C.J. Conrad, a tight end out of Kentucky, went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft due to a medical issue discovered during a routine physical prior to the NFL combine.

That issue — an enlarged pulmonary artery in his heart — turned out to be not as significant as initially feared, so about 15 minutes after the draft ended, the New York Giants decided to give Conrad an opportunity.

“People weren’t willing to risk a pick but were willing to give him an opportunity, and at that particular point that was all he had hope for,” Mike Conrad, C.J.’s father, told the Herald-Leader this week. “The whole situation is unfortunate but that’s in the past now. He’s 100 percent focused on doing what he needs to do. Do we wish it didn’t happen? Of course, but we all figure that’s all part of the story now.”

During all of the turmoil surrounding his medical issues this spring, Conrad remained positive, telling his parents, “No matter what happens, I’m a college graduate, things will work out the way they will and I’ll be successful no matter what happens.”

As it turns out, Conrad’s attitude and the change in his diagnosis led him back to the football field. Now, he’s not just competing for a spot on the practice squad, but he’s looking at making the final 53-man roster to be announced in late August. He’s turning heads with his effort and talent on the field, garnering praise high praise from reporters:

“If you’re looking for a classic ‘sleeper’ to win a roster spot, Conrad is it, barring injury,” wrote Inside Football’s Patricia Traina. “There’s too much not to like about this young man and what he’s brought to this team.”

Winds out of west at 15 mph (constant gusts to 25 mph) – worst its been all Spring and yet another small test for #Giants rookie QB Daniel Jones. pic.twitter.com/Jw5Y9R4GCs — GiantsWFAN (@giantswfan) June 11, 2019

While at Kentucky, Conrad played in 49 games with 42 starts and racked up 1,015 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 80 catches. His 12 touchdowns are second-most in UK history by a tight end, only one shy of tying the record.

Conrad has an amazing comeback story could realistically make the final roster this summer. And even if he doesn’t, his attitude is such that he will be successful no matter where he ends up. Although it’s more likely that he will end up wearing blue this year, so long as he continues to play as well as he has and doesn’t get injured.