The Biggest Zeroes to Heroes in Sports

While the path to prosperity isn't always smooth, there is a collection of star athletes who have traveled a tougher road than most.

Whether it was an impoverished childhood that left them deprived of guidance or a late-blooming nature that drove away scouts, these players had to scratch and claw for recognition.

It may seem scattered, but bear with us, they're worth hearing.

Let's take a look at the biggest zeroes to heroes in sports today.

Each one fought his own intriguing battle.

Thank you tommygilligan.com for the Cruz shot.

20. Brian Waters

When he won AFC Offensive Player of the Week in 2004 after his Chiefs trounced the Falcons for eight rushing touchdowns, it was clear Brian Waters was something special.

And six Pro Bowls later, the talented (naturally, undrafted in 1999) guard is still dominating defensive lines with his massive 320-frame.

With a pleasing name and stellar resume, Waters continues to cement his legacy in football lore.

19. Dan Boyle

He may have gone undrafted, but that didn't stop Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle from reaching the Promised Land.

Not only has Boyle posted five seasons of 50 or more points in his career, but he won the gold with Team Canada in 2010 and the Stanley Cup in '04 with the Lightning.

His nasty streak is much appreciated.

18. J.J. Barea

He may not be a star on the stat sheet, but Jose Juan Barea's production has come in other forms since not being drafted in '06.

Not only was he instrumental in complimenting his sweet-shooting teammates en route to a Mavericks championship last season, but Barea's relationship with former Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2006 and Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera has given NBA fans plenty to look at in between tip offs.

Barea's impact on the league goes beyond the court.

17. London Fletcher

He may only have three Pro Bowl appearances in 14 years, but London Fletcher went from being undrafted in 1998 to becoming a mainstay at middle linebacker.

Despite the most tackles from 2000-2009 (1,244), Fletcher has always been a bit unappreciated, often snubbed for a Pro Bowl spot.

However, he was a force on the St. Louis Rams squad that barely escaped the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV and continues to compile more than 100 tackles in his sleep.

16. Monta Ellis

A former second-round pick, Golden State guard Monta Ellis has displayed an affinity for the spectacular shot since winning the Most Improved Player award in 2007.

Clearly he turned a switch. The results were pleasing.

Now, he's seemingly a poor man's Derrick Rose. And hey, that's still pretty good.

With 21.5 points per game so far this year, the perennial superstar seems destined to continue his scoring greatness.

15. Mardy Gilyard

From homeless and in debt to NFL wide receiver. Mardy Gilyard's story is one of obvious inspiration.

But this tale is a bit different, as it was one of maturation rather than deprivation. 

He was kicked out of Cincinnati for his lacking academics and had to work four jobs to pay off a debt he owed to the school. During his quest, he was able to find his way, get reinstated and make it to the NFL.

Most would've quit.

14. Ben Wallace

Seen as too small for the center position, all Ben Wallace did since signing as an undrafted free agent was win four NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards, make four All-Star teams and win a championship with the Detroit Pistons (2004). 

The Afro-clad, 6'9" Wallace never fails to make his presence felt in (and around) the paint.

Clearly a student of the game.

13. James Harrison

Oh you can bet this controversial beast went undrafted, quite possibly because of his demeanor.

Rejected by every team seven times around in the 2002 Draft, James Harrison now gets to look back on five Pro Bowls, two Lombardi Trophies and a Defensive Player of the Year Award, as well as plenty of unnecessary exclamations about the league and his own quarterback.

We sure know his name now.

12. Martin St. Louis

At 5'7", it may be easy to see why NHL teams passed over Martin St. Louis, despite impressive amateur numbers.

With a Hart Memorial Trophy, Stanley Cup ring and 298 goals under his belt, the feisty winger now seems destined for the Hall of Fame.

If only he played for the Blues, it would be a match made in comical heaven.

11. Kurt Warner

Ok, so maybe he just retired, but we have to include one of the most illustrious rags to riches story in recent history on this list. It wouldn't feel right otherwise.

Undrafted out of the University of Northern Iowa in the 1994 NFL Draft, Kurt Warner experienced a roller-coaster ride to success.

From stocking shelves at a local grocery store for $5.50 per hour to lighting up the Arena Football League with his rocket arm after being rejected by the NFL, the gutsy quarterback was on his way, one opportunity away from greatness.

