“Thirty seconds,” someone called.
My heart kicked up. This was different from playing. No muscle memory to fall back on, no playbook in my head. Just conversation, connection. The red light blinked on the center camera.
“Welcome back to NFL Today,” Kendon said, his voice smooth and practiced. “I'm joined by former Denver quarterback Cordero Morales, who's here to talk about his recent retirement announcement.” He turned to me. “Cord, you're walking away from a potentially lucrative comeback. What made you decide to hang up your cleats?”
I took a breath, remembering Dusty's voice. Four in, hold for four, out for six. “I spent fifteen years chasing one version of success. It took getting hurt to realize there might be other versions worth exploring.”
“That's a big shift in perspective. What changed?”
“I did.” The words felt true. “Coming out changed how I see myself, what I want from life. I realized I was holding ontofootball partly because it was familiar, partly because I was scared to find out who I am without it.”
Kendon leaned forward. “And who are you without it?”
“Honestly? I'm still figuring that out.” The admission felt good. “I've got some coaching opportunities I'm looking at. Maybe broadcasting work.” I shrugged with my good shoulder. “For the first time in my adult life, I get to discover who I am beyond football.”
The interview continued for another ten minutes. Questions about my coming out experience, advice for young LGBTQ+ athletes, thoughts on the league's handling of targeted hits. I answered honestly, the weight of performance lifting with each word. This was different from playing. No playbook, no predetermined outcomes. Just conversation, connection, truth. And it was good. Natural in a way I hadn't expected.
When we cut to commercial, Kendon leaned back with a grin. “That was fantastic. You're a natural at this.”
“Really?”
“Really. The camera loves you, and you're articulate about complex issues without being preachy.” He stood as the producer approached. “I think you just launched your post-football career.”
The producer, a woman in her fifties with keen eyes, extended her hand. “Mr. Morales, I'm Sandra Reeves, senior programming director. That was excellent work.”
“Thank you.”
“Kendon mentioned you might be interested in analyst opportunities.” She glanced at her tablet. “We've got an opening for our Thursday night college football coverage. Interested in auditioning?”
My heart kicked up. “Seriously?”
“Kendon doesn't recommend people lightly. And what you just did—being that vulnerable, that honest on camera—that's rare.”She smiled. “Plus, the phones are already lighting up. People respond to authenticity.”
After she left, I just stood there for a moment, processing. I'd come here thinking broadcasting was a backup plan if coaching didn't work out. But that interview, that conversation—it had felt more right than I'd expected.
“Told you,” Kendon said. “Natural broadcaster.”
“I was terrified the whole time.”
“Good. Means you care.” He pulled out his phone. “Speaking of caring, you mentioned wanting to talk about financial planning?”
Right. The real reason I'd asked to meet privately after the taping.
“Yeah. I've got some money from my contracts, but I need to be smart about making it last. Especially if I'm trying new things that might not work out immediately.”
“Smart thinking. How much are we talking?”
I gave him the numbers, watching his expression shift from casual interest to genuine attention. Not set-for-life money, but enough to have options if I invested wisely. The thought of walking away from Pittsburgh's guaranteed contract made my stomach clench. Was I being stupid to leave that kind of security behind?
Kendon whistled low. “That's a solid foundation, but you'll need to be strategic. My advisor, Gail Laurent, she specializes in helping athletes transition financially.”
“Transition meaning 'don't blow it all in five years?'“
“Exactly. I'll introduce you.” He paused, studying my face. “What's your timeline for making this work?”
“I'm also interested in real estate. Specifically in West Texas.” I hesitated, aware of how this might sound. “There's a property I'm interested in. Mixed-use building in Marfa.”
His eyebrows rose. “West Texas? That's specific.”
