Kreyolicious Sports…in which…in which I highlight a player or share news about a Haitian-American athlete.

Today’s athlete of interest in Karl Joseph. His story is mighty inspiring.

First, watch this compilation of his greatest moments put together by sports enthusiast DougTV:

Next, watch this official announcement from the Raiders camp, about Karl Joseph’s pick.

When the announcement came to Karl Joseph, he was in Jacmel, Haiti vacationing with his family. Vacationing and recuperating from his injury.

He sent the Oakland Raiders this video thanking the team for his selection. With a smile, he donned a Raiders cap, and promised that the Raiders organization would not regret choosing him—before diving in the pool.

This video may just make you smile. Firstly, it shows how motivated Karl Joseph is. Although, he is a very confident player, he showed humility. What’s more, with that one video he showed that he hasn’t forgotten his roots (Karl Joseph was born in Haiti, and raised in Orlando). He draws strength from them.

After his devastating ACR injury, it would have been easy for the West Virginia University player to think that his best days were behind him, but no, he kept the faith and went to the island motherland to physically and mentally refresh himself. And out nowhere, a call came from the Raiders, welcoming him to the team.

What Karl Joseph’s story can teach us is that you have to keep pushing, even when you’re limping physically and mentally and feel like you can’t go at it anymore. Never stop striving for greatness, no matter your circumstances. Now, that’s a maxim with flair. It might be easier to say it than to act on it, but you just have to keep trying, and stay trying.

Karl Joseph’s optimism becomes clear with every interview he does. When you believe in yourself, you inspire others to believe in you–in Karl’s case an entire #RaidersNation!