Most Interesting People 2017: Terrelle Pryor Sr.

Why he’s interesting: Pryor could have easily quit football. The former USA Today High School All-American and Ohio State University star quarterback didn’t find NFL success at the position after starting 10 games for the Oakland Raiders and sitting on the roster of three other teams. But the 6-foot-4-inch Pryor fought hard during the 2015 and 2016 offseasons to learn a new position. Now the Cleveland Browns wide receiver is one of the bright spots of an otherwise lackluster season thanks to his video game-esque highlights and leadership.

No Quit: After being traded by one team and cut by three more in the span of a year, Pryor was determined to make it in the NFL in any way possible. So he left behind the position he played his entire life and switched to wideout, leading the Browns in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns through 12 games in 2016. “I don’t think everybody could do it. I’ve got a lot of work to do, but I know why I’m here. I’m on earth to play football.”

Follow the Leader: When the Browns opened the 2016 season 0-6, Pryor told reporters that the team would win the rest of its games. They didn’t, but Pryor just wanted his teammates to know that he had confidence in them. “Your teammates hear that and want to back you up. We fought hard those next couple weeks.”

Name Sake: Pryor and his 2-year-old son, Terrelle Pryor II, usually chase each other around the house or watch movies such as Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. Pryor waited until he officially made the team this summer to ask the Browns if he could add “Sr.” to his jersey, because he didn’t think he could make such a request until that point. “It represents the foundation of my family, of me having a son.”

Time Out: While he won’t stop trying to improve, Pryor is looking forward to an offseason that’s not consumed with trying to make a team. “This might be the first time I can actually kick back and enjoy it.”

Role Model: “It’s OK for people to be inspired by me. Not everything has been perfect for me. Look for people doing well that have failed. Look for that because it gives you hope.”