GENO SMITH

Born to sixteen-year-old parents in Miramar, Florida, a baby boy named after his grandfather would grow up to rewrite the rules about second chances. Raised by a loving family that included grandparents and an uncle who taught him to study game films like a pro, he dreamed of playing quarterback in the NFL.In college at West Virginia, he set 33 school records and threw for 407 yards and six touchdowns in one legendary Orange Bowl game that had everyone calling him a future superstar. He was ready for his name to be called early on draft night.
But then came the longest night of his life. Sitting in the green room at Radio City Music Hall, cameras watching, he waited as all 32 NFL teams passed him by in the first round-a public heartbreak that millions witnessed. He wanted to go home and never come back.
Instead, he did something incredible: he returned the next day and got drafted in the second round. Then came seven years as a backup, holding clipboards while others played. But at age 32, in his tenth NFL season, he finally got his chance-and became Comeback Player of the Year, made the Pro Bowl for the first time, and proved that dreams don't have expiration dates.
This is the unforgettable true story of patience, perseverance, and a quarterback who showed the world that being passed over doesn't mean you're passed up-sometimes the greatest victories come to those who refuse to quit.
Perfect for young readers ages 6-12 who need to hear that setbacks are just setups for incredible comebacks!