Chapter 16: moving on

The football season comes to a close and ECU manages to have its most successful season in a decade. Despite still being outmatched by the larger schools, they manage to win 7 out of their 10 games.

Next up is graduation, and everybody is at the ceremony to celebrate with Marcus and Nika.

Zach puts his arm around Marcus.

Congrats brother, I'm proud of you.

Thanks, finally done with homework.

Lisa groans.

Sure, rub it in...

Elle gives her a nudge with her elbow.

No complaining, we're here to celebrate and have a good time.

I know... the word "homework" just triggers me, I can't help it.

While Marcus and Nika spend some time with their parents Zach decides to go get himself a drink and runs into miss Meyers.

It's been a while, how have you been?

Good, I'm finally used to being in charge. The transition and the added responsibilities took me a while.

I can imagine that must have been a lot to deal with. For what it's worth, I think you're the right person for the job.

After what we've been through during this school year that means a lot to me. And congrats on the season by the way, I extended coach Turner's contract earlier today.

In his excitement Zach forgets about his surroundings and gives her a hug.

Thank you so much!

The sudden affection leaves Claudia flustered.

You're welcome... but there are people everywhere, you probably shouldn't be doing that. Anyway, I should mingle. See you around?

Of course, you know where I live if you need me.

Right back at you.

Zach makes his way back to the others and nudges Lauren.

Why didn't you tell me about your contract extension?!

Because today is not about me.

Nonsense, it's another reason to celebrate. Three cheers for one more year!

At the end of the evening Lauren has her last conversation with Marcus as his coach.

When are you leaving for the senior bowl?

Tomorrow, I want to get there a day early to make sure that I'm well rested.

That's a good idea, what does your schedule look like?

Two days of practice, both on the field and in the film room. Then the game on Sunday to finish it off.

Three full days of experience with NFL level coaching is huge, very valuable going into your professional career.

You helped me a lot this past year and essentially saved my chance of even having a shot to make it to the NFL, I'm very grateful.

Then consider this my last assignment as your coach. Go to the Senior bowl, show them how hard you work and don't forget to take charge as a leader.

I will coach, I'm going to miss you.

The next day Marcus leaves for the senior bowl and over the weekend everybody follows the coverage on the tv. After the second day of practice the experts are talking about prospects that have stood out and Nika is visibly anxious, Zach tries his best to calm her down.

Everything is going to be fine, have faith in him.

I know, but this whole process is so nerve wracking.

A few moments later the experts move on to Marcus's position and Nika immediately turns up the volume.

On to the wide receiver position, who stood out? Daniel, do you want to go first?

Sure, to me the clear standout was Marcus Jackson from ECU. He showed leadership, tested very well in the interviews and consistently beat his man during practice.

He was indeed impressive. Ben, do you agree with Daniel?

I do, he was stuck in a bad situation at ECU but never gave up. His dedication paid off because he had a breakout season, that combined with a good showing here at the senior bowl makes it so he significantly improved his draft stock.

Daniel, how early do you think his name will be called during the draft?

Depends on the individual team evaluations. If receiver is a position of need, I can see him going in the third or fourth round.

Ben nods in agreement.

Same, I was going to say somewhere in the middle rounds as well.

Nika turns the volume back down as soon as they move on to the next player and lets out a sigh of relief.

Told you he would be just fine.

It's just nice to hear him get praised after all these years.

A team is going to give him a chance and that's all he needs.

Two days later, after playing a solid game Marcus arrives back home at ECU.

Hey everyone, did you miss me?

Nika immediately embraces him.

You were amazing, I'm so proud of you!

Thanks, did they talk about me at all?

Zach nods enthusiastically.

For several minutes, you were one of the standouts according to the experts.

For real?! Do you think I'll get drafted?

They were talking about the third of fourth round.

That's crazy! I don't want to get my hopes up though, just because the experts are saying it doesn't mean that it's going to actually happen.

Maybe not, but I would be surprised if you went undrafted at this point.

Nika nods.

I agree with Zach, this is a good sign.

You're right, I have to stay positive.

Speaking of positivity, we all prepared a celebration dinner for you!

Nika drags him towards the kitchen where Lisa, Elle and Rebecca have just finished preparing the food.

Welcome back, we just finished dinner.

Elle starts laughing.

What Lisa means is that Rebecca and I made dinner while she cut up some vegetables.

I still helped.

Of course you did, I'm just teasing you. Let's eat!

A month later everybody gathers in the living room to watch the NFL draft, Nika is a nervous wreck.

The anticipation is killing me!

Even though he's anxious himself, Marcus does his best to calm her down.

Whatever happens will happen, let's just enjoy the ride.

The commissioner of the NFL walks onto the stage and gets behind the microphone.

Welcome to the 2021 NFL draft. The New York Jets have the first pick, they are now on the clock.

The Jets waste no time and quickly turn in their pick, the commissioner walks back onto the stage to announce their selection.

With the first pick in the 2021 NFL draft the New York Jets select... Tristan Laras, quarterback from Oklahoma.

Zach and Marcus look at each other and shrug.

That went as expected.

Yup, worst kept secret in the draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars follow suit and draft their quarterback of the future second overall. Three picks later the Las Vegas Marauders are up, Rebecca nudges Zach.

What do you think Sam is going to do?

Difficult to say, they're rebuilding so they still need a lot of different positions.

Could they take a quarterback?

Maybe, the one they have now is older so they'll need to move on from him eventually. But knowing Sam he's probably going to take the best player available.

