Cody Rye of Ironwood, Michigan was named first runner-up for the High School Football Rudy Awards and will be receiving a $5,000 college scholarship. Out of 250 nominees, Rye was picked to be one of the most inspirational high school football players.

Growing up, Rye, dreamt of one day playing varsity football but at the age of five, his life changed dramatically. He was told that he would never walk again after being paralyzed from the waist down in an automobile accident.

His strength and determination has kept him focused. For years, he worked diligently to build his upper body strength and when the time was right he approached the Ironwood High Red Devil's football coach to see if he had a shot at making the team. Rye made the team, and even though his parents and doctors were nervous, they all wanted to see him achieve his goals.

"It feels awesome to actually tackle someone", wrote Rye. Just like Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger, this outstanding Red Devils football player caught his first pass in the last play of his High School career.

Read Rye's full inspirational story at www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com.