No Excuses: Growing Up Deaf and Achieving My Super Bowl Dreams

by Derrick Coleman, Marcus Brotherton

Trailblazing Seattle Seahawks fullback Derrick Coleman Jr.—the first deaf athlete to play offense in the NFL—tells his inspirational journey of persevering through every obstacle, remaining dedicated to the hard work and a no-excuses attitude that ultimately earned him a Super Bowl victory. Great for readers of all ages.

Even at a young age, if anyone told Derrick Coleman what he couldn’t do, he’d just reply, “Watch me.” Diagnosed as hearing-impaired at age three, he faced a potentially limited future, but neither he nor his family were going to let that happen. Now Derrick shares the story of his remarkable journey toward NFL stardom, of the friends and colleagues who cheered him on when skeptics tried to chip away at his confidence, and of how every challenge he faced only strengthened his resolve.

At the heart of his story is his unconventional family, whose one constant was always love. When Derrick was misunderstood as “difficult,” or bullied and laughed at by schoolmates, he removed his hearing aids and listened instead to his mother’s Never let anyone else tell you how far you can go.

Playing football became an outlet for Derrick’s restless energy and a way of proving he could forge his own path. As a senior at UCLA, he became a standout, an award-winning player who led his team with eleven touchdowns and demonstrated to the world what his heart had known all He had what it took to be a champion.

No Excuses is more than just Derrick Coleman’s story as a sports legend, inspirational role model, and icon. It’s a motivating and unique testament to the human spirit, to the potential inside everyone who has ever faced difficult obstacles. It’s about aiming high in life, giving it your all, and never ever settling for excuses.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Memoir, Audiobook, Autobiography, Biography Memoir, Football

272 pages, Hardcover

First published June 2, 2015

Reviews

[Kimball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how he explained the likelihood of getting drafted into the NFL. From 1.8 million high school football players to 250 eligible for the draft. 53 players are kept on each NFL team.

Sick, he'd poop the bed when he was younger.

In Junior High School he played both offense and defense and doing that helped him excel in both positions.

Seems like he wasn't a typical rowdy boy and then cleaned up his act. He was decent through and through. But then again he doesn't like to relive bad experiences so he glossed over them and all we can do while reading this book is put on our rose-tinted glasses. He's wholesome. I love that in a year he went from week to week practicing to starting at full back and go on to win the Superbowl for the first time in the Seashlongs history. I need to look at his commerical he made. And I need to research to see what he's done in football since 2014. And after some research it looks like he went to jail in 2015 for a hit and run. Dang it.

He gained 40 lbs in 8 months from 8th grade to 9th grade.

Sometimes the signing bonus can be the only guaranteed money a player can get.

In the history of the NFL only 2 other players have been deaf. He's the first offensive deaf player ever.

That'd be stressful to be on the practice squad and only going week to week. I wonder why teams don't have more consistent members. I guess some teams will bring a guy for a day then cut them and find someone else.

He actually supports our troops.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was decent. I am not a football fan, so why did I read(listen to) a book about a football player, huh? Well, Derrick Coleman was the first and possibly the only NFL football player, who is legally deaf. I enjoy reading about people, who overcome the odds to accomplish their dreams. He even played in the Super Bowl with the Seattle SeaHawks and I think now he may be with Atlanta. I'd give this 2.5 stars,; I just need to decide if I should give it 2 or 3 stars here on Goodreads.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also reviewed this on my blog located here: http://superbookgrl13.blogspot.com/20...

I'd like to start out first by explaining myself before I dive into my review. I had no idea who Derrick Coleman Jr was until I saw his Duracell commercial in the middle of the season that the Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. Once I saw it, I jumped the bandwagon. I became a Seahawks fan. I have been cheering hard ever since, I don't care who taunts me for jumping the bandwagon, I am player #12. I cried hard when they lost their second bid at the Super Bowl. I cheered even harder when I heard #40 was returning from his injury this year. Who is number 40? why Derrick of course. He is the first deaf offensive NFL player in the history of NFL. He's the first, but thanks to doors opening, he won't be the last, I just know it. Why do I care? I myself am hard of hearing. I wear bilateral hearing aids (both ears) since I was 3 years old. When I saw the commercial and read the closed captioning of what he was narrating, my soul jumped up and down and screamed YES! he knows what I'm talking about! Right now I am 34 years old, I am a single mom, but while I'm not a professional sports player, I am pretty rare in my choice of a career, not many people can say they know a deaf medical assistant. Yep, I'm in the medical field. I have a special stethoscope to hear blood pressures with, and I have to concentrate extra hard on both patients and the Doctors that I work with, not all of them like to look at you and speak clearly. So..yes, my soul rejoiced when I learned about Mr. Coleman. Enough about me! lets get on with it!

