Two Minute Drill (Bases Loaded Jam Series #2)

Ch. 18: Contract (Gordon)

A few months ago, I was an ex-football star living life like a normal person but with regret. Now, I was still in shock of knowing that I was about to sign an NFL contract. Granted, it wasn't a high-pay contract as I hadn't cracked the roster, but at least I was part of a team now. That's all that mattered to me. After a great performance like I performed, for me to have a chance to sign my name on a dotted line signifying a career in the NFL, I was feeling pleased with myself.

I get back to the locker room, shower and clean up before I start to get dressed. As I'm putting my pants on, I can feel someone sitting down right next to me.

"You're Gordon Henry, right?" This voice says. I turn to look and there right next to me was the team's number one draft pick for the season, Troy Paulson. The same guy that drilled me moments earlier. Blonde hair, with a red Alabama sleeveless shirt on, the guy had the physique of a Greek god.

"Yeah," I said.

"That figures. I'm Troy Paulson." We shook hands. "I knew your name looked familiar from somewhere and I figured it out."

"Was it from when I played Alabama in college?"

"Further than that. State championship game about ten or something years ago. Allen vs. Austin Westlake. My dad took me to that game and we were rooting for Austin Westlake. You broke our hearts man. I cried all the way back home and all it took was a milkshake from Sonic to calm me down."

I smiled when he said that. I reflected on the game when I won the state championship as a senior. In thinking back to that moment, it was probably the highest peak in my football career although I viewed it as just another step.

"I always wondered what happened after your freshman year in Florida," Troy continued. "Little did I know you would be in the NFL on a tryout."

"And now a practice squad member," I said.

"Really? That's great! That means more hits on you."

"I wouldn't get too cocky. You did light a fire under me."

"Hey, I'm sorry I hit you hard, but I'm a rookie trying to make this team and help us to a Super Bowl."

"Well, we got a long way to go before it happens."

"It's going to happen man. We're going to ride this thing to the big game. I just wish you were the starting quarterback because you can throw lights out."

"Well, I'm happy just being on a team now," I said.

Troy patted me on the back.

"Can't wait to see you in training camp. We're going to have a fun year I feel. Just make sure you stay fit for me to hit."

"No problem," I replied as Troy walked off. As much as I like the kid's enthusiasm, I knew the chances of the team making it to the Super Bowl were slim to none. The team was in a rebuilding mode and it would take at least a few years before they would be in playoff contention. That's what my mind was thinking and I was just a practice squad player.

A few minutes later, I walk into Brett's office with Scout. The office was more of a suite type area. There were two couches and one was underneath a big flat-screen TV. There was also a bookshelf along with some bobbleheads of football players. There were pictures on Brett's desk that had her as a young kid. She used to be a cheerleader in one picture while another had her disguised as a football player acting like an offensive lineman.

Brett was sitting in her chair staring at a picture of herself with an autographed football from a name I couldn't identify. She seemed to be irritated about something because her look showed someone that got kicked in the stomach. That look quickly changed once I knocked on the door.