Once everyone regained there composure, I leaned into the microphone to answer.
"I kinda dated a really nice girl back home, we are really good friends, but nothing serious. I guess you can say I am unattached.", I replied, quietly.
With that the news conference ended and I was led back to the office where someone from my agency was waiting for me. I was asked to report to the training facility the next morning at nine o’clock sharp, I then left with agency driver. I was driven downtown to the main office of my agent, then escorted to the fifteenth floor. The offices were quite impressive to say the least, I saw at least a dozen famous athlete’s photo’s displayed on the wall in just the main lobby. I informed the receptionist at the main desk I was there to see Dave Phillips, she asked me to take a seat until he was ready. A few minutes later, a stunning brunette who introduced herself as Mr. Phillips secretary came out and greeted me, asking me to follow her to his office. I walked down the long wide hallways, amazed at the number of employees that this firm had on hand. I was led into Mr. Phillips office, he was engrossed in a phone call, it seemed to be quite heated. I sat down in one of the large chairs, his secretary sat down in the other. He wrapped up the phone call, then turned and faced me.
"Hi Brian, it’s good to see you, how was the press conference ?", he asked.
"It was ok, I guess, I was extremely nervous.", I admitted.
"Don’t sweat it, it will become routine after a while.", he shot back.
"This is Carmella, my assistant and right hand. She does everything for me, I would be lost without her. She will take care of you until we get a contract signed. I am already working with their GM on a deal, I think it’s going to be pretty easy, we should get you signed soon." he stated.
"I have a meeting to go to across town, Carmella will get you settled, anything you need you call her anytime, day or night.", he said, leaving the room with a wave.
Carmella then opened a large envelop and pulled the contents out, laying them on the desk. She was a gorgeous woman, who was impeccably dressed, her scent was intoxicating.
"Ok Brian, here is your credit card, it has a twenty thousand dollar balance on it for now. I put up the money from our general fund, anything you spend will be deducted from your signing bonus. I have you booked into the Hampton Arms Hotel which is only a few blocks from the training facility. In a week or so, we will team you up with a real estate agent who can find you an apartment or condo down the road. I have a car waiting at the rental service for you, its on us until you can get your own. Any questions ?", she ended.
"Uh, I guess not. Thanks for everything.", I replied, completely overwhelmed.
"Just one thing Brian, remember you are contracted with this agency, you can make no public appearances, you can accept no endorsements without checking with us first. If there is any doubt in your mind to the validity of an offer, call me first Ok ?", she asked.
"Yes mam, I will.", I answered.
I was then taken to the car rental service where a beautiful new tan SUV was waiting for me. I signed the papers, then followed my driver to the hotel, where I checked in. He left me there, once again making sure I knew to call the agency if I had any questions. I was taken to my room, where I unpacked and settled in. I quickly called Ashley, told her everything that had happened and gave her the number to the hotel. I then tried to reach Courtney, but she was unavailable, so I left her a voice message. I went to bed early that night to be fresh for the next day.
I arrived at the practice facility over an hour early and was in the weight room checking out the equipment when the trainer came in. I could tell he was surprised to see me so early, but we got started right way. He put me through a two hour workout, most of it pretty routine, I had done many of these exercises before. He recorded both weight and reps done on each station, before finally telling me we were done for the day. He slapped me on the back as we were exiting the weight room.
"Brian, I have to say, I am very impressed. You’re a lot stronger than I was led to believe, you’re also in great shape. I can tell you have put the time in getting ready.", he said, sincerely.
"Thank you sir.", I answered.
He led me back to the locker room, taking me to the back corner and showing me a locker that had a large white piece of medical tape above it, with the name Stevens wrote in black marker. He informed me, for the time being, this would be my locker until final cuts were made. He handed me a lock and key, told me to get dressed and meet him out on the practice field. I opened the locker to find it stocked full of shorts, tee shirts, mesh jerseys, socks, and shoes. I dressed quickly and made my way out to the field. Once there I was greeted by most of the coaching staff, along with several of the other recent draft choices. I was taken aside by Coach Reed, who instructed me to go with one of the trainers and work out with one the special automated football throwing machines. I was directed to line up about twenty five yards down from the machine, face it and be ready to catch the ball. The trainer would hold up the ball to me, then insert it between the tires seconds later. I’m not sure how fast the machine was set on, but the ball got to me before I was ready. I dropped the first two passes before I was able to get me hands in time for the next ball. After about ten minutes, I was catching just about everything that was being fired at me.
