Getting cut from a team can feel like the end of the world—unless you’re one of these legendary athletes who turned rejection into motivation.
These 15 sports icons were once told they weren’t good enough, only to come back stronger and prove everyone wrong.
15. John Smoltz
Before becoming a Hall of Fame pitcher and World Series champion, John Smoltz was cut from his high school varsity baseball team. Imagine telling a future Cy Young winner that he wasn’t good enough! Smoltz used the setback as motivation, and, well, the rest is history.
14. Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis wasn’t just cut from his high school basketball team—he was nearly overlooked altogether. As a freshman, he was a scrawny guard who barely stood out. Then, a massive growth spurt transformed him into a dominant forward, and now he’s an NBA champion and one of the league’s best defenders.
13. Tim Lincecum
The two-time Cy Young winner and three-time World Series champ wasn’t always an ace. Tim Lincecum was cut from his high school varsity team and told his small stature wouldn’t cut it in baseball. Fortunately, he didn’t listen—and his legendary pitching career proved everyone wrong.
12. Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen didn’t just get cut—he was barely even recruited. Pippen started his college career as a walk-on team manager before growing into one of the greatest defenders and playmakers in NBA history. Not bad for a guy who was once overlooked.
11. Kurt Warner
Before becoming a Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback, Kurt Warner couldn’t even get playing time in high school. He was cut from his freshman team and rode the bench when he finally made it. But that setback fueled him to fight for every opportunity—eventually leading him to NFL stardom.
10. Dikembe Mutombo
Mutombo wasn’t just cut—he didn’t even play high school basketball! He was more focused on soccer and academics before finally picking up basketball in college. Fast forward a few years, and he became one of the most dominant shot-blockers in NBA history.
9. Mariano Rivera
The greatest closer in baseball history didn’t have an easy start. Mariano Rivera was cut from several youth teams and nearly gave up on baseball altogether. But perseverance (and an unhittable cutter) made him a Yankees legend and a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
8. Jeremy Lin
Jeremy Lin’s entire career is a story of overcoming doubt. He was overlooked in high school, had zero Division I offers, and went undrafted in the NBA. But “Linsanity” took over in 2012, proving that sometimes, all you need is a shot.
7. Baker Mayfield
Mayfield wasn’t just cut—he was ignored. The former Heisman winner and first overall NFL draft pick had to walk on twice in college before proving he belonged. Now, he’s a household name, and the teams that passed on him probably regret it.
6. Hakeem Olajuwon
One of the greatest centers in NBA history didn’t start playing basketball seriously until he was 15. Before that, Hakeem Olajuwon focused on soccer. Despite a late start and early struggles, he went on to become an NBA champion and a legend.
5. Tom Brady
Tom Brady was almost too familiar with rejection. He wasn’t cut in high school, but he struggled to get playing time, was overlooked by major colleges, and was famously the 199th pick in the NFL Draft. Now? Seven Super Bowl rings and GOAT status.
4. Michael Strahan
Strahan wasn’t a star in high school—he was cut from his team. He wasn’t big or strong enough at first, but he worked tirelessly to build muscle and skill. That work ethic led to a Hall of Fame career and a Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants.
Read More: The 14 Most Overrated Athletes Ever
3. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler’s story is the definition of perseverance. He wasn’t just cut—he was homeless as a teenager. But his determination led him from junior college to the NBA, where he’s now an All-Star and one of the toughest competitors in the league.
Read More: The Most Iconic Athlete from Every U.S. State
2. Lionel Messi
Yes, even Lionel Messi faced rejection. As a kid, he was cut from his local youth team for being too small. Barcelona took a chance on him—and he repaid them by becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Read More: 10 NFL Careers Cut Short Because of Injury
1. Michael Jordan
The ultimate “cut but came back stronger” story. Michael Jordan was famously cut from his high school varsity team as a sophomore. He used that snub as fuel, trained relentlessly, and became the greatest basketball player of all time. Lesson learned: Never count yourself out.
