Rolf Benirschke was drafted as a second-to-last pick in the 1977 National Football League draft, but went on to set 16 team records before he retired.
In Rolf's third season he began having abdominal cramps and diarrhea and was diagnosed with ulcerative colits. In 1979, he had an emergency surgery to remove most of his colon, and was required to wear two ostomy appliances. In 1980 he returned to football and played for seven more seasons, to finish as the team's highest scorer.
Today Rolf is married with four children. He is a motivational speaker, a volunteer at several organizations, and an author. Rolf is the chairperson and spokesperson for the Great Comebacks Award Program which gives "special recognition to those whose life stories inspire others facing similar challenges."
