Rod Retherford's story is a moving chronicle of one undersized man's great desire to achieve and to compete. His efforts in the rodeo, major college football and overcoming a tragic accident are inspirational and make for very interesting reading.

– Tom Osborne, Athletic Director and former head football coach for 25 years at the University of Nebraska. Served six years in Congress representing Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District.
 

Inspiration can come from a wide variety of sources as we move through life, but  no source is more meaningful than inspiration generated from a real life story. Rod's story will inspire all readers, as it did me.

– Dick VermeiI, UCLA head coach 1974-75, led the Bruins to their first conference championship in 10 years, and a win in the Rose Bowl over an undefeated and number one ranked Ohio State. NFL Coach, Kansas City, St. Louis (Super Bowl XXXIV Championship), and Philadelphia. Vermeil was named "Coach of the Year" on four levels: High School, Junior College, NCAA Division I, and the NFL.

“Dogged determination, pride, passion and perseverance only begin to define Rod. This inspirational story will have a lasting impact.”

– Bill Rasmussen, Founder, ESPN

Rod Retherford has a life story that definitely should be preserved in print. He is a shining example of what can be accomplished through the on-going gift of positive attitude and the strong will to never give up. The book ROD gives us a definitive role model who has experienced and overcome tremendous adversity.

– Bill Pearl, Former Mr. America, Mr. USA, and five-time Mr. Universe


Rod Retherford is a shining example of all that is right in sports. Perseverance, toughness, and an amazing will to succeed are all over his amazing story.

– Drew Bledsoe, First Team All-American at Washington State University in 1992, #1 NFL Draft pick in 1993, youngest quarterback to play in the Pro Bowl at age 22 (1993), Super Bowl champion with the Patriots (2001).


– Tremendous story of a young man whose determination you’ll end up admiring as much as any athlete you’ve ever known – it will be an inspiring story for everyone who reads it.

Lee Corso, analyst and commentator for ESPN


This story is excellent for anyone called too small, too fat, too tall, too slow, etc. The answer remains the same; set your eyes on your goal and never give up! Life is a ‘Test of will’.

– Bobby Bowden, Head Coach, Florida State University, (tied with Penn State’s Joe Paterno as the all-time most winning Division I-FBS coach by total victories.)


This is a wonderful, good-feeling story of a small, in physical size, young man, but obviously a giant in determination, courage and desire.

– Steve Spurrier, Head Football Coach, University of South Carolina. He was a two-time All-American and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame as a player. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1966. He coached the University of Florida football team to six SEC championships and one National Championship in 1996.


The true emotion of this story will run you from one end of the field of life to the other. An inspiring story of tenacity in the face of adversity.

– Don James, Former Head Football Coach, University of Washington, 1975-1992, Member College Football Hall of Fame. As a quarterback for the University of Miami he set five school passing records.


ROD is for kids everywhere, the one’s being told that they can’t do it, they’re too short, too small – this story will tell them to believe in themselves because they can make their dreams happen. And for the adults who control the opportunities – this says loud and clear, let those kids reach for the brass ring.

– Mark Rypien, MVP of Super Bowl XXVI for the Washington Redskins, one of five players to throw for at least 300 yards in his first NFL game.


The reading was very inspirational to all those who strive to achieve a purpose in life. His accomplishment may not be the pinnacle of what the world views as success, but Rod did the maximum with what God gave him, and he achieved his ultimate goal.

– Jerome Kersey, Virginia State Hall of Fame, starred in the NBA for Portland, L.A. Lakers, Milwaukee and San Antonio’s world championship team. Second behind Michael Jordan in the NBA Slam-Dunk competition in 1987. Averaged 19.2 points and 8.3 rebounds in 1987-88.


He is an example to all of us how it’s preferable to view the glass half-full so that we can overcome the majority who grovel in half-empty.

– Todd Christensen, five-time All-Pro tight end 1983-87, played on two Super Bowl champion teams (1980 Oakland Raiders and 1983 Los Angeles Raiders.)


An affirmation and testimony that anyone can accomplish great things one step, one play, one game, and one day at a time.

– Pete Brock, All-American at the University of Colorado, New England Patriots starter for ten years, 1986 Miller Lite Lineman of the Year.