The best story to come out of Oklahoma State this year does not involve a screaming Mike Gundy at a post game press conference (although, if you somehow missed the legendary press conference, watch it here).Come to think of it, the story doesn't involve much noise at all.
Martel Van Zant, a cornerback for the Cowboys, is deaf. The roar of a crowd on a 4th and short late in the game? Doesn't hear it. The barking of a disappointed coach after he's blown a coverage? Let him grab his interpreter.
At 6'1, 220 lbs., Van Zant may or may not be NFL talent. But he's taken the physical attributes he does have -- a 4.4 40 isn't too shabby -- and used them to overcome the ones he doesn't.
Give credit to Van Zant for sticking with the sport when it would be just as easy to live a life of self-pity. And give credit to Oklahoma State for taking a chance on a special athlete whose special needs scared off many other big name programs.
For more on Van Zant:
Overcoming the Odds: Oklahom State Football (YouTube video)
Loud and Clear (SI.com)
Cast your Votes
I added a polling feature to the blog on the right hand side, just under my mug shot. Cast your vote for who you think will win what some fans and writers are calling Super Bowl 41 1/2.
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