Shaping a future: Trip to Hawaii just the start of former Rainbow Warrior kicker Elam’s journey

In this Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007 file photo, Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam (1) follows through as he kicks the game-winning field goal in overtime against the Oakland Raiders during a football game in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)

Former Denver Broncos player Jason Elam speaks after being inducted into the Broncos Ring of Honor at half time of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)

For a 17-year old in tiny Snellville, Ga., (population 14,900) in 1988, Hawaii seemed like the other side of the world.

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