Chapter 35

One of the trainers came over and handed me a hat and a tee shirt, both signifying we were Superbowl Champions. I tossed my helmet to the side, placing the cap on my head, I threw the tee shirt over my shoulder. Even though I had been fortunate enough to win a National Championship in college, that moment was pale compared to this one.

The party on the field lasted for close to an hour, the team being awarded the trophy, Josh being named Superbowl MVP for his performance. Finally the entire team was huddled in the locker room behind closed doors, Coach Reed stepped up to address everyone.

“I can’t tell you guys how proud I am of you, I feel blessed to be standing in this room. I have been coaching for ... close to thirty years, this is the greatest night of my life. All year long, you guys played your hearts out, you never quit. You played hurt, you played sick, it didn’t matter. I love you guys, I will never forget this night...” he said, choking up.

Several of the other coaches spoke briefly, then Coach Reed took control of the floor once more.

“Where the fuck is Stevens?” he said, scanning the crowd.

I was on his far right in the back, I slowly raised my hand.

“Son, I fined you fifteen hundred for missing bed check, you tossed a ball to a fan, that cost you five grand, then you get an celebration penalty, that’s another twenty five hundred. Just what the fuck were you thinking son?” he asked, an amused look on his face.

Everyone roared in laughter, then turned to me, obviously waiting on my response. I don’t know where it came from, I just blurted it out.

“I was just so excited Coach, I’m going to Disneyland.” I stated.

The room exploded in laughter, everyone had seen the commercials a million times. He just waved his hand at me, shook his head, turned and walked off. Everyone moved towards their respective lockers to begin cleaning up for the press conference. I showered quickly, dressed then reported to the trainer, who put my finger in another splint, then wrapped my entire hand in a bandage. I took more pain medication and although my hand did hurt, I didn’t feel it near as badly as I should have. I was the second player up on the podium after Josh, I wanted to get back to the hotel quickly. I stepped up and pointed to the first man with his hand up.

“Brian, you had a three touchdown game, probably your best as a pro, can you tell us how you feel?” he asked.

“I’m not sure, it’s going to take some time for this to sink in.” I answered.

“Brian, we noticed you left the game just before half, then returned in the second half. I see your hand bandaged now, can you tell us what happened?” another reporter asked.

“During the scramble for the fumble near the goal line, I injured my hand. It turned out to be two small broken bones, nothing serious, I was able to stay in the game.” I replied.

“The option year of your contract is coming up, after the past two seasons, you’re going to be one of the most sought after free agents in football, are you already looking for a long term deal with your present team?” a man in the back row asked.

“Honestly, it’s never been brought up. I’ll leave that to my agent, right now it’s time to celebrate.” I said, stepping off of the podium.

I moved quickly through the crowd to the second of two buses parked at the rear of the building, I knew it would leave first. After about a ten minute wait, the bus pulled out and made the short ride to our hotel. It was close to eleven o’clock at night when we pulled up, the place was packed with wall to wall fans celebrating our victory. I took my time getting off of the bus, then signed several autographs as I made my way into the lobby.

I quickly climbed into an open elevator, then made my way up to the sixth floor to see everyone. I exited the elevator and made my way towards Alexis’ room, stopping at Ashley’s room, the door was opened. I stuck my head in to see Ashley, Alexis and Jeff all sitting together.

“Briannnnnn...” Alexis squealed, jumping into my arms.

Everyone ran to me at once, I was holding on to Alexis with my right hand, her lips were all over me. One by one each congratulated me on the win, both Alexis and Ashley had tears in their eyes. Ashley walked over to me, her arms wrapping around my neck, her lips in my ear.

“God, I so wish your father was here to see this. It would have been his ultimate dream come true.” she whispered, between sobs.

“I know Ash, but he knows, he knows.” I said softly, comforting her.

“How’s your hand?” she asked, stepping back, wiping her eyes.

“Two broken bones, the little finger. I’ll get a cast Tuesday or Wednesday.” I replied.

“Does it hurt much?” she asked, softly touching my injured hand.

“No, not too bad.” I responded.

We all sat together for a while, then went down to a large night club that was in the hotel itself. We sat there for a few hours, celebrating, until finally my hand got the best of me. I excused myself from the group telling everyone I needed some medication, then some rest. Alexis quickly offered to walk me back up, admitting she was tired herself. She gave me a quick kiss, then got off on her floor. I went up to my own room, undressed and went to bed. The next morning we were due back for a half day media day, I decided to skip it, taking a late flight back. I was due at the orthopaedic doctor on Wednesday morning to have my hand set. I arrived back home about ten o’clock Monday night, I was exhausted. I stayed in bed all day Tuesday, the long season had taken its toll on me. Alexis flew back in Tuesday night late, I was already in bed by the time she got back to her place.

I had an appointment at the team orthopaedic specialist Wednesday morning for ten o’clock, I arrived about twenty minutes early. The waiting room was rather crowded, I checked in with the nurse.

“May I see your Driver’s License and Insurance Card please?’, she asked.

I handed her both of the cards she had asked for, she copied my license information, then checked the card the team had given me.

“You’re on the team?” she asked.

“Yes ma’am.” I replied.

“Oh geez, you’re the dunk guy, number eighty nine.” she shouted.

“Yes ma’am.” I answered.

Within minutes I was signing just about every object imaginable in a doctor’s office. After about a ten to fifteen minute wait, I was called back for x rays. After taking several shots of my hand, I was led to one of the rooms to wait for the doctor. Several minutes later, an older grey haired doctor, walked into the room.