I have read this book twice now. TWICE. Once because I inhaled it, then a second time because I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything by inhaling it.

This book was well written, it was an easy read, I don't normally pick up biographies to read, I have enough going on in my own life to read about someone else's drama. But being who he is, and his message of positivity that he talks about frequently, his helping of children who are also deaf, and everything that he represents, I wanted to read it. Turns out he really does understand. Most everything he talked about in his book, I felt or dealt with in some way, from the hearing aids batteries, to behind the ear headphones. Being picked on and called stupid and told no. How we don't know how we sound without them and usually end up shouting. Having to wear the giant box around our necks and handing each teacher a microphone to speak into. How we are dead to the world when we sleep without them, and Elementary school is just plain BRUTAL. but fear not, because like him, I experienced the friends and surge in popularity too in Middle school, and especially high school. I enjoyed reading about the things he went through, his football days, how he didn't get drafted, how it made him feel. I loved how he didn't dwell on the details of his being bullied in elementary school, instead focusing on trying not to remember it, because he has moved past it. He and I are worlds apart, I am in Florida, I am older, I am a mom, I love to watch NFL, but if I tried to play it id be sat out within seconds I haven't learned the coordination, but when I read the words of his books, I was right there with him going OMG YES! me too! and not knowing anyone else like myself really, it was awe inspiring to know that I AM NOT ALONE!

Derrick Coleman Jr is humble, he strikes me as the type of person by the tone in his voice that is down to earth, easy to talk to and 100% real. He inspires so many people, so many kids, and obviously so many adults, but he doesn't see the big deal, because all he had to do was work for it, work hard for it, and if he can do it, so can so many others out there, right? he's really inspiring to so many.

I so very highly recommend this book to everyone, not just the hard of hearing community, but to everyone because he really is inspiring, his mantra Be Yourself and No Excuses are truly words that everyone can grasp and live by. Thank you Derrick Coleman Jr for being who you are! You are an awesome guy.

[Elizabeth Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a sports fan, but I am a Derrick Coleman fan. He consistently puts out positive messages that reach everyone, not just those in the deaf community. I am so glad there is a football star who serves as a positive role model. I enjoyed No Excuses because it flushed out the story of Derrick's life and the obstacles he had to overcome to achieve success. Reading No Excuses will inspire everyone to reach for their dreams and give them the courage to succeed even in the face tremendous obstacles. Seeing Derrick overcome not just deafness, but the ignorance and mean-spirited actions of others and end up where he is today makes for a compelling book. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It provides an uplifting message for all of us.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

BETTER TH A N GOOD BUT NOT QUITE GREAT

I'm glad I read the story of Derrick Coleman, Jr. He's an inspiration to all, especially those with disabilities. He's proven that you CAN do whatever you set your mind on. With God's help, motivation, and dedication, anything is possible.

I was about halfway through the book, when I heard he'd been arrested for leaving the scene of an accident. Since then, I've been away from news and only know he was released. Prayers are there was a very good reason for what he did. He seems like one of a few who are good role models for the kids today. I wish him well.

[Jacqueline115 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone that knows me knows that I truly despite NFL and anything football related. I appreciated that not one negative thing was written in this book, even if it was negative. Derrick either brushed it off or explained that it was the way life is sometimes. He sets good examples of what I view as a role model should be like. *yes I admit i watched *that* Super Bowl game, just to watch him play :)*

[Angie Fehl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Derrick Coleman, Jr, having lived with a hearing impairment since the age of three, shares the details of his inspirational, "against all odds" journey to NFL success. There were plenty of challenges right from an early age. Hearing challenges aside, Coleman also experienced his parents separating early on in his life, as well as being the target of a fair amount of bullying once he reached school years. Though his parents might have not worked out as a lasting couple, he writes that they maintained a caring friendship and were dedicated parents to Derrick Jr., being determined advocates for their son getting the best medical attention possible, as well as pushing him into social interactions that they hoped would steadily build his self-confidence. Often left feeling misunderstood, when Coleman was introduced to football it became an effective outlet for working out pent-up energy and frustrations.