He then yelled he was turning the machine up, to get ready. The ball was almost a blur as it shot out of the machine. My hands were not positioned properly and I felt the point of the ball sting my thumb severely. One of the wide receiver coaches came over and gave me a few pointers on hand position, which really made catching the ball a lot easier. I’m guessing all in all, I fielded close to two hundred balls before I was asked to move back to the field. For the next hour, I was instructed on route running, proper foot planting to make cuts, how to set screens for other receivers and so one. After four hours or so, we were told to hit the showers. Before we were excused for the day, we were each given a current play book, which if lost would mean dire consequences to our future with the team. We were told to be back in the morning at the same time.
I drove straight back to the hotel, got comfortable, opened the play book and became to study it. I immediately was overwhelmed by the wording and terminology of the complex system. Each position on the offense had a name, each direction has it’s own terminology, both the depth and width of the field had it’s own nomenclature. Each formation had at least a dozen possible check off’s in case an audible was called, I knew I had some serious work to do.
Over the next few days, I repeated most of the same drills over and over, some of the terminology being thrown at us little by little. I continued to do well at some things, but have problems with others. My route running was getting better, but I had a hard time adjusting to a ball that was not thrown well. This as I was to learn was a key to becoming a great receiver.
Finally the first camp opened, the first league sanctioned practice, where both veterans and rookies were in attendance. I would be the third tight end in rotation, we had a veteran pro bowl starter and a very good backup. If I were to get any playing time early, it would definitely be on special teams. I guess we were maybe an hour into practice when I got my first opportunity to line up with the starters. We were running some goal line offense, the ball was placed on the ten yard line. Our quarterback Josh Henson, was another all pro, having won two championships in his first six years in the league. He was considered one of the best touch passers in the league. I leaned over in the huddle to listen to the first call of the series.
"Double Slot Right, X Fade Right, Jet Left, 62 Combo on Three.", Josh barked out.
I Immediately knew I was X, and I would run a lazy fade route into the corner after the slot receiver would cut in front of me attempting to screen my man out. If the play worked well, it should be a touchdown. Before we broke the huddle, Josh looked up at me and told me if I were covered, he would throw to my back shoulder, which was basically the sideline. I nodded, like I really knew what he was talking about. We lined up, I listen for the cadence. As I looked up, I saw the strong safety creep up almost to the line of scrimmage, a possible indication he would have me one on one. The ball was snapped and I broke out of my stance quickly. The slot receiver did a fair job of picking my man, I cut off his back and ran for the corner of the end zone, the strong safety just steps behind me. Josh quickly made up his mind, lofting the ball for the rear pylon. As the ball approached me, I realized it had been indeed thrown over my back shoulder to the sidelines. I basically came to a stop, planted my foot, opened my body up and turned in the opposite direction. By now the safety had recovered, and was right on top of me. I once again planted my foot and jumped high in the air trying to attack the ball at it’s highest peak, knowing the six foot safety could not play at that height. My timing was perfect, I snatched the ball out of mid-air, pulled it in as I fell backwards out of bounds. Several players applauded the efforts, including a few coaches. However the coach on the end line immediately signaled I had come down out of bounds.
"Stevens, all of that effort for nothing son, you have to fucking know where the end lines are rookie.", he growled, "Get your ass back in the huddle numb nuts."
I trotted back to the huddle and leaned over ready for the next play. I guess Josh noticed the dejected look on my face. He slapped my knee, getting my attention.
"Hey Rook, let it go, that was a big league catch and adjustment, you were in an altitude no one here can get to. Great catch, you keep doing that, I’ll keep throwing at you.", he snapped.
True to his word, I was thrown at least another dozen balls while I was with the first unit, I managed to snag all but two of them. As we trotted off the field, Josh ran by me, patting me on the ass.
"We are gonna do good things rookie, with your height, we can play this game at a new level. Hang in there baby.", he said.
I was immediately excited, an all pro quarterback giving me some praise this early in the season. I trotted off the field and made my way to my locker. My exuberance was shorted lived however as our starting tight end and eight year veteran, Billy Huber walked up to me.
"If you think I’m going to let a defensive end take my spot, you got another thing coming rookie. Stay the fuck out of my way or else.", he growled.
"I’m not trying to take your job Billy, just try to do whatever I can to help the team.", I answered calmly.
"Fuck you Rookie, stay out of my way.", he scolded, turned and walked away.
