Page 3 of Center Sneak

“Fuck.” That is bad news. The good thing, though, is that it’s the off-season and I don’t have to scramble in-season to move unexpectedly.

However, I enjoy playing for Tampa. And I just bought a house. Double fuck. I didn’t think they’d try to get rid of me after one strong year on the team, but apparently I was wrong.

“Here’s the good news,” Rick says, wasting no time. “You’re being traded to Boston.”

Maybe I should have asked for the good news first in this instance, because that is extremely positive. Don’t get me wrong, Tampa is great, but the Boston Revolutionaries…man, that’s a dream team right there.

Boston has been unstoppable for the last decade with several championships under their belt. Their quarterback is one of the best, and their offensive line and coaching staff are top-tier.

I’d rather stay put and not move again, but I’m not going to complain about the trade either. Not that I have much of a choice. However, there are a lot worse teams to be traded to than the current Super Bowl champs.

I’m trying to wrap my head around the trade while Rick is talking fast before something clicks.

“Wait, the Revs don’t need a center…” I don’t need to complete my thought for Rick to chime in.

“Sanders is retiring. Got beat up in the playoffs, apparently.”

“Huh” is all I say in response. I don’t know Sanders very well, but he was a hell of a center. He’s been snapping the ball for Boston for over a decade, but he’s still in his early thirties. I’m sure he’ll be missed.

Not sure if the guys in Tampa will say the same for me after one season. I’ll miss some of them for sure, especially my fellow O-line.

“Do you want to veto?” My agent asks, cutting off my thoughts.

I do have a no-trade clause built into my contract, so I have the ability to veto any trades, but it also doesn’t reflect well on a player when they refuse either. It’s complicated.

“Nah.”

Who wants to stay on a team that doesn’t want them, anyway? Plus, in this case, I think I’m getting the better deal. Tampa hasn’t made it to the playoffs in a few years, and Boston has made them every year for the last decade.

I’ll miss the weather in Tampa, though.

* * *

It’s a rainy day in April as I head into the stadium for my first official day of work, an optional off-season practice.

The locker room isn’t remotely full, especially since practice isn’t mandatory and some of my teammates aren’t even drafted yet. However, I thought it would be wise to get a jump-start on the season and get acquainted with the team, playbook, and everything else.

I like to take any advantage that I can. I also want to make a good first impression and succeed here. And I want to win. I want a ring. I don’t have one yet, and most of my new teammates have at least one.

I’m throwing a few things into my locker when I hear a voice beside me.

“You settling in okay?” Sebastian Goodick, the right tackle, asks me. He’s the most well-known member of the offensive line and a leader in his own right, even if he’s only been on the team for four or five years now. He came into the league a few years after me, but is already a staple in Boston.

“Yeah.”

“If you need anything, let me know.”

“Thanks.” Since his words sound sincere, I decide to continue. “I’m staying at a hotel nearby, but the team gave me a realtor they recommend…” I wave the paper in the air. Before I can continue my sentence, Sebastian snatches the paper from my hand and rips it into little pieces.

“You’ll thank me for that.” He points one finger at me and then at the fallen mess on the ground. “Are you looking to buy or rent?”

“Not sure yet.” This is my third team in a few short years. I’d love to buy a house, but I just did that in another state. I can certainly afford to buy another one with my current contract…

“Okay. Think about it and let me know. Here, let me give you my number.” I hand my phone to him, and he enters his digits in. “Text or call me when you know more, or if you need anything. Glad to have you here.”

“Thanks, man. Happy to be here.” And I do mean that. I’m looking forward to the season and my new city.

Chapter Three