'Do guys get second chances? Do players miss snaps and still make the team? Yes. But it's not the sort of thing you leave to chance. If coaches can't see you practice, they can't rely on you when it counts. When their jobs are on the line, the priority is playing guys whom they trust to perform. I knew I couldn't sit out. I couldn't risk coming this far toward my ultimate childhood dream only to let this stop me short. So I did everything I could to hide it, and I didn't tell a soul.'