Just as Zach finishes his sentence the commissioner announces the Marauders pick.

With the fifth pick in the 2021 NFL draft the Las Vegas Marauders select... Lawrence Summers, left tackle from Alabama.

Looks like Sam opted with protecting the quarterback they have now. Lawrence Summers is the highest rated blindside protector in years, he was too good to pass up on I suppose.

The first round came and went, Marcus was not selected. Zach pats him on the back.

Rounds two and three are tomorrow, you'll hear your name soon enough.

Zach the optimist, as usual. I don't care when my name gets called, all I need is an opportunity to prove myself.

That's the right mentality to have.

The next day the second round gets underway. With their fifth pick Sam and the Marauders select a defensive lineman.

Later on at pick twenty the commentators on the tv suddenly get very excited.

Looks like there has been a trade! The details are as follows, the Las Vegas Marauders have sent two veteran players to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for the current selection. Daniel, thoughts?

To me this seems like the Marauders are embracing youth and the rebuild.

It sure looks that way Daniel, sending two veteran players to a team like the Ravens that are hoping to contend for a Superbowl next year does indicate that the Marauders are looking to the future.

That must mean that whoever they moved up for is somebody they really want, especially when you consider what they gave up to select him.

Marcus turns towards Zach.

Looks like Sam has big plans today.

He has to rebuild an entire team so he has his work cut out for him.

About a minute later the commissioner walks back out and gets behind the microphone.

The Baltimore Ravens have traded the fifty-second pick to the Las Vegas marauders. With that pick they select Marcus Jackson, wide receiver from ECU.

Everybody in the room erupts in celebration except for Marcus who is looking at his own face on the tv in complete disbelief. Nika sits back down next to Marcus and puts her arms around him.

I'm so proud of you.

I can't believe it... I actually made it, I'm actually going to the NFL.

Marcus turns around and is greeted by a sudden hug from Zach.

Congarts pal, I'm so happy for you!

If you didn't come to ECU this would have never happened... I don't know how to thank you.

You don't have to thank me. You did this yourself, through hard work and not giving up. Go live your dream and be happy, you earned it.

Suddenly Marcus's phone start ringing.

Hello, Marcus speaking.

Hey Marcus, it's Sam Maddock.

Thank you so much for selecting me!

You're very welcome. I only have one request.

Name it.

Leadership. I need you to be vocal and lead by example. As you know, we're building the team pretty much from the ground up and I believe having somebody like you there at the beginning of that process is essential.

Thank you for having faith in me, I won't let you down.

That's what I like to hear. Who's there with you?

My girlfriend Nika, Zach and his girlfriend Rebecca, and two more friends Lisa and Elle. Do you want me to put it on speaker so you can say hi?

Sure, go ahead.

Sam wants to say hi.

Hey everyone!

Zach wastes no time to praise Marcus.

You made a good choice Sam, you won't be disappointed. I'm going to miss him though!

That's part of going to the pro's Zach, it's going to be your turn next year.

Nika swiftly jumps into the conversation.

Thank you so much for picking my Marcus, we're looking forward to thanking you in person.

Good that you brought that up. Right now I'm still going to be busy for a while with the draft, but we have a team here that is already busy arranging everything for you to com to Vegas. If it all goes to plan, we should see each other on Monday for the presentation with the other players that we drafted. You should be getting the details some time tomorrow.

Looking forward to it.

Great. I still have some work to do in the third round so I have to go, talk to you soon.

Bye!

Lisa jumps up from the from the couch as soon as Marcus hangs up the phone.

This calls for a celebration and I know just to song to kick things off with.

She whips out her phone and after a couple seconds "Viva Las Vegas" by Elvis Pressley starts playing through the speakers.

Zach and Marcus can't help but laugh as the girls playfully start dancing throughout the room. They don't get to laugh for long though, they quickly get dragged into the festivities whether they were ready for it or not.

At the end of the evening the girls have tired themselves out and fall asleep across the couches in the livingroom. Zach and Marcus take advantage of the momentary peace and quiet to enjoy a calm moment on the patio in the backyard.

Looks like they finally reached their limit.

The girls definitely went all out tonight, I'm glad that I have a moment to come to grips with what happened today.

I can imagine, your life changed in a big way.

It most certainly did... I'm scared to be honest.

Why is that?

New place, new people and the expectations.

Understandable, after four years at ECU you get used to things. But you have to see this as a positive thing, the next big step in your life. You're a great guy, the fans and your new teammates will love you. The expectations will take care of themselves, just show that you're eager and willing to learn, that's always appreciated. When you're in doubt or are struggling with something just remember that you have an amazing girlfriend that you can always depend on.

You're right, Nika has always been there for me over the last three years that we've been together. Thanks for making me feel better, you're a great friend.

Right back at you. I'm going to miss you, I was kinda depending on you.

I guess you're going to have to rely on Daquan more, and who knows about the new players that will be coming to ECU next season?

Have to hope for the best I suppose. Let's get the girls into their beds, you're going to have a busy couple days ahead of you.

Over the next days they spend as much time together as possible and help both Marcus and Nika with packing their things.

Sunday morning Marcus and Nika say goodbye to everyone as they're leaving for the airport.

Thank you for everything, this last year here with you all has been amazing.

Nika is noticeably more emotional but manages to keep it together.

We're going to miss you all, but Vegas isn't that far so we'll definitely see each other again.

They all exchange hugs and wave as they drive away to the next chapter of their lives.