The Patriot Way: Julian Edelman

Ch.3: First Day

It's officially my first day of work as an intern for the New England Patriots. I set my alarm for 6:30 since I had to be at the stadium by 8:00. I roll out of bed and hop in the shower to start the day off strong...and to attempt to wipe my mind of the thoughts that haven't left my mind since Friday.

I haven't been able to stop thinking about that kiss. I can't believe that my stupid ass kissed Julian. I was not intending to end the night that way but my self control was severely lacking from the amount of alcohol I had consumed. The worst part is that I have to see him for the first time since it happened today.

Today is the first day of practice in the regular season. I missed pre-season training camp because I was finishing my degree, so I'm jumping right into the season. This Friday is our first regular season game in Miami against the dolphins. I actually have a few friends in Miami so I'm super excited to go see them and go out after the game.

I leave the shower and blow dry my hair to perfection before throwing on a pair of black leggings and a Navy Blue Patriots athletic shirt. I quickly throw on some bronzer and mascara (the two things I can't live without in this life) and head towards the kitchen. I put my coffee in a to-go cup and throw on some white Nikes before stepping out of my apartment.

It's about a twenty minute drive from my apartment to the stadium so I make sure to leave by 7:30. On the drive over I can't help but remember that Julian told me he lived close to here. I wonder where he lives. Is that too stalker-ish? I need to focus and clear my head of him if I'm going to be professional, and if I want to keep this job for next season.

I pull up to the back gate of the stadium and show security my badge before driving into the staff parking lot. I see my brother's car and pull into the spot next to it. Knowing him, he's probably been here since 6am getting in reps. Not me—I need my beauty sleep.

I grab my bag and coffee before I walk towards the entrance to the stadium. I walk in to see a big hall with all kinds of photos and trophies of current and past players on the Patriots. As I admire a photo of my brother holding up the Lombardi trophy in 2005, heavy footsteps behind me grab my attention.

I turn my head to see Mike Bormaust, the head of the medical staff for the Patriots.

"Hey, you must be Miss Elizabeth Brady. I'm Mike, the head of medical staff for the Pats." He puts his hand out to shake mine with a kind smile plastered on his face.

"Hi, it's Elle actually. And it's so nice to finally meet you." I shake his hand and follow him down the hallway.

He shows me where our offices are located and explains the kind of work I'll be doing this season. I'll basically do all of the things I would do as a regular medical trainer, but just lightly supervised. I set my bag and coffee down at my desk while I continue listening to the plans for the rest of the week. Today we're going to do some evaluations on some players that had some injuries last season and make sure that they are good for this season. We basically just have to make sure they're healthy, but if they aren't 100% we usually record that they need to be wrapped or braced for a certain amount of time or until progress has been made. We also decide what treatment they need whether it's physical therapy,massage therapy, or if they need to go see a specialist. But before we do all that, we're gonna be out on the field for the morning observing the players. And also meeting some of the other staff.

I walk out onto the field with Mike and Mandy, our physical therapist. Mandy is in her late thirties, but you wouldn't be able to tell from the way she acts. We're already great friends and I would kill to look that good when I'm her age.