Finishing high school, Derrick went on to attend UCLA, where he would be scouted by the NFL and later signed as a Seahawks offensive running back. Might sound easy-breezy enough right there, but it's at this point in the book that Coleman shares the math on the realistic odds of this actually happening for a college player. His breakdown of the process spans over 4-5 pages, but here's an abbreviated excerpt:

"Let's do a little math: There are about 37,000 high schools in America. Most high schools are going to have football programs. Each high school team has about 50 players. That's about 1.8 million high school players total. That's where the pool of potential NFL players begins --- a pool as big as the ocean is wide....1.8 million high school players get sliced down to about 10,000 college freshmen who get to play football. Point being: It ain't easy to play football at a college level. And after that, it only gets harder. If, by chance, you do survive and end up as a college senior and you're not limping or in a coma in a hospital, then you'll find yourself one of about 3,500 other players who potentially could play at the NFL level. Each NFL team has 53 guys on the roster. That's 1,696 players total in the NFL, give or take, at any one time. Each year, about 200 of those spots open up, so just over 250 guys are ever drafted into the NFL in any given year. Even if you're drafted, that doesn't mean you've made it....you could be drafted and still not ever play an official NFL game."

The rest of the book goes on to lay out the ups and downs of his NFL career, the challenges his hearing impairment placed on him, and how he was able to find ways to overcome. Coleman notes that at the time of writing this memoir, he was 23 years of age, so just time-wise, this isn't one of those memoirs that can reminisce over a long career full of unbelievable moments. In fact, much of the book reads as a lot of filler, and I found the writing style to be a tad simplistic (though the conversational tone would probably translate well to audiobook format).

Though I ended up getting a little bored with the writing around the halfway mark, I did finish this memoir, and I can say that despite some of my minor problems with it as a reader, there is good material here as far as Derrick's explanations on the basics of football and plenty of inspiration words for young athletes just getting started. He also brings up some good points while sharing stories about practicing with his dad, learning ways to build hand-eye coordination through playing sports, and how that process ultimately strengthened what was previously a diminished sense of balance.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea who Derrick Coleman, Jr. was until I read this book. It was only $1 at my local Dollar Tree. The cover caught my eye but the blurb on the back made me buy it. Best $1 I've ever spent.

I did not grow up with a disability, nor did I find my solace in sports - but neither of that matters. This was an exceptional read that any athlete or person who appreciate athletes should read. I also recommend it for anyone who is either chasing their dreams or needs an extra push towards the starting line.

The book gives a lot of background on Coleman's life - his ups, his downs…his waits and his awards. It is not a 'glorify me' type of read. He doesn't praise himself so much as those around him (like his coaches, his friends, his family, God, etc) which was refreshing. His parents grew apart and eventually divorced but he did not let this take him down a dark road - instead, he let it inspire him. Both of his parents kept their encouragements high and worked together to raise a solid role model of a young man despite their differences with each other.

I have never been huge on football (hockey has always been my sport) but I can honestly say that this guy gives me a new perspective towards the players who really deserve a spot on the field. Even the 'negatives' in the book had positive spins. Derrick sets and explains several good examples of how actual, bonafide role models should be. This book should be read by those looking for inspiration and revitalization…not those who want a book that glorifies the game over the guy.

Derrick Coleman, Jr. is the first deaf player to ever play offense in the NFL and the first to win a Super Bowl Championship (in 2014). He is also the first one to deserve such an honor. If you are a fan of memoirs, you will find something to take away from this book. If not the ending content (you don't get into the football jargon until over half-way through), then the quotes and the determination-driven paragraphs in the first half.

Not all sports players feel entitled and Coleman proves that in this delightful surprise of a true tale about overcoming obstacles that everyone tells you are too big to leap over.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that I am not a sports person, I don’t go out of my way to seek, and read sport memoirs. However, I came across this book in a disability section from the libby app, and I read that Derrick was the first Deaf athlete to play in NFL. I thought oh, that’s cool, I will give this book a shot.

