Different routes can lead to the same destination.

Don Barclay and Devin Goda were both passed on in the NFL Draft last weekend, but that hardly matters. They’re still getting a chance to prove their worth, and that’s all an athlete can really ask for.

Barclay — a Seneca Valley graduate and West Virginia University offensive tackle — will join the Green Bay Packers as a free agent, while Goda — a standout wide receiver for Slippery Rock University — has a an opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens.

Neither of these Butler County talents are guaranteed to ever play in an NFL game.

However, if Barclay and Goda develop into impact players for their respective teams, it wouldn’t be the first time an athlete shined after being neglected in the NFL Draft.

Goda can look to the success of fellow undrafted wide receivers Wes Welker and Miles Austin.

Welker went from being cut by the San Diego Chargers, to a special teams ace for the Miami Dolphins, to the most productive receiver in New England Patriots history. Austin worked his way up the Dallas Cowboys depth chart for three years before exploding onto the scene in 2009.

In Barclay’s case, reliable offensive linemen can slip through the cracks, too.

Brian Waters never heard his name called on draft day, but 12 years later, he’s earned six Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections. Jeff Saturday wasn’t deemed worthy of a draft pick, but has five Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl ring to his name.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have benefited from the NFL Draft with first-round picks like Casey Hampton, Troy Polamalu and Ben Roethlisberger. But the Steelers have also successfully spotted diamonds in the rough. Linebacker James Harrison, a former Defensive Player of the Year, and free safety Ryan Clark were both overlooked in the draft.

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster, who led the league in rushing in 2010, is another example of unnoticed talent. Tony Romo has proven to be a quality quarterback in Dallas, despite going undrafted out of Eastern Illinois.

Of course, for every undrafted household name like Romo, there’s many more guys like Trevor Harris.

Harris was the quarterback at Edinboro University while I was a student there. He rewrote the school’s record book and was a two-time finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy — the Division II equivalent of the Heisman — during a brilliant career for the Fighting Scots and received some draft interest. Ultimately, he didn’t hear his name called but went to camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars only to get cut before the regular season.

Since stints with the Buffalo Bills, two Arena League teams, and a UFL team, he recently signed with the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts, coached by Butler’s own Scott Milanovich.

Harris hasn’t evolved into an All-Pro quarterback at the NFL level, but as an athlete to reach the professional ranks, he’s still living the dream.

History proves there is a wide range of possibilities for the pro football careers of Barclay and Goda. Some undrafted players turn into Hall of Famers, while others never step on the field.

Regardless, Barclay and Goda have each realized a lifetime goal by getting to the NFL. So, isn’t it all gravy from here?

When fulfilling a childhood dream is the worst-case scenario, it’s already a job well done.

Jason Orfao is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.