At 6 feet 2 inches and 275 pounds, Daniel Huffman was the co-captain and a star defensive tackle on his Rossville, Ill., high-school football team. His dream was to be a "football hero" at Florida State University, but something entered the picture, which changed forever his possibility of playing in college or later in the National Football League.

Daniel loved his grandmother, Shirlee. When he was 12 years old, he went to live with her and her husband, and quickly discovered that he and his grandmother were on the same page — they had a real affinity for reading, writing and each other.

When he found out she was dying and that she needed a new kidney, he was deeply upset. When her condition worsened, Daniel volunteered to give his grandmother one of his kidneys. Her response was "absolutely not!" but he persisted, and she finally relented.

The operation was an immediate success, but Daniel's unselfish sacrifice cost him a chance to play football. When he received an award at Walt Disney World for Most Courageous Student Athlete of the Year, he mentioned that he was a huge Seminoles fan. Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden was at the ceremony and arranged a full scholarship, giving him a position on the team as a trainer.

Daniel is thrilled to be working with the team and Coach Bobby Bowden, one of the real coaching geniuses in America today. The Seminoles are currently one of the best teams in the nation. Working under Bowden is one of the greatest things to happen to Daniel Huffman. Who knows — maybe he will end up coaching a team himself. In the meantime, he's living life to the fullest and couldn't be happier. Yes, givers really are winners — so be a giver, and I'll see you at the top!

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