For some NFL families, like the Mannings, they have a “silver spoon” luster to them, where greatness is something that is automatically expected, and anything less is deemed a failure. For others, like Nate Orchard, the road to the league is far more bumpy.
Growing up near Los Angeles, gangs were a part of the culture, and Nate’s older brother became torn between his gang affiliations and family, the latter of which he ultimately chose. In fact, his brother actually rejected a basketball scholarship to powerhouse UCLA, instead getting married and raising a family.
“He didn’t realize the opportunity he was giving up,” Nate says.