“About football?”
“About what I actually want versus what IthinkI should want.”
“Big difference.” He raised an eyebrow. “So what'd you figure out?”
“That I don't have to make one perfect choice.” I unfolded my napkin, the linen crisp and expensive against my fingers. “I can pick the option that gives me the best foundation for everything else I want to build.”
“Smart.” Kendon studied me for a moment. “You're thinking bigger picture now. That's good. It means you're healing, not just physically.”
The server arrived—another attractive young man in minimal clothing—and took our orders. After he left, Kendon leaned forward.
“Tell me about these options you're weighing.”
I walked him through it. The two surgery paths with their competing risk profiles. The Alabama coaching position offeringstability and mentorship. The broadcasting possibility that would keep me close to the game without destroying my body.
“Broadcasting's interesting,” Kendon said. “You've got the name recognition, the playing credentials. And honestly? You're articulate. You think about the game strategically, not just as a player. That translates well to analysis work.”
“Yeah?”
“Absolutely. Most former players struggle to explain what they instinctively know. You can break it down, make it accessible.” He leaned back. “Plus, broadcasting gives you control. You're not waiting for some team to trade you or some injury to end your season. You build your own brand, your own career path.”
The server brought our food—some kind of gourmet burger for me, grilled fish for Kendon. I took a bite, thinking about what he'd said.
“The flexibility appeals to me,” I admitted. “Being able to work from different locations, set my own schedule. I've spent my entire adult life at the mercy of team management and training camp schedules.”
“Freedom's underrated until you don't have it.” Kendon studied me for a moment. “You're thinking about someone, aren't you? The way you keep circling back to flexibility and location independence.”
My face must have given me away because he smiled.
“Look, I get it. Finding someone who matters changes the equation. Suddenly career decisions aren't just about money and prestige. They're about building a life that has room for the things that actually make you happy.”
“Is that what happened with you?”
“My partner and I met right after I retired. He's a graphic designer, works freelance. Broadcasting let me be flexible enough to support his career while building my own.” He gestured with his fork. “Best decision I ever made, even if itmeant walking away from coaching offers that would've paid more.”
The food was good, but I barely tasted it. My brain was spinning through new calculations, new possibilities.
“So if I'm serious about broadcasting,” I said, “what's the realistic timeline?”
“Depends on urgency. Networks are always looking for fresh talent, especially former quarterbacks who can break down plays. You'd probably start with smaller gigs, local sports shows, guest spots, building your reel. But with your profile? You could move up fast if you're good at it.”
“How fast?”
“Year or two to establish yourself. Maybe faster if you get a lucky break.” He studied me. “You'd need to put in the work though. Media training, practice sessions, building relationships with producers. It's not just showing up and talking about football.”
“I'm not afraid of hard work.”
“I know. That's why I think you'd succeed at this. Let me make some calls. Get you connected with the right people. See if we can set up some informational interviews, maybe get you in front of a camera for a test run.”
“You'd do that?”
“Absolutely. Guys like us, we’ve got to stick together. When one of us succeeds, it makes it easier for that next gay kid to pick up a pair of cleats and walk into the locker room.” He caught my eye. “But Cord? Whatever you decide about surgery, make sure it's your choice. Not pressure from agents or teams or anyone else. Your body, your career, your life.”
“Thanks. That actually helps.”
“And one more thing.” He reached over and clapped my good shoulder. “Don't wait too long to lock down whatever's makingyou smile like that. Life's too short to play games with the real stuff.”
“The good stuff usually is.”
