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“At Maine, you were the one we always strove to be as good as. I was hoping to be able to beat your record, but none of us did,” he chuckles. “You are a legend, and I can only hope to be as great as you one day,” he adds, and not knowing how to respond, I can only nod.
“Once you get to camp in a few weeks, you’ll be able to get more reps in with the team, and as long as you listen and are willing to learn, your game can only grow.”
“Thanks. I appreciate all your insight and help,” he says with a smile. Not as cocky as I was when I first came here.
I’ve learned a lot over the years not just about the NFL games, but as a player, a teammate, and a leader. As a kid in high school and even college, I was so cocky. I was the big quarterback who led my teams into championships, the man who dated the head cheerleader, and was given prestige. Everyone wanted to be my friend, to be me, and I ate it up.
Well, everyone but one. I shake my head, not knowing why thoughts of my neighbor slipped through my mind.
McHenry and I pack up the balls and leave the field, making plans to run more drills again tomorrow.
I walk through the door of my house, after leaving the stadium, my phone rings, looking at the caller id and see my agent’s name.
“Rob, what’s going on?”
“Hey Will, just wanted to let you know, rumor is Dallas wants to trade Hummingbirds a first-round pick in 2024 for you. I need to know if you are interested in being traded?”
“I would prefer not, but I know the Hummingbirds have not signed a contract extension yet, and if they want to consider trading me, then I shouldn’t close the door to another opportunity, but I don’t expect to be traded without an abundance of a pay raise.”
“I understand and I would make sure it’s as lucrative for you as it is for them. I wanted to know how to proceed should Walter decide not to renew your contract, though I really don’t think we will have an issue with that, but you never know, especially with the rumor.”
“I understand and appreciate the heads up. Have a good night, Rob,” I say, sighing as I hang up the phone.
I turn the tv on and hear the ESPN commentators talking about my contract.
“His contract is coming to an end, and so far, there hasn’t been any talks about the Hummingbirds extending his contract.”
“Rumor has it, Dallas may be willing to talk trade. Will Anderson, for the first-round pick in 2024.”
“Dallas definitely needs the help of a good quarterback, but their offensive line needs a makeover as well. Anderson already had two concussions last season, and with Dallas’ O-line, they may not be able to protect him enough to not cause injury to him.”
I walk into the kitchen to get a bottle of water as I listen to the commentators speak as if they know me. I only allow them to see and hear what I want them to. I learned early on that the media is not always your friend.
I wanted to ask Coach about the contract today, but I don’t want to seem overeager. I would hope the owner of the team would like me to stay. I have enjoyed getting to know my team and the trust that we have built up over these last five years.
As of right now, I’m allowing my agent and the owner to negotiate the talks.
My phone rings again, just as I get to the couch. I look down at the caller id and see it’s my dad.
“Hey, dad, what’s going on?”
“How accurate are these rumors, son?” he asks, not even saying hello.
“Nothing concrete has been said to me or Rob, so neither of us are sure yet.”
“Walter hasn’t signed a new contract?”
“No, not yet,” I sigh, knowing where this is going.
“Maybe you should retire and come back home to run the business.”
“Dad, you know the restaurant is not my dream. My dream is to be on the field, and as long as I can play, that’s where I want to be,” I tell him for what I think is literally the hundredth time.
“I know, son, but you need to think about your future. You’ve already suffered two concussions this past season, and I don’t want to see you get hurt anymore. I worry about you.”
“I know, dad, and I appreciate that you worry, but you don’t need to. I’m okay.”
“When are you going to come home and visit?”