This was new to me, I had never experienced down right dislike between team mates before. I undressed slowly, showered then left for the hotel. That night I decided to call Courtney, just to see how everything was back home. I called her cell, she answered on the third ring.
"Hey Court, how are you ?", I asked.
"Briannnnnnnn, hey, I’m doing ok, I’m glad you called.", she said cheerfully.
We talked for close to an hour, she brought me up to speed on things back home, I relayed much of what was happening here to her. She had been working a lot, her Dad had been delegating more and more of the work load her way. She was working ten to twelve hours a day, sometimes half a day on Saturday. I told her that I would have a break at the end of mini camp, for close to five weeks before training camp started, I would probably fly home for at least a week or two. She said she would look forward to that, it would be nice to see me again.
After the meeting the following morning, I was summoned to the equipment manager’s office. We went over all of my gear, he made size adjustments, we talked about the different shoes that were available, then he offered me my choice of numbers. The only numbers that would be available to me would be either 81, 84, or 89.
I had always wore number 99, but in the NFL a tight end could not have that number, thus it was a mute point. I thought for a few minutes then it struck me. My Dad’s number in high school had been 8, he had been a quarterback, I had two 9’s in my number. So I decided on number 89, which was a combination of both of our numbers. He informed me from now on, all gear issued to me would have the number 89 on it somewhere.
We finished mini camp eight days later, I was really exhausted, the pace was extremely hectic. I spent three hours a day in the weight room, three to four hours on the practice field, then another four on the playbook at night. I checked in with Coach Reed as I left the practice facility for the break.
"Brian, I will be honest. We are really pleased with the progress you have made, you’re further along than anyone hoped at this point. In fact, if we lost our starter right now, I would have to give you consideration to step in and play.", he said.
"Thanks Coach, I appreciate the confidence you have in me.", I replied.
"What are your plans for the break ?", he asked.
"I was going to go home, relax a bit, not much else though.", I answered.
"Brian, I hate to ask you this, but I would like you to stay here for another two to three weeks and work out with the backup quarterbacks. I think it would do you a world of good. It would still leave you two weeks to go home afterwards.", he urged.
"No problem Coach, I’ll do whatever it takes.", I answered quickly.
For the next two weeks , I reported everyday, lifting weights , then working out with the quarterbacks and a few of the receivers. With only a handful of players in camp, I got my share of one on one instruction, which really proved helpful. By the end of the extra work, I really felt I had a good grasp of the position, even though I knew I had much more to learn. Coach Reed thanked me for the extra dedication I had given, despite I was still not under contract.
I booked a flight and flew home the next day, arriving home on Thursday night. I knew Ashley had school the following day, so I arranged a car to take me home from the airport. I arrived at my house sometime just before ten that night, I saw the kitchen light was on. I knocked on the kitchen door, Ashley opened it quickly, jumping out to greet me, she was completely surprised.
"Why didn’t you call me, I would have come picked you up.", she complained.
"I know you have school tomorrow, it’s no big deal, I got a car.", I replied.
I stepped into the familiar confines of home, went to my room and threw my bags on the bed. I went back to the kitchen where Ashley as sitting and grabbed some iced tea from the fridge. I sat down across from her, she was all smiles.
"Have you lost weight ? I mean you look more muscular, but also thinner ?", she asked.
"Yes, they have me down to 260 lbs, trying to get my speed up. My diet is unreal, my body fat is like, next to nothing.", I answered.
"I see that.", she responded.
We talked for about an hour, before we decided to turn in for the night. I have to admit, it was not as awkward as I thought it would be considering what we had shared the night before I left. It was good to see Ashley, it was good to be home. I slept extremely well that night, in fact by the time I had gotten up, Ashley had already left for school.
I got dressed, went into town to the diner to get something to eat. As soon as I walked in, Miss Margie squealed in delight and ran from behind the counter to hug and kiss me. She ushered me to my seat and took my order, she was all smiles. I finished my breakfast, then decided to drive over to the school see Coach Mike for a few minutes.
I parked near the back of the lot, quietly making my way to his office. He was surprised to see me, we spent about an hour talking, then I excused myself so he could go back to work. I looked at my watch, it was close to noon, so I decided to drive over to Courtney’s work, maybe take her out to lunch.
As I pulled into the large lot of Mr. Timmons business, I was happy to see both Courtney’s car and his car, parked side by side in the lot. I entered the office and met the receptionist at the front cubicle. I had been there once or twice, so she remembered me right away.
"Hi Brian, it’s good to see you. When did you get back ?", she asked.
