Chapter 29
Fin
“This is an opponent we know,” Coach Tilson said. “I don’t give a rat’s ass what statistics say. The Texans want to bring us down. We beat them twice and took first seed from their grasp. They want blood.”
Sitting beside Troy Dennison, I listened along with the entire team to the coach’s pep talk.
He had the right amount of fire and brimstone.
His excitement level could rival a church tent meeting.
The thing I thought as I heard him speak was, ‘Coach, we want it. Now let’s concentrate on achieving it. ’
After the fiery introduction, Coach Pratt and Coach Brown brought out film from our game last Saturday. While there were plenty of plays to praise, the Coopers hadn’t been without mistakes. There was room for improvement.
“The Bills’ defense,” Coach Pratt said, “was textbook. Their coverage was tight. That said, Houston’s is superior.
They have some of the highest numbers in pass rush.
Their cornerbacks work extremely well with the defensive coordinator, allowing him to come up with successful schemes without relying on heavy blitzes.
You better believe they’re studying us as hard as we’re studying them.
For that reason, the coaching staff has come up with some new plays.
They can’t predict our next move if they’ve never seen it. ”
“Now,” Coach Tilson said, “let’s concentrate on the Texans. Your coaches autopsied their game against Kansas City. Watch with us as we show you some of their best plays and where you can stop them, whether on offense or defense.”
As the morning of films ended and the players were headed to lunch, Coach Pratt called me over to him. “I want you to go see the trainers before our offensive meeting.”
“I’m cleared to play and practice, Coach.”
“Just go see them.”
Was this how Vee felt when she didn’t want to call her uncle?
Acquiescing, I said, “I’ll head over there now.”
“Graham.”
I stopped and turned back. “Yeah?”
“I know you want to be on the field. I get that hunger—hell, I still feel it. We’re going to continue to rely on Dennison, not because you can’t handle it, but because he is handling it.”
Lifting a palm, I waved him off. “I knew when I signed with the Coopers that I wasn’t first string.
Do I want to play? Hell yes. Is it terrible to be on the sidelines and watch a monumental season for the Coopers?
” I shook my head. “It’s not. I just want you to know that if you need me, I’ll be ready. ”
“Go let the trainers check you out. Coach Garcia is going to go through the new plays during your quarterback meeting. I want you in pads during practice tomorrow and ready to execute.”
My cheeks rose as I nodded. “Yes, Coach.”
The walk from football operations to the training part of the facility was unfortunately familiar. The long hallway with a banner of each player always gave me pause. My likeness hung next to Troy’s. While we didn’t look similar, I noticed the difference in our ages. The contrast was clear.
I was getting old.
Once to the training facility, I went straight to Lacy’s office. Once again, I caught her as she was eating lunch. “Sorry to bother you.”
She shook her head and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Are you having pain?”
“No.”
Lacy tilted her head. “You just wanted to visit?”
“No,” I scoffed. “Coach Pratt sent me.”
Lacy stood, brushing her hands together. “Come into the examination room.”
I followed a step behind.
Lacy gestured toward the paper-covered examination table. “Have a seat and take off your shirt.”
My shirt was actually a dark blue cashmere sweater with a plain white t-shirt underneath. I pulled each of them over my head as she donned blue gloves.
“Did that movement hurt?” Lacy asked.
“No.”
Lacy came closer, inspecting the bruise surrounding my left shoulder. Using two fingers, she prodded the skin. “Let me know if anything is painful.” Her gaze zeroed in on mine. “Even if it’s only slight.”
I closed my eyes, evaluating her touch. There was tenderness but nothing close to pain.
She took a step back. “I want to do another MRI.”
“You know, I already glow in the dark,” I tried with humor. “It’s getting brighter. Soon, I’ll need a sleep mask to drown it out.”
That earned me a slight smile.
“I was cleared Friday morning,” I reminded her. “I practiced a little on Friday. I never saw the field on Saturday, except for a few practice reps before the game.” I lifted my left arm and rotated my shoulder. “I’m fine.”
“How many hours are you wearing the sling?”
Pressing my lips together. “I wore it for a while on Friday after practice.”
“Nothing since then?”
I shook my head.
Lacy blew a gust of air, making her bangs move. “At a minimum, I want you wearing it for the next week while you sleep. That immobilization will help with the healing.”
“If I agree, will you let me skip the MRI?”
She let out another long breath. “I’ll postpone the scan until next week. You’re cleared for practice, but I’m going to include the instructions for the sling in this week’s injury report.” She lifted her eyebrows. “And that report will go to the owner.”
My smile grew. “You play dirty.”
“My job is to keep fifty-three stubborn men healthy and safe. You do your part, and I’ll do mine.”
I hopped down from the exam table and straightened my t-shirt and sweater before pulling them both down over my head and sliding my arms into the sleeves. “I’ll be back next Monday.”
Lacy nodded. “Earlier if there’s any pain.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Scanning the tables in the cafeteria, I saw an empty chair at my usual table.
Up at the counter, I chose high-quality proteins, hoping for their help with muscle repair.
Ten ounces of grass-fed flank steak and six ounces of baked cod were added to my plate along with steamed brown rice and steamed broccoli.
“What did I miss?” I asked as I set my tray on the table.
“A lot of jaw-wagging about the Texans,” Dennison answered.
“Those fuckers dislocated my shoulder. Unless you’re saying how hard you’re coming down on them, I’m taking first string.”
Everyone laughed.
“No, seriously,” I said. “The hit was my fault. I didn’t see it coming, didn’t check my blindside.”
“We need to stop anyone from penetrating the O-line,” Spencer said. “We miss Young at offensive tackle, but each game James is improving. We’ll keep you safe.”
“Hey, man,” Treshawn said, speaking to me. “Damn, the Vikings.”
Everyone agreed.
“Bracket busters,” I said with a grin. “And now they get to play Philly in Philly.”
“The Lions gave the Eagles a run,” Troy said, “but in the end Philly was too tough.”
“I played six years for Green Bay. Cheering for the Lions or the Bears rubs me the wrong way.”
Dijon spoke up. “I’m glad we’re playing inside Sunday afternoon. Lincoln Financial will be chilling Sunday night.”
“I’m happy for your kid brother,” JD said. “But it doesn’t make any difference who wins the NFC. The Coopers are winning the Super Bowl.”
“Fuck yeah.” The general consensus.
Before our position meeting, I went into the locker room and checked my phone. I wasn’t surprised to not see a call or text message from Vee. She told me what a busy schedule she would have.
Putting it back in my bag, I headed toward the afternoon meetings. I was curious about the new plays. This could be advantageous for a new round of strip-play-calling.