These Inspiring NFL Players Turned Adversity into Touchdowns

The story of Fred Jackson is a true underdog narrative. After graduating college, Jackson tried out for the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Denver Broncos. All three teams rejected him. Defeated, Jackson decided to play with the Sioux City Bandits, an indoor football team. While still a respectable career option, it’s no NFL.

Jackson was supposedly making only $200 a week when he was playing for the Bandits. He eventually got his “revenge money” in 2007 when he was finally signed to the NFL. He joined the Buffalo Bills as a running back and signed a $10.8 million contract. It seems like Jackson got the last laugh in this case.