Serendipitous [Joe Burrow]

Epilogue

January 2040

"You ready?" Chandler asked walking up beside Joe.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Joe sighed, "I can't help but feel like I'm making the wrong decision."

"You've had a great career, Joe," Chandler said, "Football has been your life for twenty years. Now it's time to move on to the other love of your life."

"You're right. I'm excited to be more present in the kid's lives and to spend more time with you," Joe smiled.

"You got this," Chandler said kissing Joe.

"I love you," Joe smiled.

"I love you too," Chandler said, "Now go out there and kill it like always." Chandler walked out of the door quickly taking her to her seat.

"How's dad?" Bridget asked.

"He's good," Chandler said, "Nervous."

"He's gonna go great," Bridget smiled. The crowd clapped as Joe walked out to the podium.

"Thank you everyone for being here. After 20 years I would like to announce my retirement from the Cincinnati Bengals. Football has been my life for as long as I can remember so this decision did not come lightly. Many people throw around the phrase if you do what you love you'll never work a day in your life, and I'd like to say that statement is true. I have been so grateful for getting to do something I love surrounded by people who feel the same way. During my 20 years, I got to meet some of the greatest people in the NFL. I want to say a huge thank you to every player and coach who helped me along the way. Football isn't a one-man sport. It takes a solid team to accomplish what we did. I also want to say thank you to all of the fans. If it weren't for you all, none of this would even be possible. You all have been one of my biggest supports over the years and that I am grateful for that. A thank you also needs to be extended to my parents. Thank you Dad for coaching me throughout my childhood and always sharing my passion for football. Thank you Mom for always coming to every game and making sure my uniforms were clean. You both inspired me to keep going even when I was doubting myself the most," Joe said, "I'd also like to say a huge thank you to my biggest supporter, my wife Chandler. Even before we started dating she made sure to make it to all of my games. Over the past 19 years of marriage, we have been through so much, but you've always been by my side. You're my best friend and I truly wouldn't have made it this far in life without you. We also have four of the most fantastic children. Bridget, Elliott, Paisley, and Wyatt. I always hoped I would have children early enough so they could watch me play the sport I love. Out of anyone, my family has sacrificed the most for me to pursue my dream career. Thank you all for everything you all have done for me. I'm looking forward to spending all of my time with all of you. I again want to thank everyone who's been with me throughout my career. I couldn't have done this all alone. Thank you for letting me spend 20 years doing what I love for a team I love even more. Thank you everyone for coming here today. It's been a great ride."

The End

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~A