In a photo provided by Michigan State University, Michigan State offensive lineman Arthur Ray Jr., facing camera, takes part in spring football practice Thursday, April 7, 2011, in East Lansing, Mich., after being cleared to practice by the NCAA, four years after being diagnosed with leg cancer. (Michigan State University, Matthew Mitchell, Michigan State University via AP)
The road to the NFL draft is paved with inspirational stories of players who overcame heady obstacles to reach their ultimate goals.
But some of the best stories occur when the draft’s spotlights have been turned off.
Take the tale of Arthur Ray Jr. The former Fort Lewis offensive lineman was invited by the Miami Dolphins to a tryout later this week at their rookie minicamp in Florida. Sure, a Division II player getting the crack at an NFL job is noteworthy.
But Ray, who started his career at Michigan State, didn’t just overcome the lack of exposure of playing in Durango. He has already overcome bone cancer, surviving nine surgeries to ward off the disease that threatened to take his left leg.
Want to Thank God and the organization for this opportunity, first step to fulfilling the dream
— Arthur Ray Jr. (@ARayofHope73)
“Want to thank God and the Miami Dolphins organization for this opportunity, first step to fulfilling the dream,” Ray tweeted.
Former Denver Post editorial intern Alexandria Valdez last summer , and his courageous battle with cancer in between.
Ray could already have an ally in Dolphins offensive line coach John Benton, a Colorado State alum who is a native of Durango.
