Makes me think of Rocky Bleier’s famous speech to Mean Joe Green when getting into a fight in the locker room: You may ultimately kick my ass, but you are going to be one tired mother fucker when you’re done.
I’m also reminded of my oldest son: he’s 5’8" on a good day and doesn’t have a huge build. He ended up being the defensive captain of his college football team, playing middle and outside linebacker. Pure effort and unwillingness to accept not getting what he wanted.