Video of Daniel Rodriguez’s story on ‘Dan Rather Reports’
I wrote about Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer appearing on a “Dan Rather Reports” special about Army veteran and football hopeful Daniel Rodriguez yesterday.
Not a lot of people get HDNET, apparently, but it’s up on YouTube in two parts if you’re interested. Here it is:
UPDATE: The folks at HDNET have asked that I take the video down. I’ll oblige, although their beef should be with YouTube, where you can still see the videos here.
February 8, 2012 - 8:44 AM
Very touching and inspirational piece on this former soldier. I’ll bet he’s in better shape than 80% of current players on the Tech team. This would be a terrific story and an exciting opportunity for the Hokies if he could make the team and make some sort of contribution. Very best of luck to this young, smart & brave man.
Thanks Andy! I am a Veteran & a Hokie. This story is just amazing & the Hokie nation should be honored that this hero wants to be a football player at VT. Do you have more info. on weather or not VT is persuing him? Please continue to track this story and keep us updated!
I really like this young man and think he would add something to the Hokies football team that would help them get to a higher level of performance. He certainly looks like he’s athletic enough to compete for VT but also has desire and probably leadership skills that a team needs. Granted he has to deal with what he’s been through but that can be dealt with. I hope Beamer moves forward and gives Danny a chance to play for the Hokies. Thank you
Danny for serving our country.
What an outstanding man. His cardio workouts would probably be something that would be instructive to Mike Gentry, too. Here’s hoping he gets his shot and wears the Hokie uniform very soon. I know Beamer can’t comment, but it certainly sounds like there is a walk on slot for him waiting.
Daniel is an inspirational young man and any team should be honored to have him. The fact that he wants to be a Hokie is great and I really, really hope his dream comes true. Daniel, if you happen to read this blog I want you to know that I appreciate you and your fellow soldiers service to our country. Go Hokies!
I wish I had half the motivation this stand-up individual has. My goal is to get to half of his, then to try to fill the rest.
Thanks Daniel for some true, real, raw , INSPIRATION!
Hopefully the university has learned that the contribution of veterans is important enough to merit appropriate support. As a veteran in the 1980′s I represented Virginia Tech in the NCAA finals for my sport, but was not supported by the university and ended up not able to further compete. Good luck to Daniel in overcoming his next challenge – the athletic director and VT bureaucracy.
Brad, Daniel Rodriguez is attending Clemson, where he was welcomed by the head coach and got playing time on both special teams and as a reserve WR. He’s quite happy there, and the university & football program have both welcomed him into the fold.