This 7FT GIANT Was TOO BIG For The NFL.. | HO

John Cron may be one of the most unique and astonishing athletes to ever attempt a professional football career. Standing at an extraordinary 7 feet tall and boasting immense strength—so much so that it’s said he possesses the power of three NFL players—John faced an unexpected problem: his sheer size. Despite his raw physical power, he struggled with basic mobility, unable to stand on his own due to his massive frame. This limitation made it impossible for him to pursue a career in the NFL, where balance, agility, and quick reflexes are essential, no matter how powerful or tall a player may be.

But John’s story is just one of many incredible tales of perseverance in the world of football. Athletes like him, who have faced unimaginable odds, often push boundaries, inspiring others and demonstrating that there are no limits to human potential—even when the world tells you otherwise. Whether it’s overcoming physical challenges or disabilities, their stories resonate deeply, proving that football, and sports in general, isn’t just about physical ability but mental strength and determination.

One of the most astonishing players to ever step onto the field is Dave Stevens, the football player with half a body. Born without legs and abandoned by his mother at birth, Stevens could have easily given up. But instead, he made it his mission to excel in multiple sports, including wrestling, baseball, and football. In high school, Stevens was not just a participant; he was a standout, breaking multiple state records despite running on his hands or using his arms to latch onto opponents’ legs in football. By the 1980s, Stevens became the only legless college athlete in the world, excelling at Augsburg University in Minnesota. His dreams even took him to an NFL tryout with the Dallas Cowboys in 1990, where his performance earned him respect from his fellow athletes and coaches. Though he didn’t make the team, his journey led him to a successful career as an ESPN reporter.

Equally inspiring is Jake Olson, a blind long snapper who overcame the loss of both his eyes due to cancer. Jake’s early years were marked by intense battles with cancer, which first claimed his right eye and later his left eye when he was 12. Yet, Jake never let his blindness hold him back. Determined to play football, he practiced long snapping relentlessly. His hard work paid off, as he became the best long snapper on his high school team and eventually earned a spot on the University of Southern California (USC) football team. In his first game, Jake made history as the first blind player to snap for a Division I team, an emotional moment celebrated by fans and players alike.

Then there’s the story of Cody Casey, a player who literally lost a leg during a game but found a way back onto the field. While playing for Georgetown in 2014, Cody suffered a gruesome leg injury when he was hit from the side by another player, breaking his leg. Despite emergency surgeries, Cody’s leg became infected, leading to the amputation of his leg. Remarkably, Cody received a prosthetic that allowed him to return to football. He rejoined the team as a kick returner, proving that even an amputated leg couldn’t keep him from the game he loved.

Similarly, Kaden Cox defied the odds when he became the first college football player with Down syndrome to score in a real game. Born with the genetic disorder, Cox faced developmental challenges his whole life. Many doubted he would even graduate from high school, but Cox shattered those expectations, making it onto the Hocking College football team. His perseverance paid off in 2021 when he became the first known player with Down syndrome to score in a college football game, a moment of immense pride for his family and fans alike.

Another remarkable figure is Jason Carter, a 4-foot-9 running back who made history as the shortest player ever to play college football. Despite his small stature, Carter’s speed and agility made him a force to be reckoned with. In high school, he racked up 18 touchdowns and 92 tackles, stats so impressive that he was able to walk on to the D1 team at Rice University. In 2013, he made his debut as the shortest player in FBS history, a testament to his talent and determination.

Perhaps even more incredible is Derrick Coleman, who made it all the way to the NFL despite being deaf. Coleman, who played for the Seattle Seahawks, overcame the challenge of not being able to hear play calls or communicate on the field in the traditional way. Instead, he mastered the art of lip reading, a skill that allowed him to excel at the highest level of professional football. Coleman’s story is a powerful reminder that disabilities don’t have to be barriers to success.

Then there’s Alex Hurl, a college football player who dominated the game with just one arm. Born without a left arm, Alex didn’t let this stop him from becoming one of the top linebackers in Oregon. His incredible strength and determination earned him a full scholarship to the University of Montana, where he continued to prove that anything is possible with hard work.

In Louisiana, Haley Van Vooris made history as one of the first female safeties in college football. Playing for Shenandoah University, Van Vooris spent three years honing her craft before finally making her debut in 2023, where she quickly proved her worth on the field. Her presence as a safety, rather than a kicker or punter (the positions typically associated with women in football), is changing the way people think about gender in the sport.

Finally, there’s James Conner, who battled cancer while playing college football and still made it to the NFL. During his time at the University of Pittsburgh, Conner was diagnosed with a life-threatening tumor around his heart. After undergoing emergency surgery and chemotherapy, Conner continued to train and play football, ultimately beating cancer and getting drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

These athletes’ stories of overcoming adversity, whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental, remind us that the human spirit is incredibly resilient. Despite being “too big” for the NFL, or too short, too blind, or too disabled in some way, they show that perseverance and passion can take you further than anyone ever thought possible.