Page 164 of By His Play

“You all did some fantastic work out there. Coach Rogers and I were really impressed with your starting point, and we can’t wait to see the skills you learn over the next few weeks.

“We’ve both written some feedback for each of you, which highlights your strengths and weaknesses. Things we think you should focus on during the next few weeks.”

They all nod, eager to read what we have to say.

“All of you need to clean up, get some food, and get an early night. You thought today was hard? It’s only going to get harder. But I promise you something,” I say, making a point to look each of them in the eye. “It’s going to be so worth it.

“How many of you want to be in our position in ten years’ time?”

A round of “yes, sirs” sounds out and a smile pulls at my lips. Unlike most I have given out over the last two weeks, this one is genuine.

“Hard work and determination. I can’t promise you that the road to the NFL will be easy or painless. At times, it’ll be the opposite, but when you make it, it’ll be better than you’re imagining, I promise you that.

“Now, go and hit the showers. Your coaches will provide you with our feedback later.”

It takes a few seconds for them to take off, but once the first one moves the others follow.

We chat with their camp coaches for a few minutes before Brax and I head out.

I’ve been working with these coaches for years, and they’re all fantastic teachers and guardians for our future players.

The camps we provide are everything aspiring players could possibly want. We’ve designed them with the help of both players and coaches who have experienced everything professional football can offer.

Our camp is full on. We put both boys and girls through rigorous training. But only those who show real possibility manage to secure a place. And eighty percent of our players are from underprivileged backgrounds. The kind of kids who have an abundance of potential but whose parents can’t afford the kind of training they need.

I’m so fucking proud of this program. It’s hands down the best thing I’ve done with my life so far.

Sure, playing pro is fucking insane, and I thank my lucky stars every time I step out on the field. But this…I get so much enjoyment and fulfillment from being a part of this. A part of the future.

I’m building a legacy. Not just for me and my name, not for the Chiefs, or any of my teammates specifically, but for the families of the kids who just ran off to shower. We’re building their legacy, and that means everything to me.

“You hungry?” Brax asks when we get to his car.

I didn’t have plans of letting him drive me here this morning, but he turned up at my apartment and stood his ground.

Apparently, he’s concerned about me and thought I’d appreciate not having to drive. I’m pretty sure he thought that as soon as I began driving south, I probably wouldn’t stop until I hit St. Louis. There is a very good chance that he was right, too.

I’m not sure whether I’m grateful or not.

I smirk. “Yeah, man. I’m hungry.”

“Perfect. I know just the place.”

Leaving him to whatever he’s planning, I take full advantage of my passenger princess role and pull my cell from my pocket.

As always, a little hope bubbles up that she might have messaged.

She has been a little better recently, allowing me to think that everything is going to be okay.

But still, our friendship is nowhere close to what it was.

The weight of that being my fault presses heavily on my shoulders.

I never should have suggested we temporarily take things to the next level.

It doesn’t matter if my intentions regarding getting her out of her own head worked or not. Not if this is the outcome.

The fear that she might not come back to Chicago is real.

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