Mardy Gilyard: St. Louis Rams Newly-Acquired Draftee Provides Bright Future

While Mardy Gilyard comes from humble beginnings, his new beginning could allow him the chance to shine.

He certainly has not set the bar low for himself. 

The fourth round selection out of Cincinnati chose the No. 81, which was held by Torry Holt during the "Greatest Show on Turf" days.

"Why set the bar low?" said Gilyard. "Have me reach out for something I need to get. It keeps you hungry, keeps you wanting to get better, and be better and better and be better and be more better, and eventually be the best."

While that may seem like a lot of "better's," it is not too much of an exaggeration. Gilyard has a drive that prevents bettor's from betting that he won't get better.

Wow, that's a mouthful.

Even if for some strange reason Gilyard's career doesn't work out, it's not like it would be considered a failure. Just a few years ago, Gilyard was spending his nights on dorm room floors and various coaches.

You see, while Gilyard went to school, he didn't actually go to school.

His scholarship was revoked in 2006, and he owed the school $10,000, which was $10,000 more than he had to his name.

A lot has happened since that time, including over 1,000 receiving yards. He worked, not only at a job, but improving his life. 

He did just that.

Now he has the chance to be Sam Bradford's favorite target. 

Long gone are the days of "Warner to Holt" and "Warner to Bruce." Instead, Rams fans have been subjected to "Null to Burton." Not exactly a Super Bowl winning combination.

And while the Bradford-led Rams likely won't see a Super Bowl for the better part of at least five years, their future looks a whole lot brighter.

As does Gilyard's.