"Last night, late. I thought maybe if Courtney wasn’t too busy, we could go to lunch.", I asked.
"Oh, let me buzz her, I know she will be right down.", she squealed, grabbing the phone.
"No wait.", I interrupted, "Tell her you have an extremely upset client, whose order was screwed up. Tell her I want to close my account."
"Oh, you’re bad Brian.", she laughed, "But it’s sounds like so much fun."
She dialed Courtney’s extension, it was on speakerphone, Courtney answered quickly. She repeated the message to her, you could tell from Courtney’s reaction, she had no idea what was happening. She told the receptionist she would be down immediately. I made my way over to the small coffee room right off the lobby, and sat down behind one of the walls so she couldn’t see me. A few moments later, I heard high heels clicking across the floor. I heard her asked the receptionist what was going on. The receptionist played it out perfectly, raising her voice in my direction.
"Sir, I have Ms. Timmons here, she wants to see you.", she shouted in my direction.
I paused for several seconds, then stepped out into the doorway. Courtney’s face went from that of extreme concern, to extreme excitement in seconds. She screamed out loud, her hands covering her mouth and ran over to me, jumping into my arms. She squeezed me with all of her might, kissing me on the cheek, tears in her eyes. I set her back down, just as Mr. Timmons made his way down the stairs into the lobby.
"Brian, great to see you, how’s life in the pro’s ?’, he asked, smiling.
"Ok sir, just trying to understand the system, learn a new position plus play on special teams.", I replied.
We talked for several minutes then he told Courtney to take the rest of the day off and take me out to eat on the company. He promised he would cover for her, they could catch up later that night. She followed me to my house, we dropped off my car, then took hers across town to the restaurant. It was almost two o’clock in the afternoon when we arrived at the restaurant, It was still half full, mostly business men and women having a late lunch. Our hostess sat us down telling us our waitress would be with us shortly. Our waitress appeared within minutes and took our order for drinks. As we sat there catching up, I noticed Courtney kept looking around the restaurant.
"What’s wrong Court ?", I asked.
"Everyone keep staring at us. Um, I mean at you.", she said softly.
"Oh, I guess I am getting somewhat immune to it.", I replied.
Our waitress came back and brought our drinks, we ordered our food. We continued talking as we waited for our lunch, both of us catching up on each other’s lives since we had parted. Just before our waitress brought our food, two older men walked up to the table slowly, somewhat sheepishly.
"Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt you. You’re Brian Stevens aren’t you ?", he asked.
"Yes sir, I am.", I responded, shaking his hand.
"I just wanted to wish you good luck this year with San Diego. I followed your career in high school and college, I know your grandfather quite well.", he stated.
"Thank you sir, I appreciate it.", I answered.
Just as he walked away, our waitress brought our lunch, we settled in to eat. It was a nice meal, I enjoyed Courtney’s company, it was good to see her again. About an hour and a half later we finished up, paid the check and left the restaurant. Courtney dropped me off back at home and I promised to call her later that evening. I was sitting in the family room watching TV when my cell phone rang, it was Dave Phillips, my agent.
"Hello Brian, how are you ?", he asked.
"Doing well sir, good to be home.", I answered.
"Well don’t get comfortable, you may have to fly back out here in a few days, I am close to wrapping up your contract.", he stated.
"Oh, ok. Well I was hoping to stay two weeks, but let me know when you need me back there.", I answered.
"I will, we are real close to finalizing the paperwork, we are ironing out the incentives now. It’s not quite what I wanted, but considering they drafted you out of position, it’s not bad. If you reach some of the incentives, it gets really lucrative on the back end. All in all, we are looking at nineteen million dollars for four years, nine of that guaranteed. You will get a four million dollar signing bonus, and you’re looking at possibly another six million in incentives if you pan out.", he told me, rattling off the numbers.
I kind of sat there for a few seconds, trying to comprehend what he had told me. I guess he knew he went a bit too quickly.
"Take a deep breathe and relax Brian. What it basically means is that you will get a check for four million the day we sign. Then you will make a little over three million a year in base pay over the next four years. The incentives are based on if you play, how much you play and how well you play.", he finished.
"Never in my life did I think this was possible.", I answered.
"You’re going to be a wealthy young man Brian. I just hope you think wisely before spending the money. Don’t be foolish, invest it wisely, make it last a lifetime. I represent too many veteran players who after ten years in the league are broke.", he cautioned.
"Trust me sir, I will.", I answered.
He promised to call me as soon as he finalized the deal, I hung up the phone excited, but disappointed I may have to cut my break short.
