It’s the story of a brave NFL Rookie. In disbelief, he was shown a photo of himself in an incubator, hooked up to life support in the NICU. His mom was told that all she needed to do was sign a paper and let life take its course, as they knew he wouldn’t survive. The hospital became his second home, where he felt heartbroken, longing for a normal childhood. But when he discovered football, it became his escape, his passion. In middle school, he realized he was unstoppable.

Hearing his name called on the NFL draft was a testament to his mother’s hard work and dedication. Not everyone is blessed with such an amazing mother. Without her, he wouldn’t be here. Reflecting on his journey, Derick Hall realized he had beaten the odds both in life and in football, defying the 1% chance of survival he was given.

Derick Hall: A born star

Against all odds, being drafted into the professional football league has a history of being born lifeless. This remarkable journey began 22 years ago when he arrived prematurely, four months before his due date, leaving his mother with a disheartening prognosis. Doctors feared Derick would be born lifeless, yet he entered the world on March 19, 2001, weighing a mere two pounds and nine ounces.

Derick’s mother vividly recalls the moment, finding herself surrounded by a multitude of physicians and specialists, their words echoed with despair: a mere 1% chance of survival for her precious child.

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“One percent of the world getting the opportunity to play in this national football league, and I had a one percent test of living. That’s the definition of defeat odds,”­ This is what Derick Hall said, which is recommended to those who give up on life. Derick’s life’s reality of belief. He signed with the Seahawks for a $9,115,604, 4-year contract.

The hospital cautioned that even if he defied the odds, a life devoid of quality awaited him. Yet, his mother could not bring herself to sign the form they presented, refusing to abandon hope.

Derick barely could run for 10 minutes

Although released from the hospital after five months, physically delayed, Derick embarked on a journey of therapies encompassing speech, and physical exercises throughout his childhood. Inevitably, elementary school arrived, prompting his mother to enroll him in football. Alas, his underdeveloped lungs necessitated frequent breaks during practices and games. “He can run for about 10 minutes and then you may have to pull him out to give him a break,” Derick’s mom said.

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Adjustments were made, meticulously communicating his limitations to the coaches. Every winter brought hospital visits due to asthma or respiratory syncytial virus, causing his oxygen levels to plummet.

“I just wanted him to have a normal life where he could walk and talk and feed himself. I was just thinking, Lord, let him make it through the night. And here we are 22 years later, and so all of this is a bonus,” said Derick’s mother Stacy Gooden.

An athlete fights on the field, but a star fights every second with no complaints. In December, the six-foot-three, 254-pound linebacker made the momentous decision to declare for the NFL draft. This milestone achievement would not have been possible without his mother’s unwavering commitment, which began even before Derick took his first breath.

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