You see, I am Deaf. So I always appreciate Deaf visibility! And how cool is that we had a Deaf football player in NFL?

I really liked the writing style, and it felt like I was there chatting with Derrick. He had a lot of positivity, grit, and determination. I knew by the firsthand experience how difficult it was to grow up as a Deaf person, and let alone to try make it into the hearing dominant field.

I admired Derrick a lot for not giving up, and for not taking nonsayers to the heart.

The only thing I cringed to was his using “hearing impaired” repeatedly in the book. It was one thing to refer himself that way (his choice for using such an outdated, and offensive term), but to call an entire Deaf community that? Ouch. Just stop, please.

Aside from that ick word being used so much, it was truly a great book. I enjoyed it.

And I enjoy even more after finding out that he now works for the Packers! 😁

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational read about Derrick Coleman, Jr. who was born legally deaf and faced a lot of obstacles as a kid. His desire to play football, in spite of his hearing loss, was a driving force in life backed by supportive family and friends. He proved that he could do it by being a high school all-star and getting into UCLA, and eventually finding his way into the NFL and winning the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013- the first year they had ever won a Super Bowl. He inspires people all over to never make excuses and always pursue your dreams. He was the first deaf NFL player to win a SB and only the third deaf NFL player in the history of football. He describes what it took for him to achieve the main dream he had- just to play in at least one NFL game, and how difficult it was to even get to that point. The writing is so-so, but I guess it’s like just having a conversation with him as he tells his story as it comes out.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Derrick's perspective on growing up and beating the odds and overcoming the perceptions that people have about him based on his hearing loss.
I work with the deaf children everyday, they are the reason that I read this book. I enjoy reading books that I can tell them about and that might help me understand their experiences even just a smidge more.
I don't really care much about football, but I do enjoy a good book about a person's life. What I didn't love about this book was how many times he said, "hearing impaired community." This clearly states how little interaction Derrick had with the Deaf community.
Overall, not a bad read. I'm glad I read it, I thought it was really cool and well done.

[Robin Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't care for football, and don't know much about it. This book was recommended to me when another that I was looking for was not available. I am glad that I read it come on because I learned what it takes to make it, and stay in professional football. The constant stress to excel, and the fear of nearly certain injury takes grit and perseverance. Derrick Coleman overcame more than most, being nearly deaf. He had to work harder, disregard naysayers, and show resilience in the face of bias and rejection. This book was an inspirational quick read.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is an inspirational book about Derrick Coleman Jr, who became the first legally deaf offensive player in the NFL. It is not a book of great literary writing, but has more of a conversational tone. Derrick is a great example of not letting a challenge become an obstacle or an excuse. Rather than complain, he just worked harder. The story of his road to the NFL was fun to read. If you are a fan of football, especially the NFL, and like stories of not letting anything get in the way of your dreams, this is a good read.

[Christy Watychowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent of a child with hearing loss, this book was inspirational and uplifting. I appreciated that Derrick's accounts seemed so honest. I am so proud for him to have made his achievements, and grateful that he used his platform as an NFL player to share his story and encourage others.

This book would be great for many ages to read, I would say the difficulty level is maybe at 4th/5th grade.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing isn’t very good, but Coleman’s story is interesting enough. However, poor writing doesn’t make an interesting enough story very enjoyable to read. I read this one to support a student I tutor who is researching this athlete. Otherwise, though I might have picked this one up, I am very sure I would not have finished it.

[Mona Langer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this inspiring memoir! What an amazing young man. I wish him a successful future in whatever he does.

[Bryndee Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the mom of a deaf kid, this book was such a fun and inspiring read. Made me smile and laugh more than once.

[Wendy Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick Coleman is #40, fullback for the Seahawks and part of the Super Bowl XLVIII championship team. He made history by becoming the first deaf offensive player in the NFL. He tackled Trindon Holliday at the 12-yard line on the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLVIII - getting the game started right I’d say. And the rest is history, including the first Super Bowl Championship team that included a deaf player.

