When Dontez Byrd was a young kid growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, he wrote a letter to his mom to talk about his legacy. He knew what he wanted to achieve, and he is now living out his dream.
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Byrd signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted rookie out of Tennessee Tech in late April, and decided to share the letter with everyone in the week leading up to his first NFL game.
This is incredible.
Dear Mom,
Today we had a seminar on Legacy and I want my legacy to be someone who went against all odds and accomplished what he was put on Earth to do. Each day I get closer and closer to my dreams of playing professional football.
Love,
Dontez Byrd
The path to the National Football League has certainly not been an easy one.
After starring at Ballard High School in Louisville, where he won a conference and district championship as a senior, the 5-foot-11 wide receiver walked on at Louisville before eventually earned a scholarship with the Cardinals for his contributions on special teams.
The only problem? Byrd never recorded a catch despite playing in 24 games, primarily as a special teamer.
So, the young speedster decided to transfer to Tennessee Tech, and, man, was it worth it.
In his two seasons with the Golden Eagles, Byrd had 152 receptions for 1,936 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns to become one of the greatest receivers in program history.
He broke school records as a junior, and then broke them again as a senior.
Byrd knew long ago he was meant to play football. His smaller stature or path didn't matter — All he needed was an opportunity.
He know has it with the Atlanta Falcons, and will definitely be one of those players fans will always cheer for come Friday night against the New York Jets, and hopefully, in the years to come.
