South Bay Football Coach Born Without Arms, Legs Wins Award for Perseverance
High school football coach, Rob Mendez is set to receive ESPN’s prestigious Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the ESPYS Award show next month.
As the Mercury News states, Mendez was born with a rare tetra-ameila syndrome, which caused him to be born without arms or legs. This syndrome did not stop him from following his dreams such as coaching football.
Before becoming Prospect High’s junior varsity coach, Mendez spent his time working as an assistant football coach in the South Bay. He eventually led the Panthers to a league championship game that made him a celebrity. In fact, he was even featured on an ESPN documentary!
Mendez trademarked the saying, “Who Says I Can’t” which has been used as a rally cry for for the many football teams he coached.
The championship game gave him strength, hope and confidence about overcoming any obstacles in his way and proving all those who doubted him wrong.
“The game has given me a life that nobody believes a man in a wheelchair born without arms and legs could have. Together, we’ve proved all of them wrong. And it’s only the beginning.”
