The Comeback

Epilogue

     It all comes down to this folks. The Dallas Cowboys and the number one pick out of the University of Texas, Rookie of the Year, and MVP quarterback James Irving have one last chance to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Dallas.

     They are down 34-30 with about a minute and a half and the ball at their own twenty-three yard line. Fans are holding their breath here on the shores of Lake Erie.

"James," Coach Arin, the new Cowboys offensive coordinator, yelled.

I walked over to him and Coach Garrett.

"I think we're going to go no huddle. You call the plays. Remember, we need a touchdown," Coach Garrett said.

"Yes sir."

Coach Arin grabbed my shoulders, "Listen kid, win or lose you've played a hell of a game, and I couldn't be prouder."

I nodded, "Thanks Coach."

He hit my helmet, "Go get 'em."

I jogged out to the huddle, "Texas 88. Ready, set, hut, hut."

I caught the snap, and I fired a strike across the middle for a fifteen yard gain.

"Hurry, hurry. Star Raider X. Ready, set, hut, hut."

I looked around, and I saw no one open. I tucked the ball and ran down the left sideline before being knocked out at the Steelers forty-nine yard line.

"Alright, we're running Cross Y. The safeties are playing the sidelines, so I'm going to hit the receivers in the middle of the field. Then we're going to hurry and spike it."

We broke huddle, "Ready, set, hut, hut."

I dropped back. I saw my man over the middle, and I put the ball up high were only he could get it. He caught it and was drilled, but he held on to the ball.

"Hurry, hurry. Spike formation. Ready, set, hut, hut."

I threw the ball into the ground, and I walked over to the sidelines for the coaches to call our final shot.

     Six seconds left on the clock, and the Cowboys are at the Steelers thirty-five yard line with the chance for one last play. I'll tell you what folks, quarterback James Irving has really stepped up here tonight showing a lot of poise especially on this drive. If the Cowboys somehow pull this one out, he will surely be the Super Bowl MVP.

     The Cowboys' offense takes the field. Irving is working from the gun. He takes the snap. Steelers are blitzing. Irving spins outta a surefire sack before pushing away another defender. He's got three Steelers in his face. He throws off his back foot and is hit while doing so. There's a gorgeous pass to the back of the end zone. The receiver reaches for it and...TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS! The Lombardi trophy is returning to Dallas!

I watched from under three defenders as my pass landed in the arms of the receiver. Once it landed, I put my arms up in the air and jumped out from under the defenders. I ran over to the sidelines to go find Coach Arin only he found me first.

"We did it! We did it," I exclaimed.

"You did it, son," he said pulling me into a hug.

I took off my helmet, and I handed it to him, "This is for believing in me no matter what and being the father I never had."

He took the helmet from me, and he hugged me once more before leaving to celebrate with others.

Within minutes my grandma was on the field, "I'm so proud of you, James. Look at you, you're all grown up. You've won a Super Bowl!"

"I love you Grandma. Thank you for always being there and never leaving me."

We continued to hug under the bright stadium lights both knowing I had lived out my dreams and in a way hers' as well. My grandma has always supported me, believed in, been by my side, wanted me to succeed, and be happy. So I guess both of our dreams have been lived out here tonight on this cold February night under the bright lights.