In some ways, the memoir Gary Brackett penned eight years ago says it all: “Winning: From Walk-On to Captain, in Football and Life.”
Because it’s hard to find a more heroic rags-to-riches story than that of the 39-year-old Brackett, the former Indianapolis Colts captain and Super Bowl winner who’ll be sharing his triumphs and tragedies with all who attend the Mountain View Auto Group Luncheon at the McCallie/Dr Pepper Classic on Friday, Jan. 31.
“Gary’s overcome a lot of adversity, both personal and in football,” said Ricky Thomas, the former Alabama standout and current McCallie School faculty member who was a Colts assistant coach when Brackett first made the team as an undrafted free agent in 2003. “He’s smart, makes good decisions and he’s a guy you can trust.”
You want adversity? Most of us could never get past the adversities he’s overcome.
For instance, despite a storied prep career at Glassboro (New Jersey) High School, Brackett was deemed too small (5-foot-10) and pudgy (220 pounds) for major college football. But his parents were willing to sacrifice everything they had to give him a chance.