A Little Help From A Friend

About two months ago, Joe Anderson indulged in a little creative marketing. On Tuesday, it paid off.

Anderson, a journeyman wide receiver who had had a brief career in the NFL, stationed himself out the Houston Texans’ stadium in October with a sign that said he was looking for a job. He posted a picture on Instagram of himself with the handwritten ad on cardboard. It said: “Not homeless … but starving for success. Will run routes 4 food.” It got a lot of attention, including notice from New York Jets receiver Brandon Marshall.

The Jets made Anderson’s hopes come true on Tuesday when they reportedly signed him to their practice squad. Practice squad players make no less than $6,600 for every week they are on the practice squad. These players can – hold on to your hat – practice, but not play, unless they are added to the active roster.

Anderson originally was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent from Texas Southern in 2012. He played in nine games, mostly on special teams, for parts of two seasons. He never caught a pass. He was with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2014 offseason.

Whether he ever plays or not is hardly the point of the story. It’s about tenacity, creativity and a little bit of luck. It’s fun and funny and, at this time of year, a little bit like a gift.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .