Former NFL wide receiver shares inspirational story

  • Published
  • By Airman Cortney Hansen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Several Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen attended a "Dare to be Different" presentation given by Chris Horn, a former NFL wide receiver, March 4 at the base chapel.

"Somebody in a special status usually has some experiences that are worthwhile hearing," said Lt. Col. David Stephens, the 341st Comptroller Squadron commander.

Chris Horn shared what it took for him to ultimately reach his goal of one day becoming a player in the NFL. He told the story of his exhausting perseverance to overcome several obstacles he faced on his journey to the top.

Mr. Horn was raised in a small town - Notus, Idaho -where dreams of the NFL were often left in front of the television. It wasn't until he saw a professional NFL game in person that he began to realize his dream wasn't too far out of reach.

"It was no longer 'maybe;' it was no longer 'I think;' it was 'I can do that'," said Mr. Horn. "I call it when faith becomes fact."

He began calling agents persistently - about two times a week - with hopes of finding someone to help him into the NFL. He even tried to represent himself but every time, he was brushed aside because of his small town status.

After several attempts he finally got accepted into the Indoor Football League, which helped him land a spot playing for the Arizona Rattlers in the Arena Football League.

"I didn't pass the eye test - I don't fit the mold," Mr. Horn said. "The IFL was confirmation for me on my way there. I knew I could."

Three years after watching his first game in person, five different NFL teams were calling to recruit him. He signed his first contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2003, and was made team captain on his coach's last game.

Chris Horn played for three NFL teams - the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers - before he ended his football career. He finished his presentation with one of the hardest obstacles he had to face - trying to find a career after the NFL.

"That rocked me harder than anything," Mr. Horn said describing his career change. "All I had known was football."

After his presentation, two people attending it - Tom Morgan and Colonel Stephens - were picked out of a drawing to workout with him the next day.

"I'm hoping to get maybe more of an intellectual type of fundamental change in the way I feel about working out," Colonel Stephens said.

Skyler Morgan, Tom Morgan's son, and Colonel Stephens showed up at Malmstrom's Fitness Center at 11:30 the next morning to work with Chris Horn and Dan Clemons, a personal trainer. Colonel Stephens paired with Chris Horn while Skyler Morgan paired with Dan Clemons to complete a lifting circuit.

Malmstrom Air Force base was one of the many stops around the United States Chris Horn makes to tell his story. He speaks to people all over the nation with the hopes of inspiring them to follow their dreams under any circumstances.

"There were so many times that obstacles appeared to completely bar my way, and so I just want to share that as an inspiration," Mr. Horn said.