Rerouted Dreams: Even without football, Jimmie Shelby found his future at Kyle Field

The dream is always the same. Every kid that’s ever thrown the football in the backyard has imagined someday reaching the NFL.

Most quickly realize that won’t ever happen. A select few recognize they have unusual abilities. They then work diligently to reap the adulation and financial rewards the NFL offers.

Jimmie Shelby was like that. His unusual ability to run with a football around — and sometimes through — pursuers made him something of a legend in Italy.