For mainly that reason, the odds were, are, and will always be stacked against Silas Bolden. That fuels, obviously, the gratitude he feels for the opportunity to be part of the Vikings and prove his ability, again.
"It means everything, you know, because I'm not the biggest guy out there," Bolden told Vikings.com a day before participating in Minnesota's rookie minicamp. "I just went out there and put in the work and it shows. I made my dreams come true, you know? But the journey is not over. I'm just getting started."
Born and raised in the Inland Empire in California, Bolden spent four years at Oregon State and transferred to Texas for his last college dance. He's one of 22 UDFAs signed by the Vikings after the draft.
It's another item checked off for Bolden, who amassed 103 receptions for 1,343 yards and 10 touchdowns, in addition to 199 rushing yards and five scores and two housed punt returns in college. He first identified the NFL as his goal around 5 or 6 years old, when he fancied a hometown team and an icon.
"I ain't gonna lie, I pretended to be Reggie Bush," Bolden said, admiring the former USC running back. "My first number was actually 5 when I played tackle football. So, I mean, he was my biggest inspiration."
An infatuation with Bush's feats was common for dreaming football players born around 2000. And, yes, that Bush-inspired No. 5 jersey kept resting on Bolden's frame as he skirted past high school opponents.