He had to walk two miles to play in a youth football league that didn't charge a fee, and initially had to make do with hand-me-down shoulder pads that he found in a dumpster behind a community center.
[1] Herrod initially planned to enlist in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Banks High School, but decided instead to play at Ole Miss under head coach Billy Brewer, the only Division I program to offer him a scholarship.
[1] However, Indianapolis Colts linebackers coach Rick Venturi happened to see footage from the 1987 Blue–Gray Football Classic and was intrigued by Herrod, who was the game's defensive MVP.
[1][5] In a 2022 interview with The Athletic, Herrod revealed that he is dealing with numerous health issues related to his football career.
Protective equipment (especially helmets) was inferior during his days at Ole Miss, and concussions were merely considered part of the game for much of his NFL career.
He has dealt with migraines since at least 2007, and has chronic pain so severe that he needs assistance to wear dressy clothes and can't bear sitting down for long periods of time.