A few hours later, Ashley arrived home, I filled her in on the details of my phone call with Mr. Phillips.
"I’m just overwhelmed you’re going to have that kind of money Brian.", she said, shaking her head, "Your signing bonus is more than I will make in my lifetime."
"I know Ash, it’s crazy. I can’t believe it myself.", I answered.
"Well if I ever need a loan, I know where to go.", she laughed.
"Ashley, seriously, I want you to know that if you ever need anything, you just ask. I would not be here in this position if not for you. You stood by me after Dad died, you never asked for a thing for yourself. You have been more of a mother to me, than my own.", I told her.
"Brian, thank you so much. But I could never take money from you.", she replied quickly.
I let the subject drop, I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, money is always a sensitive subject. We spent the rest of the night talking, catching up, basically just relaxing. Since it was Thursday night, Ashley turned in around ten o’clock, she had school the next day. I went to my room, called Courtney on the phone and we talked until well after midnight. We made plans to go out the following night before we hung up.
The following morning, I got up early, ate some breakfast then went into town to do a bit of shopping. Since I was renting a car in San Diego, I decided to just look at a few different vehicles to try and get some idea’s on what I would buy when I signed my contract. After several hours of looking, I really still had no idea what I liked so I called it a day and went to my truck. After getting in I decided to call my grandfather, just to see how he was doing. After all, he had made the first attempt to reach out to me, I owed him that much. The phone rang several times before he answered, he sounded somewhat tried.
"Grandpa, this is Brian, how are you ?", I asked.
"Oh Brian, I’m am fine son, it’s good to hear your voice. Are you in San Diego ?", he asked.
"No sir, I’m in town. I have a two week break before training camp begins.", I answered.
"Oh , well I would love to see you before you go back, if that’s something you’re ok with.", he said cautiously.
"Of course, I am ok with it, how about now ?", I asked.
"Oh well…. Sure why not ?", he answered.
Ok great, where would you like to meet ?", I asked.
"Oh damn, I forgot, I am here alone, your mother has my car.", he replied in a sad tone, "I don’t guess you would want to come here ?"
"Sure Grandpa, why not ?", I responded, "I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.
I hung up and drove across town, then ten minutes north to my grandparents home, one that I had not seen in over a decade. I pulled up to the worn, white weather beaten home, my grandfather was sitting on the front porch. I parked near the walk, then joined him quickly on the porch.
We were talking for maybe fifteen minutes when a large car turned down the road heading in our direction. I could tell from the look on his face, he became immediately concerned. He looked at me strangely, then back at the car which was now pulling into the drive. I realized quickly before the car even came to a dead stop, it was my Mother and Richard. I reached across and gently tapped the top of my grandfather’s hand telling him it would be alright. I cannot adequately describe the look on their faces when they exited the vehicle and saw me sitting on the porch. My mother walked slowly up the steps, her husband in tow. I stood up out of respect, no matter what had occurred in the past, it was not of my doing.
"Hello Mom, it’s nice to see you again.", I said, as politely as I could.
"Brian.", she replied, "What are you doing here ?"
"I came to see grandpa.", I answered.
I could tell she was extremely upset, standing right behind her was Richard, he was white as a ghost. Instead of the little, frail boy he used to push around like a tough guy, here was a six foot seven, two hundred sixty pound athlete. I sat back down next to my grandfather, without acknowledging her husband at all. She disappeared in the house with her husband in town, slamming the door behind them. My grandfather tried to make some lame excuse for them, but I shrugged him off.
"It’s her problem, grandpa, not yours. There is nothing she can do to me now, I am a grown man.", I assured him.
The old man looked back at me, tear swelling his eyes. He reached over and took my hand in his speaking softly.
"Brian, I am so proud of the man you have become. Your father, God rest his soul, did a wonderful job raising you. I so wish I could change the past, but I can’t. It breaks my heart to know what you have gone through.", he said, tears streaming down his face.
"Grandpa, it’s ok. Don’t worry about the past, it’s over. We have started over, let’s look to the future.", I answered.
We resumed our conversation, maybe fifteen minutes past, I knew he was on edge thinking that they may come back out on the porch. I decided to cut the visit short, I could always see him again. He wished me good luck, gave me a gentle hug, walking me to my truck. I promised him I would keep in touch, calling him regularly. As I looked up at the front porch, I saw my mother peeking out of the drapes. I pulled out of the yard and drove away wondering what had happened to my mother, how could she be this way ?
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