Episode 6: Gary Barnidge and the Year of Magical Receptions

“I would trade all of my stats for wins. This season has been amazing, but obviously it will be so much more fun when we get the wins. They’ll come, it just takes time.”

For four years in the NFL, Gary Barnidge was a backup, playing behind Pro Bowlers. It wasn't clear when, or even if, he would ever get a chance to start. But that opportunity finally came this year, and Barnidge has made the most of it: his dominant breakout season is one of the most surprising stories in the NFL. 

He's already got 7 touchdowns in 2015 — his previous career total was 3 — and he's near the top in every statistical category. He also made the play of the season, an unforgettable, between-the-legs catch that helped the Browns beat the Ravens in Baltimore for the first time since 2007. 

But as you'll hear, Barnidge isn't just making the most of his opportunity on the field. The co-founder of American Football Without Barriers, Barnidge has spent years funding football camps around the world to help spread the sport and give kids outside the States the chance to get a shot of their own. "We have such a platform as athletes," Gary says. "And we have that platform for such a short window. You have to take advantage of it to help others."