MANILA, Philippines - The last two National Football Leagues seasons had been rough on Jordan Norwood.
The 28-year-old Filipino-American wide receiver had been cut by the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013, and tore his ACL in a practice game shortly after being signed by the Denver Broncos in 2014.
Having not played a single regular season game since 2012, some may have been surprised to see the former Penn State Nittany Lion line up as a slot receiver in Peyton Manning’s offense.
“There were times when I doubted myself," Norwood told 9News.com. "But friends, family and my faith in what God has planned for me pushed me to try and get back out here."
Norwood made his return to the NFL on Monday, September 14 (Manila time), catching two passes for a total of 25 yards in the Broncos' 19-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Norwood, who joined the league undrafted in 2009, comes from a family of successful athletes which includes Rain or Shine Elasto Painter/Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Gabe Norwood, who voiced his support for his younger brother following the opening day victory.
“What a game and big win for the @Broncos! Defensive battle from beginning to end. Welcome back to the league lil bro @JordaNorwood!,” tweeted Norwood.
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a game and big win for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos">@Broncos</a>! Defensive battle from beginning to end. Welcome back to the league lil bro <a href="https://twitter.com/JordaNorwood">@JordaNorwood</a>!</p>— Gabe Norwood (@GNorwood5) <a href="https://twitter.com/GNorwood5/status/643203711896911872">September 13, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Norwood has now caught 38 passes and scored one touchdown in 18 career games, according to NFL.com
Norwood isn’t the only Filipino-American currently in the NFL. Doug Baldwin, who has played in the last two Super Bowls, is one of the primary receivers for the Seattle Seahawks.
(READ: Fil-Am NFLer Doug Baldwin talks Yolanda, playoffs, lumpia)
The Broncos are back in action this Thursday (Friday morning Manila time) when they face the Kansas City Chiefs. – Rappler.com