WINONA LAKE – Grace College will be hosting former Clemson University football standout and Army veteran Daniel Rodriguez on campus to speak Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. He will be sharing at chapel from 10:30-11:15 a.m. and from 1:15-2:30 p.m. at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.

Rodriguez is a former college football standout at Clemson and is a decorated veteran who has a very powerful life story. He will be sharing about his war experience and football career at Clemson, along with his testimony of surviving one of the most violent battles in Afghanistan.

There is no cost to attend either speaking session. Hollywood is in the middle of making a movie about Rodriguez’s life and Grace is excited to have him speak prior to the release of the movie. He has released a book of his life story titled “RISE” which he will autograph for all those who bring a copy.

ESPN COLLEGE GAME DAY STORY ON DANIEL:
Interview with Clemson’s Daniel Rodriguez:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8_LioPzI1o

DANIEL RODRIGUEZ BIO INFORMATION:
Original walk-on wide receiver who attended Clemson on the GI Bill … decorated war hero who served approximately 18 months (starting Jan. 26, 2007) in Iraq and one year in Afghanistan … served in the Army from 2006-10 … achieved the military rank of Sergeant … involved in Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan on Oct. 3, 2009, when 300 Taliban insurgents battled with 38 U.S. troops; eight Americans lost their lives and 22 were injured, including Rodriguez, in one of the most violent battles in the war; earned a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal With Valor Device for his heroism at Kamdesh … his story was featured on many national shows and programs … had 11 receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown, a five-yard carry and six punt returns for 57 yards in 188 snaps over 39 games (one start) in his career … saw most of his action on special teams.

2014: Armed Forces Merit Award winner … Medal of Honor Bowl invitee … had a nine-yard reception and 26-yard punt return in 69 snaps over 13 games (one start) … had an 11-yard kickoff return against SC State on Sept. 6 … played four snaps against North Carolina on Sept. 27; it was his first career start … had a nine-yard reception and 26-yard punt return against Georgia State on Nov. 22; named team special teams player-of-the-game … had five receptions for 53 yards in the Spring Game.

2013: Semifinalist for the Armed Forces Merit Award … All-ACC Academic selection … ACC Academic Honor Roll member … had seven receptions for 20 yards and one touchdown, a five-yard carry and five punt returns for 31 yards in 73 snaps over 13 games … had a five-yard carry in eight snaps against SC State on Sept. 7 … had three receptions for 10 yards and 18 yards on two punt returns against Wake Forest on Sept. 28 … had a six-yard reception at Syracuse on Oct. 5 … had a five-yard reception and two punt returns for 10 yards at Virginia on Nov. 2 … had two receptions for -1 yards, including a two-yard touchdown, and a three-yard punt return against The Citadel on Nov. 23 on Military Appreciation Day.

2012: Won the Discover Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award … won the USAA Athletic Inspiration Award … attended the ESPYs as a finalist for the Jim Valvano Perseverance Award … semifinalist for the Armed Forces Merit Award … had three receptions for 10 yards in 46 snaps over 13 games … played special teams against No. 25 Auburn at Atlanta, Ga. on Sept. 1; it was his first career game … had a four-yard reception against Ball State on Sept. 8; it was his first career reception … played seven snaps against Furman on Sept. 15 … had a special teams tackle against Virginia Tech on Oct. 20; led the team down the Hill carrying an American flag on Military Appreciation Day … had one reception at Wake Forest on Oct. 25 … had a 10-yard reception at Duke on Nov. 3.