SZN I PREMIERE: TO THE SUMMIT PT.2
It's been months since Amari had declared for the NFL. Friends and fans in the eastern region had boarded the hype train as he kept his instagram and twitter accounts plentiful of training exlusives with the exception of a workout with an NFL team. While the video reports kept his name buzzing, on a few mock drafts, and even gnabbing a Jordan Brand contract, the biggest night of the NFL was finally here. The 2022 NFL Draft, the place where SuperBowl teams are created and forged through the season...
"You ready for the night baby boy?"
"No, I'm not Kase", Amari responded.
"What's up? Something's wrong?"
"I'm just nervous as all hell man. When we leave this hotel room and sit in that table, my life will be in the hands of fate. How long until my name is called? Will my name even be called? How will I look walking up on that stage? If I don't get drafted, then what?"
"Hey, hey! Look at me. Calm down man. You're going to spill all over your-self."
Amari took a seat at the counter, steadily overthinking the night. Kasey grabs a seat next to him, handing him a cup of water, "here, drink up, take a deep breath."
"Look at me, dude. My name is Kasey Thompson, and I'm the agent of Amari Garnett, the NFL's biggest underdog if they don't know what's good for them and draft you within three rounds. Not only that, I'm one of your biggest supporters here rooting for you. We've been rocking since AAU and high school. Look at us now, we came a long, you came a long way. Only question to answer is how much further you want to go?"
Amari listened intently without responding. It wasn't so much that he was nervous of playing in the NFL, but more so of beginning a new life, providing he was selected. For the longest, fate has dealt Amari bad hands he had to endure. Time and time again, he shown that resilience instilled in him.
'How much further do you want to go, Amari?", Kesey asked once again.
"All the way. Only one place I want to go."
"And where's that?" Kasey asked anticipating.
"Back to Ohio, where it all started, but preferably in Canton. It's not a career if I'm not in the hall of fame."
"Then let's go. Let's get you drafted, get you signed, and get you to winning. And I assure you, before long, your name will echo those halls."
"That's a big promise, Kase. You sure about this?"
"Quit doubting your-self man. You got all the tools to keep that promise. All you have to do is will it, my man."
"You right, man. Thanks for the pep talk."
"Feeling better?"
"A little. Still got butterflies. New life, new places, new things and experiences."
"It won't be a life without them, bro. Come on, let's get out of here. Don't want to be late on the big night..."