Former St. Louis Rams and Miami Dolphins running back Isaiah Pead lost part of his leg back in a car crash in November of 2016, which put an early end to his NFL career. But that unfortunate injury isn’t stopping Pead from pursuing his athletic dreams. He’s now aiming to compete — and win gold — during the 2020, 2024 and 2028 Paralympics.
“If they let me on the track, I’m goin’ for the gold, period,” Pead told TMZ Sports.
Pead lost part of his left leg when he was ejected from his car (he wasn’t wearing a seat belt). Before his injury, he had played five seasons in the NFL. A second-round pick out of Cincinnati in 2012, he played four years for the Rams and one year for the Dolphins, appearing in 30 games and garnering one start. Pead rushed for just 100 yards during his career, making his mark as a special teams player.
A former track star at high school, Pead now has his sights set on winning three gold medals in the next three Paralympics, competing in the 400-meter dash.
“Three gold medals, three Paralympics. God willing, that’s a hell of a career right there.”
He’s waiting to be fitted for a a prosthesis and is in the process of earning a sponsorship, but the goal has been set and he’s not backing down.