NFL free agent’s incredible commitment

JARRYD Hayne risked it all when he left rugby league to pursue a career in the NFL, but the Aussie’s sacrifice seems small compared to this man’s.

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 15: Joe Anderson #19 of the Chicago Bears checks in during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Soldier Field, August 15, 2013 in Chicago Illinois. (Photo by Tom Dahlin/Getty Images)

IT HAS the makings of a Hollywood movie, and if it eventuates, could be one of the best comeback stories in the NFL.

Such is the story of ex-college footballer Joseph Anderson.

Undrafted after leaving college in 2012, the former Louisiana Tech wide receiver’s dream to play in the NFL got off to a slightly laboured start before he was called up by the Chicago Bears early in the season.

Originally signed to the Bears practice squad, Anderson saw limited time on the field during the 2012-13 NFL season before he was eventually waived by the franchise in November 2013.

A short, unsuccessful stint with the Philadelphia Eagles left the 26-year-old a free agent, and all but closed the door on any hopes of another chance playing professional football.

But now Anderson has decided he will do pretty much anything if it means getting another crack on one of the biggest sporting stages in the world.

Also a return specialist, Anderson has taken it upon himself to lobby the Houston Texans for a place on their roster.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, the wide receiver is shown to be standing out the front of the Texans training facility, holding a sign reading “Starving for Success,” in a bid to get a trial with the AFC franchise.

Captioning the photo with a short essay, Anderson said he would be outside the training ground every day until he was given a shot.

“I’m not looking at my situation with a worldly mindset and that’s what’s gonna separate me,” Anderson wrote.

“My hunger can’t be matched, my heart can’t be compared too, I’m outside the Houston Texans facility every morning, because I know what type of gift God has blessed me with. A lot of people don’t really live out the meaning whatever it takes, they are just saying it.

“You gotta really live that junk if you say it and believe in yourself and trust in the Lord, and living it don’t just mean hold up a sign.”

The committed father of two said nothing would get in the way of him achieving his goals, not even the coach.

“Oh there is much pain behind holding this sign and it’s not from being doubted or the underdog, like how bad do you really want it?” he wrote.

“If the coach wanna line up I’ll route him up too, to the point if it’s special teams an the ref get in the way I’ll hit him too.

“It’s something flickering in my head everyday with much humility and will power to go the extra mile when it come to believing in myself and proving all doubters wrong.”

Holding up a sign in front of NRG Stadium isn’t all Anderson has been doing. It looks like he has been training a bit as well.

If the Texans manage to find reason not the sign Anderson, it certainly won’t be for a poor work ethic.

Australian rugby league convert Jarryd Hayne received global praise for his pursuit of a life long goal to play in the NFL.

Leaving behind a career as one of the best players in the NRL, Hayne put everything on the line in moving to the US. And when he was dropped by the San Francisco 49ers, things looked to have taken a terrible turn for the 27-year-old.

However even with the Aussies’ incredible dedication to his passion, had he not been resigned to the 49ers practice squad, it begs to question whether he would actually go as far as to stand outside Levi’s Stadium and lobby Jim Tomsula for a paycheck.

Hayne jumped to his own Instagram account to show his support for the passionate would-be NFL player, saying he had “nothing but respect” for the man.

“This is Joe Anderson a WR standing outside showing he will do what it takes to be back in the NFL,” Hayne wrote.

“Sometimes God don’t open doors. He gives you the strength to open them.

Nothing but respect, hope that door opens for you. Supporting you either way.”

Originally published as NFL free agent’s incredible commitment