Shaun Dolac’s Journey: How Faith, Grit, and Humility Made the Difference
Every year, NFL teams face a tough deadline: cutting their roster down to just 53 players. It’s an intensely competitive process, and even highly talented athletes often don’t make the cut. The players who do survive roster cuts must prove not only that they’re top performers, but also that they fit the team’s overall system and strategy—something coaches evaluate closely during preseason games. When most fans look at the Los Angeles Rams’ 53-man roster for 2025, a name stands out—not because it was expected, but because it wasn’t. Shaun Dolac, an undrafted free agent linebacker out of Buffalo, defied the odds and made the cut. His story is more than a football success; it’s a testimony to grit, resilience, and the power of perseverance that resonates far beyond the playing field.
Defying the Odds
Shaun Dolac didn’t have the path most NFL players enjoy. He was a walk-on at Buffalo, never receiving a major Division I scholarship offer. He wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine or prominent pre-draft showcases. And yet, he didn’t allow what he didn’t have to define him. Instead, he focused on what he could control: effort, discipline, and preparation.
His hard work paid off—leading the nation in tackles in 2024 and earning Consensus All-American honors. When the Rams brought him in as an undrafted free agent, coaches quickly noticed his high football IQ, consistency, and relentless work ethic. Defensive coaches even remarked that Dolac could teach the system back to them because of how quickly he absorbed it.
Lessons for Life and Faith
Shaun’s story is more than a football highlight; it’s a blueprint for thriving in life and business:
- Resilience in setbacks: Shaun wasn’t recruited or drafted, yet he kept showing up and growing. In life and faith, setbacks don’t define us—our response does.
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
James 1:2-4 MSG
- Value of preparation: His coaches trusted him because he was consistent. Faithfulness in the small, unseen moments often leads to breakthrough opportunities.
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
Luke 16:10 NLT
- Humility and service: Though not a starter, Dolac secured his spot by being willing to contribute on special teams. Success often comes when we embrace serving in roles that may not get headlines but make the whole stronger.
‘If you want to be the leader, make yourself less important than everyone else. You must become the servant of everyone.’
Mark 9:35 EASY
- Purpose through pain: Having lost his father at a young age, Shaun channels that loss into motivation. Many of us carry wounds, but when surrendered to God, those wounds can fuel growth and inspire others.
We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,
Romans 8:28 CEV
Why His Story Matters to Us
Shaun’s story reminds us that doors may close, opportunities may seem slim, and the odds may look stacked against us—but perseverance, faithfulness, and humility create space for God to work in powerful ways.
Just as Shaun inspires young athletes from his hometown, we are each called to live in such a way that others can find courage in our example. His journey is a living illustration of Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Whether in business, ministry, or personal growth, Shaun Dolac’s story teaches us this: Stay faithful. Stay humble. Stay resilient. The reward often comes not when expected, but when earned through perseverance.