tour de France in just four years. [Sticky Bottle]*
*Thanks to subscriber Tom K. for sharing!
🔆 Amateur Spotlight
Shaun Dolac walked on at the University at Buffalo (UB). He fought hard and made the team.
Then his coach left the program.
Dolac had to start from scratch, learn a new scheme, and impress the new coaching staff to make the team again.
No easy task for a walk-on player.
Instead of transferring somewhere else, Dolac locked in and doubled down.
Fast forward to the summer of 2021 after a long and grueling training camp:
Dolac earned a scholarship.
“It was just so unbelievable,” he said.
“And the first thing I did after that was call my mom. I told her, and then I called my brothers and my sisters and I just told everybody else. It was very emotional.”
Check out the full story by Rachel Lenzi at The Buffalo News. It’s well worth your time.
Do you know a youth, high school, or college athlete who has overcome the odds? Reply to this email to submit their story to be featured in a future Amateur Spotlight.
🐦 Top Tweet
💪 Underdog Nation
Every individual we feature embodies the “Underdog Mentality” in one way or another.
We want to spread this game-changing mindset across the world, and inspire our readers to make positive changes in their lives.
You can help spread the word by grabbing your own Underdog Mentality merch today!
⭐ Trivia Answer:
A) 0
Wanna submit a trivia question, fun fact, or cool tidbit for our next newsletter? Reply to this email.
🙏 Thank You
I appreciate you taking the time to read the Underdog Newsletter.
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Til next time,
Tyler