The odds aren’t exactly with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Josh Woodrum. He’s been cut four times in the last 15 months and he sits fourth on the team’s depth chart.
Still, he had a solid performance against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, throwing for 110 yards and scoring two touchdowns. In the Ravens’ first preseason game, he had a perfect passer rating.
So, what inspires this 24-year-old to keep his NFL dream alive? It’s Chris, his 21-year-old brother who has Down syndrome and has been a stellar Special Olympics athlete.
“If he can wake up and be happy and excel in his life, then why do I have the right to sit here and complain about playing football for a living or going to practice or going to meetings,” Woodrum said following the game. “I think about that every time I’m tired or don’t want to do something. I just think about him. That instantly pushes me through whatever wall I’m hitting.”
Here’s more from Woodrum on his brother:
Woodrum attended Liberty University in Virginia, where he threw for 10,266 yards, 59 touchdowns and a career completion percentage of 63.9.
Chris would often show up to Liberty games in his brother’s jersey. There’s no doubt that if Woodrum sees action in an NFL game, Chris won’t be far behind in another special jersey.