From going undrafted to winning the Super Bowl, CJ Anderson has experienced all emotions in his four-year NFL career.
Growing up in a tough neighbourhood in Vallejo, California, where Anderson's uncle used and sold drugs, the Denver Broncos running back had to overcome a lot of adversity to realise his dream.
"I can remember from aged eight all the way to 18 staying in that neighbourhood, we were so used to it, gunshots happening here and there. That's just how I thought life was."
As a quarterback in high school, Anderson moved to running back as a senior, rushing for 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns. He became the first player from his school to play for a Pac-12 school when he enrolled at Cal University.
That came after two years at Laney college, after Anderson's poor academic performance held him back from division one scholarships. As a first team all-American, he impressed in the junior college system but struggled to establish himself in his two years at Cal. Forced to split carries and often overlooked, Anderson only started two games in his final year.
He was invited to the 2013 NFL combine, excelling in the 20-yard shuttle and broad jump, but eventually went undrafted, and the hard work to battle for an NFL roster really began.
"You look back on my journey and all the hard work I had put in, this was nothing different. Telling me what I can't do and not knowing what I went through, that's what makes me play the way I play.
"When I got the call from [Denver Broncos running backs coach] Eric Studesville, I told him he picked the wrong back. He told me to come and compete it but I felt disrespected."
In his first season with the Broncos, Anderson only got seven carries, and it looked as though he might be overlooked once more. However his powerful style and diligent work ethic forced him back into head coach Gary Kubiak's plans.
He scored the final touchdown in the Broncos' 24-10 Super Bowl victory over the Carolina Panthers, and Anderson is on pace to get his first 1,000+ yard season in the NFL. He has three touchdowns for the season and has struck up a good relationship with second year quarterback Trevor Siemian.
Denver are 3-0 and face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night. If the Broncos are to repeat their Super Bowl success, Anderson will finally be considered a focal point of their attack.
Watch Denver Broncos @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday from 9pm, live on Sky Sports 2.