Draft Dreams: One-Handed Diabetic Overcomes, Hopes for NFL Shot

The childhood dreams of a select group of athletes will come true this week when their names are called at the NFL Draft in New York City. ?But for one prospect, getting a look from an NFL team is just another hurdle he’d have to clear.

FOX News Radio’s Chris Hoenig has the story of Eddie Delaney:

Eddie Delaney stands 6’6″ and weighs in at 250 pounds, but he lacks one thing NFL defensive ends have: two hands.

(Delaney) “I was born without a left hand.”

If playing with a partial forearm isn’t enough to overcome…

(Delaney) “I was also diagnosed with diabetes at the age of six.”

Yet he still set a Championship Subdivision record last year with 8.5 sacks for SUNY-Albany. ?He’s learned how to manage offensive lines the same way he’s learned to manage his diabetes.

(Delaney) “During game days, I stop taking my insulin at this time, because my nerves get really high and then my blood sugar drops.”

He was rewarded with the Maxwell Awards’ Spirit Award this year, and now waits to see if his hard work has paid off.

(Delaney) “If I get a shot, I would absolutely love to take advantage of that. ?You know, it’s the greatest game in the world.”

Chris Hoenig, FOX News Radio.