J. R. Martinez quotes:

I'm going to write a book, continue acting, continue motivational speaking and just share with people who I am and what I've learned in my second chance of life and pass it on to people in their first chance of life.

I've learned in my life that it's important to be able to step outside your comfort zone and be challenged with something you're not familiar or accustomed to. That challenge will allow you to see what you can do.

If you're going to play high school football, you do it in Texas or Florida or Georgia for the simple fact it's such a big deal.

I believe that we all have something to share with someone else that can better someone else's life.

There are a lot of people who can be classified as heroes and do great things and inspire me.

I love helping out good people who are doing good things.

I don't have a weapon in my hand, and I don't have a uniform on my body, but my uniform now is my scars and weapon is my words, so I'm still serving.

Obviously, I don't like to use my new celebrity status as a way to get first class service at a restaurant. For me, it's just more special to use it for good.

It's hard for people sometimes to relate to me. They weren't in the military, they weren't injured overseas in Iraq, they weren't burned, they didn't go through 33 surgeries, or two and a half years in the hospital.

I think in life, if you continue to challenge yourself, you can pride yourself in what you continuously accomplish.

I think I'm a lot funnier and goofier than people were able to see on 'Dancing With the Stars.'

I've continually reminded myself that I never want to change. I could be on the cover of a magazine today, but next week someone else is going to be on that cover. You always have to remain the same person because when those opportunities end, guess what you have? You have you. And if you change from being you, you have nothing anymore.

In this life, all you need is for someone to believe in you.

Running for me is a sport. It's not a joke. It's serious.

The thing is, a lot of our vets come home and they feel displaced, and they don't feel like their voice matters, so for me to be a spokesman and have that honor to educate America about who we are and what we are, it's like I'm doing my job.

My father left... but I tell my mom - and I told my mom this when I was a kid - I said, 'You know what, Mom? Good thing he left because you're a strong woman.'

I believe with faith all is possible. An answer to prayer is greatest positive feedback you can get.

I'm an emotional guy.

I do believe everything happens for a reason, and I'm extremely grateful for that day because it led me into this life!