All Twelves, and football fans will enjoy his new memoir book. It’s so interesting to read about his childhood and his progression from Pop Warner, to High School football, and then trying to get into the NFL, and then the story about what it was like to be in that Super Bowl! But that is just the icing on the cake, because this book brings to life so much more than just football.

I had the privilege to meet Derrick Coleman Jr. at his recent book signing at Third Place Books. His memoir is written is such a conversational and personal way, that when I met him I felt an instant connection through what I’d read. Mixed into the life stories are life lessons that feel so sincere and embraceable. This isn’t a book that preaches at you what you should do; it takes your hand and shows you what works. He shows you the importance of having goals, and of pursuing them.

This book is about a man who persevered to overcome in a big way his obstacle of being deaf. That has been an incredible inspiration for so many in the deaf community – kids and adults. I would never discount that. Standing in line at the book signing I was surrounded by so many people who told me how inspired they are by him for exactly that hope that he’s showed them. Yet, as he says himself, we all have obstacles that we have to overcome to achieve our goals. He has written a book of sincere and plain spoken inspiration for anyone who has ever dreamed and been told they couldn’t do that.

I can tell you that in person Derrick Coleman Jr. is a humble, caring, and compelling man. His whole face and demeanor lights up around kids, and he’s given back to kids in many ways. In a recent interview this UCLA graduate told kids, “The sky’s the limit for you; I’m nobody special. If I can make it to college, y’all can too. Don’t have any excuse. Whatever it is you want to do, do it. Have fun and don’t worry about other people.” Derrick Coleman has confronted even more than the one obstacle in his life, and he’s learned many things from his struggles, that he’s now sharing. His sense of humor has softened life’s blows, and adds to this engaging read.

For you football fans and Twelves, yes there are some tantalizing stories you’ll enjoy. His memoir is about such recent history, you’ll recognize many of the people included. Thankfully Coleman has recovered from his foot injury, says he’s feeling good, and participated in all of Seattle’s Organized Team Activities, which are now done. All indications are that he’s preparing for his second season as the Seahawks’ likely starter at fullback. As always, Derrick Coleman takes nothing for granted.

If Derrick Coleman Jr. was signing off from this recommendation, he’d say to you - Be Great!!

I’ll add, Go Hawks!

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

[Bryce Tenney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derrick Coleman Jr. makes history being the first ever legally deaf person ever to play offence in the NFL and the first to win the Super Bowl in 2014. He currently plays the position of a full back for The Seattle Seahawks. Since his childhood his biggest dream was to play in one regular season NFL football game. He writes of his determination and challenges along his journey. The book No Excuses was written by Derrick Coleman himself with the collaboration of Marcus Brotherton and is a Memoir of Derrick Coleman's life. Derrick Coleman grew up in a family where his parents were divorced but still encouraging. He lost his hearing at the age of three. This inspiring story is perfect for anyone 10 years of age or older.

The book starts out with Derrick playing basketball in his driveway with his friends, waiting for the phone call from his agent, telling him that he was drafted into the 2012 draft. Then he jumps back in time to tell about his mom's life before he was born and how she came to meet Derrick Coleman Sr. He wrote about how he was energetic as a baby and toddler, but he wasn't learning to speak as fast as other kids his age. His parents took him to the hospital and they told him that he was deaf. As a kid, Derrick always loved to play sports, he played football, basketball and baseball. he got made fun of a lot for having hearing aids. Some kids would call him four ears, some would take his hearing aids and throw them on the ground, but he didn't let that stop him from achieving his dreams. In high school he ended up playing on the football team and doing very well. He went on to play in college too which he also succeeded in. After college he was drafted as a free agent on the Seahawks, and his first year playing for them they went on to win the Super Bowl and Derrick Coleman was the starting full back in that game. He has inspired many deaf children all around the world that there are no excuses when it comes to fulfilling your dreams.

I would suggest this book for people who enjoy memoirs, sports lovers, and definitely deaf people. It has a great message and also has statistics of the football games that he played in. I like the humble and genuine manner that he wrote it in. I also enjoyed the suspense before the big events in the story. Over all it was well written and I would rate this book four out of five.

