CINCINNATI -- Step one complete.
Tyler Whaley, the former nobody with a somebody attitude, recently finished his first mini-camp with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The former Ironton Fighting Tiger, who took his dreams to Columbus in 2003 and still holds tight to them today, is now a professional football player.
"It's great," Whaley said of his introduction to the NFL. "I had a rude awakening at first because they throw everything at you. It was an anxious day trying to remember the plays while also trying to impress the coaches."
Whaley, a Cincinnati Bengals fan as a child, described putting on the orange-and-black striped helmet as a dream come true.
"It was just like the first time I put on that Ohio State Jersey with my name on the back," he said. "I thought, 'wow, I'm here."
"This is close to being indescribable," he added.
"Indescribable" is a great word to use when talking about Tyler Whaley. He is that rare soul who knows he has the potential to meet his goals, no matter what any of the naysayers think. He believes in himself - and that's all that matters.
With the rookie mini-camp finished, Whaley is relishing some down time while also looking forward to proving himself in the future.
"I'm going to do everything in my power to stay here," he said, noting that cuts are part of business in the NFL. "I plan to make every moment count. If I don't make it, I'll have no regrets. I'll be happy no matter what."
Whaley's track record ensures one thing: open a door and he'll bust it down. His work ethic, which was recognized by his OSU teammates when they voted him Most Inspirational Player last season, is a reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams if they truly want to work for them.
Remember, this young man was a walk on at Ohio State because he was considered too small in stature to play for a Division I school. Nobody in major college football gave him a chance.
Now, he's in the NFL. One of an elite few to say the least.
But Whaley doesn't gloat or focus on yesterday's accomplishments. He knows his abilities and is just happy to have a chance to live his dream today.
"I couldn't have scripted it any better," he said. "To be in that Bengal helmet is awesome, but to remain in it is going to take a lot more work."
This is just another step for an amazing young man. His story should inspire the somebody in every nobody.
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