Just don't call him inspirational

The audience rose to their feet when Rob Mendez took the stage at the annual ESPYs (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) awards in Los Angeles this month to accept the Jimmy V. Perseverance Award.

Looking dapper in a gray suit and silver tie, Mendez looked out at the audience full of today's top-tier athletes and began his acceptance speech by thanking a long list of people in his life. Then he offered this:

"I also want to thank the game of football for all it's given me," he told the audience. "For allowing me to be a part of the team."

He admitted it was hard for him to fathom receiving...