The End Zone

Chapter One

The only times I've ever felt alive are when I'm surrounded by a bunch of sweaty guys and rolling on green turf. Let me explain myself: my name is Matthew Wilson and I'm trying to make football history. Football has always been a sport for the boys and it's time for change. I was originally born in Alabama but with my dad's career, home was never a building for me. It felt like we were constantly moving with each new draft Dad got. Home never felt too far away when I was on the field though.

Texas was big on football. The state that breathed all things football from parades, long tailgates, and football watch parties. Though my dad's national drat had us moving all around the United States, I was always happiest when we ended up in Texas. The energy was intoxicating every Friday night and Saturday morning. I remember getting to sit front row at a Texas A&M college football game as a kid and was overwhelmed with the spirit. I knew I wanted to be on that field and having my name chanted. I knew I wanted to play football in college and I prayed every night since I was seven. Maybe, just maybe, I'll make it in and make it to the big leagues.

Football is in my blood. I was raised to love football: spending my time watching tapes, studying playbooks, and researching all about the NFL. The NFL stands for Football National League. Maybe it's because my father, Nicholas Wilson, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame and has received numerous of rewards, that I loved football so much. The thing with NFL is your career ends early, whether you want it to or not. It may be from the physical toll football has on the human body or because you're told one more concussion and you're done. Regardless, my father retired and decided to move us to Allen, Texas.

Despite loving Texas, I was pissed. I was supposed to be team captain and reign senior year. I had to say goodbye to my friends for millionth time. It was our third move of my high school career. I was pissed to leave the last district since I had been building up my portfolio nicely. I even had a few scouts that gave me a verbal agreement to come watch me play. All of that was gone in an instant as we packed up and moved. I wanted to throw in the towel but that wasn't Wilson blood. I was raised to be a fighter and quitting, wasn't an option.

"So, you're telling me... you want to... join our team?" The coach lowered his glasses as he squinted at the letter of recommendations from my past coaches. I didn't know if he had watched the highlight reel I sent him.

"Yes sir," I nodded. I could tell he was trying to choose his words carefully as he shuffled through the papers. I nervously picked at my hands, biting my lip. He could easily say no and I wasn't going to play for him. My entire high school and future career would be over. Football was a big deal for Eagle High School. They were 5A and ranked the football powerhouse of Texas. My old school never played them since they were 2A and much smaller. This was my big time shot to change the game of football forever.

He cleared his through and sat up. I straightened up and tried to put on a neutral face.

"I'll let you play with the team today and I'll make a couple calls and..." He paused. I was at the edge of my seat and praying. Please, just let me have my chance, I repeated in my head. I watched a slow smile cracked on top his lips and he shook his head. "This is going to be something." Coach reached out his hand to me and I was shocked.

I stuck my hand out to shake his hand. "Thanks Coach, you won't regret this."

"I better not."

His words rung in my ear as I walked onto the field in my full pads and helmet. I didn't have a jersey on like the rest of the boys that were running onto the field. I watched a couple of them glance over at me and knock at each other to grab their teammate's attention. I had multiple eyes on me and I just kept my eyes forward as the coach talked about the plays we were going to run. Jitters exploded as I took the field behind the quarterback. I couldn't see much but I could tell he was big, like most of the team. He seemed calm and collected as he called plays and I ran them with ease. Everyone was hesitant when I caught the ball and was running down the field. I could hear the coach screaming at them to chase me and not just watch. After multiple drills and conditioning later, Coach blew his whistle.

As the team huddled around him, Coach leaned over onto the bench in a Captain Morgan stance, popping up his foot on the bench. Everyone took a knee and I followed suit. I noticed a few of them glancing my way, trying to figure out who the new kid was. I tried to keep my eyes forward and pay attention. "Boys, I wanted to let you know that this year is different. I have already spoke with the district department head so before any of you try to run home and cry to your mommies about the change, think again. My decision is final. We are a team," his voice was booming. It felt like I was in an episode of Friday Night Lights. No one dared to whisper while he was talking. Coach looked down at his clipboard, tapped his pen on it a couple of times before looking over at me. "We are a team," he repeated. "As a team, we accept all members of this varsity team for who they are. Each one of you has your own talents and ambitions. I support each one of you completely. Do you hear me?"

In union, the team replied "Yes sir!" I felt the back of my neck hairs stand up. Doubt began to settle in. What if they didn't accept me? Everyone back home was uneasy at first but once they actually knew me, it changed. I'm a complete stranger, in a new town, with no support system. I just wish they would give me a damn chance. My stomach began to toss and turn. Coach looked at me and gave me a light smile.

"That being said, I would like to introduce you to our newest starting member: Matthew," he motioned for me to get up there. I slowly stood up, feeling all eyes turn to me. I walked over and tried to keep my head up high. You're fine Matthew, I reassured myself. "Meet our newest wide receiver, Matthew Wilson." With shaky hands I reached up for my chinstrap. I paused for a second and looked back at coach. Just get it over with. You'll be fine. Don't show weakness. I chanted cliché mantras until I had enough courage to continue.

Unlatching the chinstrap, I pulled my helmet off my head. As I shook out my hair, their jaws dropped open. I stared blankly back at them. I wasn't some museum on display for them to ogle at. Did no one ever teach them manners before? I raised my eyebrow and smirked.

"What you've never seen a girl before?"