Back in 2007, Mount Carmel senior Arthur Ray Jr. had just committed to Michigan State University to play football.  A week later he would discover his life was about to change, and that he might never be the same. That life-changing moment came when Ray was diagnosed with bone cancer.

This past week, however, Ray’s life once again changed, but this time for the better.  The moment came when the NFL’s Miami Dolphins offered a tryout at their rookie mini camp, meaning Ray finally would have the opportunity to pursue his life-long dream of playing in the NFL.

After being diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his left leg, Ray endured nine surgeries and hundreds of hours in hospitals spent waiting for his weekly chemotherapy treatments.  Even after months of treatment, doctors said he might never be able to walk, let alone play football again. This led to Ray being on crutches for a little over 25 months.

Although Ray was a highly regarded recruit out of high school, his unfortunate diagnosis and subsequent treatment meant he would only play in a Michigan State uniform three times. Nevertheless, he was able graduate from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in communication.

After graduation he was granted two years of additional eligibility by the NCAA. Now another tough decision would come into Ray’s life: where to continue his football career. He eventually  chose a Division II football program at Fort Lewis College in Colorado, where he started for two years and served as a team captain.

Although his college football career was over, Ray wasn’t ready to give up on football.   The same determination he had shown as a high school player, and throughout his battle with cancer, pushed him to whatever he could to succeed.

Ray decided to work out at the Northwestern Pro Day, even though he would be the oldest player on the field.   He didn’t expect to be drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft; he was just looking to impress an organization and perhaps get another shot.

On May 5, Ray’s determination and work ethic were rewarded when he received a call from the Miami Dolphins inviting him to their rookie mini camp. Dolphins O-Line coach John Benton, a native of Durango, Colorado (where Fort Lewis is located), had seen Ray and spoke highly about him to the team.

Given everything he has done to reach this goal, Ray was understandably excited and grateful to get that call.  As he tweeted later that day,”[I] Want to thank God and the Miami Dolphins organization for this opportunity, first step to fulfilling the Dream #NFL”

Ray’s Mount Carmel coach, Frank Lenti, was happy to hear how things had worked out for his former player, and compliment Ray’s work ethic. “He has worked long and hard to make his dream come true.  Hhopefully now he will have the opportunity to chase it and fulfill it.”