In Spite of the Odds A True Inspirational Journey from Walk on to Full Scholarship at Ole Miss

"Richie's story and book lit a fire within me. His drive, passion, and relentless will to succeed was reminiscent of my time at Notre Dame. At 5'7" and 155 pounds, Richie overcame the obstacles and the naysayers to earn a full SEC scholarship and a place in Ole Miss tradition." - Rudy Ruettiger

Standing a stellar 5'7″ and weighing in at a magnificent 150 pounds you wouldn't think Richie would be much of a football player. Instead, he looks more like a chess player.

Richie Contartesi is a small town kid who dreamt his entire life of playing big time college football in the SEC. He had the heart, passion, tenacity, and love for the game but there was a nagging problem that haunted him from youth football through college, his size. Standing at 5'7 150 pounds, he was never the biggest, fastest, most talented, or strongest wide-receiver on the team. Richie's journey chronicles the trials and tribulation of a boy with a dream and the realities of Division I college football at Ole Miss. An inspirational story of hope, determination, and success that will fuel your inner desire to be the best you can be and defy the naysayers and odds to reach your dreams.

What happens next shocks the world and will most definitely shock you too.

"It is like watching the movie Rudy, but with a machine gun" Pat Canuso.