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Learn moreThe unforgettable story of a young soldier who survived one of the bloodiest battles in Afghanistan and lived to pursue his dream of playing Division I college football
At five foot eight, 175 pounds, Daniel Rodriguez was an unlikely recruit for the gridiron. But on the battlefield, under the daily rain of sniper fire, he made a promise to his best friend. "When I get out of this shit hole, I'm going to play college football."
Daniel had joined the Army just weeks after graduating from high school, having recently suffered a devastating loss. At age nineteen he had no idea what war really was; he just wanted to get out of town. Almost immediately, he was deployed to Iraq, and he would later serve in Afghanistan. And he grew up fast—stopped sleeping, started smoking. Killing became second nature. He fought in the infamous Battle of Kamdesh, and for his bravery he was awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. But his best friend was not so lucky.
Against all odds, Daniel returned home—broken but still alive. Stuck in the clutches of PTSD, Daniel remembered the promise he made to his friend and knew he had to make good on it. He embarked on a grueling training regimen, and when he posted a video of his efforts, it went viral overnight. By some mix of grit, determination, and the power of the Internet, he earned a spot on the Clemson University football team.
A powerfully delivered narrative of a young soldier, his unlikely dream, and how he found his way out of darkness, Rise is inspiring, quintessentially American, and will resonate with anyone who has ever fought for what they wanted.
Daniel Rodriguez is a wide receiver for Division I football, an honors student, and a decorated war hero. He has served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, rising through the ranks to sergeant. In 2009 he fought in the Battle of Kamdesh, one of the bloodiest battles in the Afghanistan conflict, earning a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device. He has been interviewed by Dan Rather; profiled in the New York Times, Washington Post, Esquire, USA Today, and ESPN; and has gained Internet fame for his viral Youtube video. He attends Clemson University in South Carolina on the GI Bill.
Andrew Eiden came from a long line of theater folk and has been acting since the age of four. He has starred in dozens of commercials as well as multiple television shows. At the age of eleven, he won first place in a local drama festival, which jumpstarted his acting career. He has performed in theaters ranging from the Glendale Center Theater to the Pasadena Playhouse.
Reviews
“Daniel’s service to his country and his ability to follow his dreams is what is truly right with America. His story, as movingly told in Rise, is a great example of where hard work, determination, and a never-quit attitude can get you.”
“Daniel Rodriguez—a decorated combat veteran—doesn’t sugarcoat the hard parts of his life. A warrior who fought on the battlefield, wrestled with PTSD, and now wins victories on the gridiron, his story reminds us that with grit and determination we can move through suffering to strength. Rise is an inspiring story of a resilient warrior who knows what it means to keep a promise.”
“Rodriguez is unsentimental and straightforward about his experiences, whether writing about his struggle with PTSD or his weightlifting and exercise regimen. His drive and determination to overcome obstacles is extraordinary and admirable and should be an inspiration to people everywhere. This is an uncommonly solid memoir. Recommended for all readers, particularly those interested in sports and military books.”
"Rise is a surreal look at what today’s youth should aspire to accomplish. From Virginia to Iraq, from Afghanistan to South Carolina, Daniel Rodriguez shows the grit and determination it takes to rise above the hardships life throws at you. Life is designed to beat you down. Daniel shows you how to kick its ass.”
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