22 Part 17
The stadium erupted as he crossed the goal line, I looked over at the bench as I was getting up, it was an unbelievable sight. Players and coaches hugging, jumping up and down, some on one knee, their head's down. I was being slapped on the helmet and the back congratulated on the play. The sideline was bedlam, I had never been a part of such a huge win. The game ended shortly there after, the floor of the stadium was absolute chaos. Players, Coaches, and Media all rushing back and forth, in no real sense of purpose. I was standing near the center of the field talking to the opposing quarterback, who was offering his congratulations on our win when I was handed a baseball cap. It was a National Championship hat in our school colors with the date inscribed on it. I adjust it, placed it on my head, and began to try and work my way back to our locker room.
I had maybe went fifty feet when a reporter and cameraman approached me asking for a quick interview. I was never comfortable in front of the camera, but after this win I really didn't care. The female announcer grabbed my arm and pulled me close to her.
"Brian, you had an outstanding game, 8 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and the last play where you caused the interception return for a touchdown. What's going through your mind right now ?", she asked, putting the microphone in my face.
"I'm not really sure, I mean, it really hasn't sunk in that we are National Champions. Coach told me going in, he thought I could have a good game if the effort was there, I just went with that.", I answered.
"Any chance you declare for the draft after tonight. I mean, you were already on a few team's radar before tonight, but your stock had to soar after this performance.", she inquired.
"No Mam, not really, I will talk with my coaches next week maybe, but I really intend to come back to school next year.", I replied.
"Good luck, thank you for your time.", she said.
Once again, I headed in the direction of the locker room, only to be stopped twice more for interviews. After basically the same questions being asked over and over, I made my way into the tunnel and down to our lockers. I began to undress, I was one of the first players to return, I guessed most were still out on the field celebrating.
It was close to two in the morning by the time the bus dropped us off back in front of the hotel. There had to be four to five dozen fans still out in front of the hotel, all trying to get autographs or pictures taken. After signing about a dozen objects, I made my way into the lobby and up to my room. I turned on the TV, got undressed and laid across the bed. I had no sooner got comfortable, when my cell phone rang. I looked the number, it was Ashley.
"Hello.", I answered.
"Brian, oh my god, I can't believe it, you won.", she shouted.
"Yes, we did. I am still in shock myself.", I answered.
"You played an incredible game, you were awesome. I am so proud of you. They had a big screen set up in the gym at school, half of the town was there. Everyone is so proud of you.", she stated.
"Thanks Ashley.", I responded.
"I saw the interview after the game, you're actually considering leaving school early and go pro ?", she asked.
"No not really, it just keeps coming up.", I replied.
"Oh, ok. So when will you be coming home next, everyone is dying to see you. I hope it's soon.", she urged.
"About two month's, during spring break, I have a few weeks off.", I responded.
"Great, I will look forward to it.", she answered.
The next few weeks on campus were absolutely insane. The media basically camped out for the week after the game, asking for interview's from everyone associated with the game. Pro scouts were beginning to gather data on players for the upcoming draft which was scheduled for early April. We were measured for our National Championship rings which would be made and presented to us as soon as they were ready. The school gave us both of the jersey's they had made for us to wear in the game. You always have a backup, in case the one you're wearing is torn badly. Several of the sports clothing manufacturers presented us with clothing and shoes, all complimentary for winning the national title game. It seemed like there was no end to what we received for our accomplishments.
I was summoned to the coach's office the following week to discuss my situation regarding the draft. Most of the coaches were present, including several men, whom I did not recognize. Coach Ray offered me a seat and introduced the men I didn't know. They had either been pro scouts, or they currently worked for organizations that compiled information for pro teams.
"Brian, thank you for stopping by, I think you know why you're here.", Coach Ray stated.
"Yes sir, I do.", I answered.
"Good. Now what we need to decide is what is in your best interest as a student athlete, where do you go from here. That's why I have asked these men to join us, they have a vast knowledge of how the pro selection process is conducted, what your chances are, that type of thing. Before I turn this over to them, let me say, I absolutely want you to return and play for us next year. I think you're the best defensive player on this team and with another year like this one, you could be a first round draft choice next year.", he started.
"But that's what I want, that's what the school wants. We have to decide what's best for you.", he continued.
"So with that said, let me turn it over to the man who can put this all into perspective.", he said pointing to a small man in the back of the room.
The man stood up slowly, adjusted his clothing and walked toward me extending his hand. I stood up, shook his hand, then sat back down.
"Brian, my name is Buddy Cullen, I am a consultant for several pro scouting services. I am here to possibly help you get a handle on what is the best direction for you at this time.", he stated.
For the next twenty minutes the man laid everything out on the table. He felt that worst case scenario, I would be an early to mid second round draft choice. He told me based on my last performance in the title game, he was banking on early second round. He also explained that where you're taken can mean the difference of hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of dollars. My head was swimming, never in a million years did I ever think I would play pro ball.
He went on to explain, that this year there was a shortage of talented defensive ends in the country, the draft was loaded with talent, but not at my position. That's why he felt that this year, I could possibly go very high due to demand. He went on to tell me that next year, there were an abundance of prospects on defense, especially at my position.
With that said however, he still felt that next year, even with the competition, I would be a first round draft choice. The one tremendous upside I had to this point, I have never been seriously injured. In fact, since being named a starter, I had never missed a game. If I did return and play next year, a serious injury could derail everything, perhaps even end my career for good. It was something, as he said, I should give a lot of weight to. Then what were my plans after football, after the lights went off, what would I look to do ? By the time the man finished, I was more confused than when I had entered the room, he could see it as well.
"Brian, look, you don't have to decide anything now. Here is my card, if you decide you are leaning to the draft this year, call me, I will put you in touch with an agent who can talk to you more about all of this.", he said, extending his card.
"Thank you sir, I will.", I answered.
I left the office, due to the fact several players were waiting for their consultations as well. I went back to my dorm room, laid around giving the situation a lot of thought. I had another fifty eight days before I had to declare if I was going to enter this year's draft. I would be able to go home for spring break before I had to decided. I could talk with Ashley in detail about what to do.
I resumed my normal class schedule and the weeks flew by. Soon it was time to head home for spring break, I was anxious to get away from school for a while. I arrived home early in the morning, I had taken the last bus out the night before and rode all night. It was about eight in the morning when the bus pulled into the station. I knew Ashley was already in school, I could walk there it was only a few blocks away. I figured to take her car home, then go back that afternoon and pick her up. I arrived at the school at eight thirty, checked in at the office with the secretary, who told me the entire school was in general assembly in the gymnasium. I left the office and walked to the gym as I had done so many times before. It was funny how small things seemed here now, like it was a lifetime since I had walked these halls.
