The St. Louis Rams signed 24 undrafted free agents since the end of the 2012 NFL Draft. The list of players is long on interesting possibilities, and a few good stories as well. One of the most powerful comeback stories from that group of players belongs to Syracuse offensive tackle Michael Hay.
After graduating from Holy Cross High School in Flushing, NY, he signed on to play football at a Division II school. The summer before heading off to college, something happened that changed his life.
In a fight in his home town, Hay was stabbed through the rib change. The blade punctured his stomach and diaphragm and collapsed his lung, according to the New York Post. It was supposed to be the end of his football career.
He resumed working out as a redshirt during his freshman season and decided he wanted to not only play football again, but that he wanted to do on a larger stage.
Hay transferred to Nassau Community College, got to know the coaches, and resumed his playing career. A year and a half later, associates degree in hand, he transferred on a scholarship to Syracuse, following his coach. In two seasons with the Orange, he started all but one game on the right side.
And here he is.
Hay will try to continue his forward momentum with the St. Louis Rams, who could really use the help at tackle. It will be a good story to keep an eye on in training camp this year.