Rise: A Soldier, a Dream, and a Promise Kept - Paperback

by Daniel Rodriguez (Author), Joe Layden (Author)

The unforgettable story of a young soldier who survived one of the bloodiest battles in Afghanistan and, against all odds, lived to pursue his dream of playing Division I college football.

At 5-foot-8, 175 pounds, Daniel Rodriguez was an unlikely recruit for the gridiron. But on the battlefield, under the daily rain of sniper fire, he made a promise to his best friend. "When I get out of this shithole, I'm going to play college football."

Daniel had joined the army just weeks after graduating from high school, having recently suffered a devastating loss. At age nineteen he had no idea what war really was; he just wanted to get out of town. Almost immediately, he was deployed to Iraq (and would later serve in Afghanistan). And he grew up fast--stopped sleeping, started smoking. Killing became second nature. He fought in the infamous Battle of Kamdesh and for his bravery he was awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. But his best friend was not so lucky.

Against all odds, Daniel returned home--broken, but still alive. Stuck in the clutches of PTSD, Daniel remembered that fateful promise to his friend and knew he had to make good on it. He embarked on a grueling training regimen and when he posted a video of his efforts, it went viral overnight. By some mix of grit, determination, and the power of the Internet, he earned a spot on the Clemson University football team.

A powerfully delivered narrative of a young soldier, his unlikely dream, and how he found his way out of darkness, Rise is inspiring, quintessentially American, and will resonate with anyone who has ever fought for what they wanted.

Back Jacket

An inspiring story of a resilient warrior who knows what it means to keep a promise. Eric Greitens, Navy SEAL and best-selling author of "The Heart and the Fist" Daniel Rodriguez joined the army just weeks after graduating from high school. Almost immediately, he was deployed to Iraq and then to Afghanistan. While there, he made a promise to his best friend: When I get out of this shithole, I m going to play college football. Daniel made it out; his friend didn t. After returning home, Daniel was unemployed and stuck in the clutches of PTSD, but he remembered the promise he had made and resolved to make good on it. When he posted a video online of his grueling training efforts, it went viral overnight. Through a mixture of hope, determination, and the power of the Internet, Daniel earned a spot on the Clemson University football team as a wide receiver. In "Rise, " Rodriguez tells his powerful story a story that will inspire anyone fighting to make their dream a reality. A compelling story of one man s quest to overcome the horrors of war through fortitude and determination ... If you re seeking a book to inspire you, this one deserves a look. "San Antonio Express News" Life is designed to beat you down. Daniel shows you how to kick its ass. Major Rusty Bradley, U.S. Army (ret.), best-selling author of "Lions of Kandahar" DANIEL RODRIGUEZ was a Division I football player for Clemson University and currently plays for the St. Louis Rams. He has served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a decorated war hero. JOE LAYDEN is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author who has written more than thirty books."

Author Biography

DANIEL RODRIGUEZ was a Division I football player for Clemson University. He has served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a decorated war hero.

JOE LAYDEN is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author who has written more than thirty books.