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I stand on the sideline next to Coach, watching McHenry snap the ball. He's doing better moving around the pocket and being more aware of his surroundings. I watch as he throws the ball down field and into the hands of running back Henry Sanders.
"Kids got talent, that is for sure," Coach says.
"I agree. He will make a great addition to this team," I comment, while still watching the field.
I get back on the field and get some practice alongside my teammates.
We finish practice, and everyone heads for the showers, before going home to get ready for the charity event tonight. I take my black tux out of the closet and begin getting dressed. I made sure my shoes were shined ready for this event. The event is being held at the Country Club, where the rich and elite come together.
I look at the time and know I need to get going. I don't want to arrive late, so I walk out to my garage and get into my Aston Martin DBS. It was a bit of a splurge, but I have always loved and wanted this type of car. Mine is a metallic slate gray color and it's perfect for showing up to functions like this.
I take the drive a little faster than I should, but I can't help the speed when the vehicle drives so smoothly. I drive to Ashley’s house, my date for the evening. We are encouraged to bring a date for picture ops, and I trust Ashley to not expect or want more from me. She knows how to play the game, but most of all she is my trusted friend.
We met when I was first drafted to the Hummingbirds. I was a cocky kid, who no one ever told no to. Everyone always tripped over their own feet to make me happy, be my friend, or try to trap me. No one ever told me the hard truth, until I met Ashley.
I put my cocky moves on her, and she turned me down. Not just turned me down but laid into me. At first, I was pissed, said so much negative shit about her, but then I finally had to realize she was right, and I owed her an apology.
From there we started talking and became really good friends. She is my go-to person when I need honest feedback or if I have an event that I need to attend.
We pull up in front of the Country Club and step out. Grabbing a ticket from the valet, I walk around the car and help Ashley out of the car as pictures are being taken. We walk up the walkway to go inside the venue.
Julius Haynes, the Director of the Hurtsboro Hummingbirds, is standing inside the door, welcoming the guests.
"Will, how are you this evening?"
"I'm good, Mr. Haynes. You remember my date, Ashley, and we are excited for this evening," I tell him.
"Nice to see you again, Ashley. I’m glad you are both excited for this evening. How are we looking for this season? Do you think we have a shot at the Super Bowl again?"
"Sir, we always have a shot at the Super Bowl, and I think we are looking really good for the season."
"That's what I like to hear, and it's also why your contract was extended. We know you are the best quarterback out there," Mr. Haynes says with a chuckle coming from his mouth, but seriousness radiating from his eyes.
"I understand, Mr. Haynes, and I appreciate the confidence you and the board have in me."
He waves his hand, like it's not a big deal, though I know it is, then he says, "Go mingle, have a good time, and let's raise lots of money."
"Yes, sir," I respond as I begin to walk further into the venue.
I mingle with all the potential donors, as well as the players throughout the night. Coach gives his yearly speech on why the donations are so important and reminds every one of his little Ellie, then we have the raffles. We surpassed our goal of half a million, but we didn't reach the million-dollar mark, though seven hundred and fifty thousand is an amazing number to raise, and we aren't sad about our part in helping the children.
As soon as I drop Ashley off, I go home after the event, feeling good about what we have accomplished tonight. The smile on Coach Jacks' face was worth all the efforts that we put into the event.
Once I get home, I undress, shower, and climb into bed, knowing I need to be in the gym early tomorrow. Preseason starts in a week, and even though I'm not starting, I need to ensure I am ready.
* * *
Four weeks later
"It's the official start of the NFL season. Coach Jacks has had rookie, Jason McHenry starting during the preseason games, do you think we will see Will Anderson as the starting quarterback, or will the coach keep McHenry in as the starter?" ESPN Sportscaster, Jesse asks.
"I can't see the Hummingbirds renewing Anderson's contract for the amount that they agreed to pay him, if they aren't going to start him," Bill says.
"McHenry wasn't bad in his start. He definitely showed the world he has an arm and is willing to get out there and do what needs to be done. He lost the first game but seemed to find his rhythm in the second and third game allowing the Hummingbirds to win,” Jesse says.
“This is true, the kid has talent, and that can only help the Hummingbirds going forward,” Bill says.
"The Hummingbirds will take the field at noon against Dallas. All our questions will be answered then, and I can't wait to see what Coach Jacks and the Hummingbirds decide," Jesse comments.