Finally he was signed by the St. Louis Rams, only to sit on the bench... until one day... it happened. 

After Trent Green tore his ACL, a legacy was sparked.

He would never look back.

No guts, no glory.

10. Stephen Donald

Long criticized for past mistakes and a lack of production, New Zealand's Stephen Donald shocked the rugby world with a redemption shot that changed everything.

In kicking the winning penalty in the IRB Rugby World Cup 2011, Donald re-established himself among rugby fans and hopefully improved his lacking reputation.

Certainly obscure, this story of perseverance saw a vicious zero become a hero.

9. Michael Oher

From the streets to the gridiron, Michael Oher experienced quite the unique journey.

A homeless youth discovered by a religious and wealthy family and thrust into a world of football and respect, the gargantuan right tackle now finds himself counting his blessings.

Following a promising career at Ole Miss, Oher was taken by the Ravens in the first round of the 2009 Draft.

A massive talent, he was seemingly several decisions away from permanent anonymity.

8. Josh Hamilton

So you're thinking this suggestion is crazy, that a former first-overall pick (1999) can't possibly have been low on the food chain. But trust us, Josh Hamilton has come a long way.

After drug and alcohol addictions hindered a once-promising career, Hamilton seemingly took some time off to fix himself and discover his potential.

He eventually made his MLB debut in 2007 with the Reds and began to hone the skills that were once highly touted.

Four All-Star appearances and an AL MVP since then have propelled Hamilton into the upper echelon of the baseball world.

He seems to have found his way.

7. Wes Welker

Considering only Gale Sayers had more all-purpose yards in his first three NFL seasons, Wes Welker is doing quite well for himself.

Undrafted? No problem. He holds all-time records for total kickoff returns, kickoff return yardage, total punt returns and return touchdowns for the Dolphins, and is the only wideout in history with at least 110 receptions in any three seasons.

Simply put, the Pats' scrappy 5'9" receiver continues to frustrate opposing coordinators with his unexpected dominance.

His biggest accomplishment, however, is fiance Anna Burns.

6. Victor Cruz

If not the best slot receiver in the game, Victor Cruz is easily the most refreshing.

Undrafted out of UMass (not quite a football powerhouse) last season and being refused a spot, the salsa-dancing phenomenon became the New York Giants' single season receiving yardage leader (1,536) this year, shocking the league and its fans. 

One win away from immortality for the young stud.

5. Patrick Willis

From a trailer-home childhood to budding NFL career, Patrick Willis (or "Boss") tells an inspirational story of his long road to prosperity.

Arguably the best mike linebacker in football, Willis plays with a relentless streak that is quite understood considering his humble beginnings.

A mature glare tells the whole story. This man is far beyond his years.

4. Clint Dempsey

While certainly a story of rags to riches, this American soccer legend's rise to immortality was led by several helping hands.

During a childhood set in a trailer park in Texas near the Mexican border, Clint Dempsey learned to play soccer with a group of Hispanic neighbors.

After becoming the first American player to achieve a hat trick in the English Premier league (5-2 win over Newcastle United), it's clear Dempsey has discovered his promise.

His legacy began in the dusty terrain of his youth.

3. Tom Brady

Model first, quarterback second. Tom Brady possess the obnoxious, yet perfect combination of determination and focus.

Whether he's Mamba-ing in Brazil or chucking pigskins to his favorite tight end, the former sixth-round pick must remember a time when nobody knew his name.

Three Super Bowls later and we still despise Drew Bledsoe for being so weak.

History was forever made following one injury.

2. Albert Pujols

After signing a ten-year, $254 million with the Angels, former thirteenth-round draft pick Albert Pujols took a moment to laugh at the plethora of teams who passed him over in the 1999 draft.

Three MVP awards, nine All-Star appearances and a couple of World Series rings later, Pujols is perhaps the most feared batter in the game and still basking in his prime.

The Hall is awaiting his entrance.

1. Manny Pacquiao

Holding a poverty-stricken childhood close to his heart, current WBO Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao continues to dominate the competition.

As arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, Pacquiao is more of a God than a celebrity in his native Phillipines.

Once yearning for scraps of food and weights in his pockets to earn spots in fights, Pacquiao now rests as a member of the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines, with the world at his fingertips.