In a preseason game against Washington, Cleveland Browns rookie receiver Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi returned a punt 86 yards for a touchdown. Not only were fans celebrating, but so were all of his teammates, because they knew his story.

No path to playing in the NFL is ever easy, but his was harder than most. Just four months prior, Sheehy-Guiseppi was homeless and destitute. He was sleeping outside a gym in Miami where he’d spent his last $200 training. In order to talk his way into getting a shot at the spring practice, he convinced officials that he was an acquaintance of Browns’ vice president of player personnel Alonzo Highsmith, which wasn’t true. Yet, upon meeting him in person, Hightower was impressed enough to offer Sheehy-Guiseppi a chance to catch a few balls and run a 40-yard dash. That led to another practice, and eventually, a rookie contract.

Afterward, Highsmith was clearly pleased with his decision. “To be out of football as long as he's been out, and still have that type of speed? That means he's fast. And now he's eating three square meals a day, sleeping in his own bed. The sky's the limit for him.” Sheehy-Guiseppi said, “I'm just blessed to be healthy and be in the position that I am. I just try to stay in the moment and just think about what's to come next. I'm super proud to be able to take advantage of moments like that.”

Potential Preaching Angles: 1) We demonstrate our faith when we act in the belief that our efforts will be rewarded, even when that reward appears out of reach. 2) God also responds when we are persistent in our prayers without giving up.

Source: Gabriel Kinder, “A guy who talked his way into a tryout with the Browns scored an 86-yard touchdown” CNN.com (8-10-19)