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“You’re throwing it too wide, man,” Jalen tells him. “C’mon, let’s get this next one.”
Ryder waves him off. “Coach, get me a receiver who can actually catch the fucking ball!”
Coach B blows his whistle. “Everybody in. Let’s go.”
We head over to the sideline where the coaches are standing, and I chuckle to myself. Ryder is still walking behind Jalen, barking loudly in his ear about his supposed deficiencies as a receiver. It’s been that way all day for Ryder. He came out and got off to a bad start, and it only got worse as the day wore on.
He’s rattled. He’s too emotional. The worse he throws, the worse his emotions get, and the more he lashes out at the rest of the team. He’s got a lot to learn not just about being a quarterback but about being a leader and being a man.
"All right, look," Coach B says when everybody is gathered around. "It's hot. We're all working hard, but we're having some adversity. Clearly. Good teams find a way to overcome adversity. Leaders take responsibility for their mistakes, and they help the team find that way through whatever adversity they're facing. I expect that from my leaders. I demand it."
That last bit was said with a pointed glance at Ryder who turns away and mutters under his breath to himself. He’s not winning many points, which is just fine with me.
“You’re all getting sloppy and careless out there. It’s clear we’re not getting anywhere today,” he says. “Go hit the showers and get the fuck out of here. But when you step on this field tomorrow, you better be ready to work. Anybody who isn’t ready to put in the work is going to get cut. I’m tired of this shit. We’ve got a season to prepare for. Am I understood?”
“Yes, Coach,” the team calls out in unison.
“Good. Get the fuck out of here.”
The team breaks and heads for the locker room. Before I turn and head out with them though, I hear Coach B calling me.
“Cole, hang back,” he calls.
“What’s up, Coach?”
“You’re looking sharp out there. You’re looking good.”
“Thanks.”
“I have to be honest, after seeing your first couple of practices, I wasn’t sure how much you had left.”
“That’s fair.”
“But you’ve really come around. You’ve grasped the office, you’re jelling with your teammates, and you’re throwing good, crisp balls. I’m impressed,” he says. “I’m not going to name a starter just yet, but I’ll be honest with you. Keep showing me what you’ve been showing me, and I’m going to have a hard time keeping you out of the lineup.”
“Thanks, Coach,” I reply with a smile. “I appreciate that.”
“Just keep your head down and keep grinding. And I hope Simmons learns from you by osmosis or something. Fucking kid.”
“He’ll learn. He’s got all the talent in the world but he’s not ready to lead yet. His problem is what’s between his ears. But that’s also because he’s twenty-two. He’ll grow up.”
“Yeah, I hope so. The organization gave up a ton to get him. If he doesn’t pan out, it’s going to set us back for a long time.”
I nod. “He’ll be fine. Just give him some time.”
“That’s apparently the plan. Get out of here. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I turn and jog off the field, feeling a hell of a lot lighter and better about things than I have since I arrived in the desert.
* * *
“See?I told you he’d come around,” Cami says.
“Nothing’s set in stone yet, but it’s trending in the right direction. But yeah, I guess you were right.”
“Those are my favorite words to hear.”
“Shocking,” I say with a grin.
