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Jay DeMerit | Sunday League to the Premier League
Manage episode 299698909 series 2969062
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Jay DeMerit's story is one of high risks and high rewards. At 18 years old, Jay flew to England with just $1800 to his name, in the bid to become a professional footballer.
Jay spent a couple of years in the lower tiers of English football, before playing Watford in a friendly and impressing so much that he secured a contract with the then-Championship side. During his time at Watford, Jay became captain, scored and won man of the match in the Championship play-off final, before becoming a regular in the Premier League.
His strong performances in England's top-tier resulted in Jay being called up for his national team, the USA. However, just months before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Jay suffered a horrific eye injury which almost left him blind. Like with most challenges in his career, Jay displayed immense resilience and bounced back, recovering and putting in impressive performances in the World Cup.
It is a truly incredible story, which Jay has shared at a TED Talk, on podcasts and even as the subject of a documentary film. It was fascinating to hear first-hand and we hope you enjoy and are inspired by this session too.
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