Chasing Space: Leland Melvin

An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances | Paperback | Leland Melvin is the only person in history to catch a pass in the National Football league and in space. Though his path from the gridiron to the heavens was riddled with setbacks and injury, Leland persevered to reach the stars. While training with NASA, Leland suffered a severe injury that left him deaf. He was relegated to earthbound assignments but chose to remain and support his astronaut family. His loyalty paid off: after he recovered partial hearing, he earned his eligibility for space travel. He served as a mission specialist for two flights aboard the shuttle Atlantis, working on the International Space Station.