Ricardo Benitez Tackles All Obstacles
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PLANO (CBS11 SPORTS) - Ricardo Benitez has the confidence and swagger of a star player, and believes in his heart he will be one day.
Despite being born missing almost the entire upper half of his legs, he plays defensive end and receiver on the junior varsity team at Jasper High School in Plano.
Ricardo admits he thinks about quitting every day, but won't let himself give up.
Whether it's giving motivational speeches or being named one of the best players at a recent Dallas Cowboys defensive line camp, Ricardo says the positive influences around him keep him going.
Ricardo's mom Joanna says convincing coaches to give him a shot hasn't always been easy.
"I told one coach don't worry about him getting hurt, you need to worry about the other kids getting hurt," she said.
Ricardo's dad, Ricardo Sr. tells the story of the family's decision to keep the pregnancy going when doctors informed he and his wife that their baby would be born without most of his upper legs.
Ricardo Sr. says, "Why would we wanna give God back something he gave us?"
Ricardo Benitez promises he has not played his last down of football, and is determined to make the team at Plano West next year.
As for advice for others facing physical challenges, Ricardo says "I used to be mad at myself. I learned to accept and embrace my disability and as soon as others are able to do the same, that's when you can be anything you want."
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