Joe Anderson signed by New York Jets after holding up ‘starving’ sign

ONE of the most touching sport stories in America this year is now one of the most uplifting after this guy’s dream finally came true.

CHRISTMAS came a few days early for wide receiver Joe Anderson.

Six weeks after he stood outside NRG Stadium with a sign campaigning for a shot at a roster spot, the New York Jets are taking a chance on him.

According to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post, the Jets have signed Anderson to their practice squad.

The Jets also confirmed the signing on Twitter on Wednesday morning AEDT.

We have signed WR Joe Anderson to the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/NEb373AJ9g

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 22, 2015

Anderson has played nine games in his career — all with the Chicago Bears after going undrafted in 2012 — but has yet to record a catch. However, his past struggles haven’t deterred him from pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL. And while he hasn’t yet made the Jets’ active roster, he’s just thankful for the opportunity.

“All I want is a shot to prove myself,” Anderson told the National Football Post.

“I’m hungry, I’m determined and I will do whatever it takes to succeed. I just want a chance. I will never give up. I love this game.

“I’m determined to show what I can do. I love football and I’m blessed by God to be able to play this game. I can do this, I know it.”

The grin says it all.

Anderson has at least one fan and acquaintance with the Jets in Brandon Marshall, who played with him in Chicago from 2012-13.

Marshall shared Anderson’s story on Instagram six weeks ago when he was asking the Texans for a shot, crediting him for his perseverance and strength.

“Wow this is humility right here,” he posted.

“My brother @_joeanderson is one of the hardest working guys I’ve had the pleasure of playing with. Everyday he stands outside of @houstontexans stadium praying someone gives him a shot.

“Some may call him #crazy. Hell I had to stop and really see his strength in this. I watched this guy grow so much. JOE you’re the kinda of guy I want to play with. You’re the guy I want in my FOXHOLE. I don’t care if it’s covering kicks. #mindovermatter.”

It came after Anderson created headlines around the world for this post on his Instagram account — pleading for a re-call to the NFL.

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.

Joe Anderson is coming back to the NFL

“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.”

The Texans never gave Anderson a tryout, but the Jets did a week ago, according to his Instagram account.

He must have been fairly impressive in that workout because the Jets thought he was good enough to earn a spot on the practice squad.

He’s relatively inexperienced at receiver in the NFL, but has returned five kicks for the Bears in 2013. The Jets have had issues on special teams this season, though it’s probably too early to tell if Anderson will get a shot to contribute on Sundays.

Regardless, it’s a great story, and an unforgettable moment for Anderson and his family.

Aussie Jarryd Hayne was just one of many players captivated by Anderson’s determination.

“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 Joe Anderson signed by New York Jets after holding up ‘starving’ sign