His football story is like many others: a star high school athlete who receives multiple college scholarships offers, gets into the NFL as an undrafted NFL free agent and is out of the league in a year or so. His personal story is unlike anyone else’s: before his senior year at Gateway High School in Aurora, a bullet entered and exited his neck in a movie theatre. The bullet came from the theatre next door where a horrific tragedy left 12 people dead.

Zack Golditch did not allow July 20, 2012 to deter his football goals or his new aspiration to be a first responder. The offensive lineman had committed to Colorado State University just 8 days prior to the shooting. He loved playing for the Rams and was named First Team All Mountain West his senior year. His NFL career was short but he rolled with the punches on four different teams his rookie season. He was out of the NLF after training camp his second year.

Then Zack started his next mission: to be a firefighter and give back to his community. He’s currently a South Metro Firefighter and has helped the 7/20 Foundation start the Hero’s Journey 5K in Aurora every July to raise money for a scholarship fund benefiting first generation college students from Aurora Public Schools. To donate to Zack’s scholarship fund, visit Aurora Public Schools Foundation and specify Zack Golditch Scholarship in the notes.

Hosted by Susie Wargin