[The Book Jar Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read more of our reviews at: www.thebookjarblog.wordpress.com

An inspirational memoir that shares the determined spirit of Derrick Coleman, this story is tells you why you should never give up on your dreams. Born with a hearing problem, Derrick Coleman is deaf, but extremely blessed. Growing up in a world filled with love, frustration and perseverance, Coleman never gave up on his dream to play in the NFL. What we see as an obstacle, Coleman saw it a motivator. It motivated him to prove he could play football just as well as anyone else.

This is a fascinating inside story of Coleman's life and how he managed to obtain a spot on the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl winning team. An easy enjoyable read, Coleman's voice shown through this wonderful memoir. While the writing is simple and very basic it is clear that Coleman worked hard to produced a well-written story. It is well paced and very informative. Throughout the memoir Coleman states he doesn't seem himself as a role model, but reading No Excuses I cannot see why someone wouldn't want him as a role model. He worked hard to achieve his dreams, continues to work hard and gives back to his community. That is role model worthy. A great read all around. 4/5

[Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

hi

[Leonardo Etcheto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I am a Seahawks fan and so have seen him play. I was curious as to what issues if any he had encountered with his hearing aids. He had to work hard to be accepted, but once he proved there was no issue, there was no issue.
Book reads like a conversation with Coleman. He does a great job of what he did to get to the NFL and his focus on doing the best. Interesting story, another confirmation of just how hard these guys work and how dedicated they are to being the best. After reading the book Coleman comes across as a very grounded and centered man. I found his explanation of how football channels and uses his natural aggression was actually a bit of an eye opener for me. I did not realize how hard it is to consistently play as hard as possible.
I also find it fascinating how the ones that really succeed are always learning. It took him three tries to get into the NFL, the first two basically showed him what not to do. But you learn from failure and keep moving forward. True in life, not just sports.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took the book out of the library because of the title and wanted to see how Derrick Coleman, Jr., got to where he is today. What an inspirational story from his childhood and the support of both parents although they were not always living together it was team work on their part to give the best to their son who's hearing disabilities surfaced early. I cried with joy at how he tackled a problem with determination. I was so happy that he was able to obtain his dream - playing in the NFL and becoming a part of the Seahawks 2014 Super Bowl.

The fact that he works with young people who have hearing disabilities just sealed my admiration for him. All of the young members of my family will be getting his book for Christmas. I want them to read and put in place "No Excuses". Thank you Derrick

[Maggie Mattmiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. At times, the writing feels so-so, and at times, it comes across as someone who is trying to sound humble while telling you how amazing he is, but I guess if the shoe fits, at least he's humble! I really enjoyed learning his back story, and about his family and friends. My only complaint, is that he said Jack Nicklaus went to UCLA, when (as all of you Buckeyes know), he went to Ohio State! (Oh, and I guess I had a hard time reading the words "hearing impaired" throughout the book, as they are like nails on a chalkboard to me, but I suppose if he identifies himself that way, I cannot complain...)

[Kristi Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has so many similarities between my son, who is hearing-impaired also, and Derrick Coleman. We went through some of the same experiences. Some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Mama stayed my rock during those years. 'Don't ever worry about what people say about you,' she told me. 'They can't determine how far you go. Only God can.'"

"The only question now was if they were going to let a kid with hearing aids play."

"Life is too short for excuses. If you settle for excuses, then you'll always arrive at second best. Aim for your dreams, don't doubt yourself, don't let anyone tell you that you're a failure, and put in the work."

[Jan33470 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a courageous young man, who overcame his disability to do what he set his heart and mind to do. His family was always there to encourage and support him.
He is a very humble young man who has given much support to the deaf and hearing community. He encourages children who have been bullied due to their disability to aim for their dreams, don't doubt yourself, and there are no excuses. I truly enjoyed the book!!

[Lisa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good that I read it in one sitting. Always followed Derrick as an inspiration as was good to read how he got to be such a good man. As I was reading, I could hear Derrick's voice telling the story.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the book, but felt that at sometimes that it was too upbeat. I think it is a great story and it was inspiring. I wear hearing aids too and liked how he overcame his obstacles in the whole process.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a great inspiration story of a humble guy who has done some great things, but the writing could use some more work. There are lots of great stories and examples of the great things Derrick has accomplished.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to learn more about this amazing young man and to relive the 2013 Seahawks Football Season through his eyes. Go Hawks!