Page 97 of The Game Plan
Missing my girls. How’s things going?
She responds instantly.
Peach: We miss you, too. Stop worrying about us and go coach the next great football player.
I chuckle.
Love you, guys.
Peach: We love you, too.
I slip my phone into my pocket and head to the indoor practice facility.
“Run it again!” I bark from the sidelines.
We’ve been at this for what feels like forever, but Williams is late off the line every time. His movements are sluggish, and his eyes betray his distraction. This is exactly what we feared.
Harris eyes me from where he’s under center. He’s tired of running the same route, too, but his job as the quarterback is leading on the field and executing the plays.
After everyone takes their position, Harris nods before snapping the ball. Williams reacts the same way he always does. Grumbles and groans fill the room.
“Williams!” I shout, pointing at the space in front of me.
Jeremiah doesn’t argue. He jogs over and grabs his helmet by the facemask. His position tells me everything I need to know. He’s here, but nothere.
“What’s up?” I ask.
When he shrugs, it pisses me off. “Guess I’m off today.”
I shake my head and cross my arms. “You’re distracted. It’s been the same shit for the past week. Your head’s not in the game.”
“I’m fine,” he argues, defenses rising.
“You’re not. You’re playing lazy—behind on the snaps, confused on the routes, slow. Your ego is getting in the way of your game.”
He scowls. “Bullshi—”
With a quirk of my eyebrow, he stops. “We know about the NIL deals. The new car sponsorship. The shoe line. No one denies your talent, but the money is getting in the way.”
“I’m still here.”
“But are you?” I fire back. “Performing on and off the field is the job. Setting the tone for every rep, putting in the effort, and executing plays are the job—not the endorsements and sponsorships.”
His jaw is tight, and I can tell he wants to keep arguing. Truthfully, the money helps a lot of these kids. Most, like Williams, didn’t have much, so when they see the cash coming in, it feels like an answer to their prayers. But money changes people.
“You’re not the first to blow up early, and you won’t be the last. But talent without discipline is a waste. You want to be remembered for more than the money you brought in. Set the example for the younger generation that while money is great, it’s not everything. Hard work, heart, and motivation are.”
He nods, shoulders dropping, showing me a crack in his bravado.
“You want the spotlight? Then earn it every damn day. Or someone else will. Now go get your head right and run the route like it’s your last.”
“Thanks, Coach.” His voice cracks before he turns and jogs back.
I see the determination in his position. Now, he’s locked in.
And he finally nails the route.
When it comes to cooking, I’m not the best. Grant has me beat in the kitchen department, but that doesn’t mean I don’t try. He’s been putting in extra effort by helping me take care of Lennon so I can focus on schoolwork, healing, and working long hours at the football facility. Since he started coaching, he’s been desperate to prove his worth to the staff, but I think with the whole little white lie turned into not-so-much-of-a-lie, he’s running himself ragged to erase the slip of his tongue.
