After all, everybody loves the little guy. Think of Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL player Doug Flutie or NBA slam-dunk champion Spud Webb. Every local little guy playing high school or college sports looks up to the success of current professionals such as Welker, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (5-9), and recently re tired Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown (5-9). Little guy success stories provide both inspiration and instruction about succeeding against long odds.
An examination of the rosters of all 32 NFL teams revealed 65 players listed as 5-9 or shorter, including four with the Patriots (Kevin Faulk, Ellis Hobbs, Terrence Wheatley, and Welker). In Major League Baseball, there are 42 players 5-9 or under, in the NHL there are 14, and there is one in the NBA. In each sport, an even smaller percentage of small athletes reach the level where they rank among the best.
"It's not about how big you are or how fast you run," said three-time Super Bowl champion Brown, who finished his 15-year career as the Patriots' all-time leader in receptions. "It's about your passion for the game. If you believe in yourself, then you play like you're the best. You play like you're the biggest.
"That's probably what's wrong with me. I thought I was the biggest. I was standing tall for all the little guys out there."
With undersized players, it all starts with the self-confidence and fearlessness typically associated with much bigger athletes. They must learn to ignore doubters from an early age. Undersized professionals who serve as their role models shoulder a special responsibility and, as a result, expect more of themselves. Every undersized athlete who performs well in the NFL potentially opens a door for more smaller players in college or high school.
"There is no room for error, because when a [general manager] brings in a little guy, a GM is putting himself at risk," said Flutie, who mentors undersized college quarterbacks who have a chance to play professionally. "It'd be a lot safer for them to get a big guy. That's why it's so tough to get those opportunities.
