Page 86 of The Riskiest Move

I smile at her. “It’s been incredible, Scarlett. The team has been so welcoming and supportive. I couldn’t have signed with a better organization.”

“Does it feel surreal to be playing professional football?”

“Oh, for sure. And I’m just trying to soak it all in before I wake up and realize I’ve been dreaming all this.”

Jesse chuckles.

“Jesse, can you relate to what Cooper said?”

“Hell yeah. I still feel like this can’t be my reality. I’m living my dream every day.”

Scarlett nods, turning to Wyatt. “And what about you, Wyatt? Do you have those moments where you can't believe this is your life?”

Wyatt grins. “Absolutely. I think anyone who gets to do what they love for a living has those moments. It’s not something exclusive to professional athletes.”

“That’s true,” Scarlett agrees. “Sometimes I want to pinch myself that I get to do this podcast. I’m so appreciative to all the people who listen or watch.

“Now, Cooper, I understand you’re a big fan of professional wrestling. How does it feel to be sitting here with Jesse and Wyatt?”

I laugh, feeling a bit awkward. “Honestly, I’m trying hard not to geek out right now. These guys were my heroes growing up. I used to watch their matches and try to imitate their moves in my backyard.”

Jesse grimaces. “Please tell me you didn’t try the Stun Gunn on your friends.”

“I might have,” I admit, grinning.

“Oh man, I hope no one got hurt,” Jesse says.

“Just my pride when I couldn't quite nail it,” I reply with a laugh. “But I will say, my sister wasn’t too happy about being my practice dummy. Luckily, I had a big trampoline in the backyard. It made for a much softer landing than the actual wrestling ring, I’m sure.”

“Smart thinking,” Wyatt chimes in. “Though, I hope you’re not still practicing wrestling moves these days. I don’t think your football coach would appreciate that.”

Jesse snickers. “I can relate. My sister and I used to wrestle all the time as kids. Our mom would yell at us to take it outside before we broke something. I think she was more worried about her antique dishes than us hurting each other.”

“I’m sure that’s not the case. When I had your sister on my podcast, she told me you played an instrumental part in making her so tough.”

Jesse nods. “Yeah, I never held back when we’d wrestle. But in my defense, she’s strong as an ox. I didn’t want to get my ass beat too badly.”

“Wyatt, how do you feel about Jesse knocking around your wife when they were kids?”

Wyatt laughs. “Ronnie told me a different version of that story. I like hers better.” He winks at Scarlett.

She laughs. “What do you say to that, Jesse?”

“I can neither deny nor confirm what he said.”

“Sounds like Ronnie is the badass of the three of you,” Scarlett says.

“Absolutely,” Wyatt agrees, and Jesse nods.

“Speaking of being a badass. Cooper, you recently suffered a shoulder injury during a game and kept playing despite the pain. Can you tell us a bit about that and how your recovery is going?”

I’ve had enough training on what to say and not to say and know that being vague is always best when it comes to matters to do with the Silverbacks.

“There were a few plays where I landed wrong on my shoulder, and by the end of the game, I knew something wasn’t right. But it’s healing well and I should be back as soon as possible.”

“Well, I know I wish you the best in your recovery, and I’m sure our listeners do too.”

“Thank you. I’m lucky to have someone special in my life, and she talked me off the ledge after the game. I didn’t handle it very well.”

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