It was one of those moments that defines, even redefines, a life, although it didn’t look like it. A new coach had taken over the sorriest team in the league, a team that had barely managed to escape being winless the year before. Rookies had reported to camp, but the vets weren’t required to report for a couple of days yet, when the veteran wide receiver and fullback showed up. Their intention was to settle in slowly, have a look (and a laugh) at the rookies, and then have some fun in town before their training camp began.
The new coach called them in and informed them that if they were going to stay at the facility, they would be expected to suit up and practice with the rookies. The fullback stood on his rights as a veteran and refused. For some reason, the wide receiver agreed with the coach and showed up for practice the next day. By the time the season began, the fullback was gone, and the wide receiver was starting. Continue reading