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The unforgettable story of a young soldier who survived one of the bloodiest battles in Afghanistan and lived to pursue his dream of playing Division I college football

At five foot eight, 175 pounds, Daniel Rodriguez was an unlikely recruit for the gridiron. But on the battlefield, under the daily rain of sniper fire, he made a promise to his best friend. When I get out of this shit hole, I'm going to play college football.

Daniel had joined the Army just weeks after graduating from high school, having recently suffered a devastating loss. At age nineteen he had no idea what war really was; he just wanted to get out of town. Almost immediately, he was deployed to Iraq, and he would later serve in Afghanistan. And he grew up fast-stopped sleeping, started smoking. Killing became second nature. He fought in the infamous Battle of Kamdesh, and for his bravery he was awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. But his best friend was not so lucky.

Against all odds, Daniel returned home-broken but still alive. Stuck in the clutches of PTSD, Daniel remembered the promise he made to his friend and knew he had to make good on it. He embarked on a grueling training regimen, and when he posted a video of his efforts, it went viral overnight. By some mix of grit, determination, and the power of the Internet, he earned a spot on the Clemson University football team.

A powerfully delivered narrative of a young soldier, his unlikely dream, and how he found his way out of darkness, Rise is inspiring, quintessentially American, and will resonate with anyone who has ever fought for what they wanted.

Daniel Rodriguez is a wide receiver for Division I football, an honors student, and a decorated war hero. He has served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, rising through the ranks to sergeant. In 2009 he fought in the Battle of Kamdesh, one of the bloodiest battles in the Afghanistan conflict, earning a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device. He has been interviewed by Dan Rather; profiled in the New York Times, Washington Post, Esquire, USA Today, and ESPN; and has gained Internet fame for his viral Youtube video. He attends Clemson University in South Carolina on the GI Bill.

Joe Layden is an award-winning journalist and author who has written more than thirty books, including several New York Times bestsellers.

Andrew Eiden is an actor and winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award for narration. He has been acting since the age of four, working at regional theaters, in national commercials, and on numerous television shows.