Not to mention, I know a few guys on the team, and, hell, my best friend’s little brother just got drafted by the Titans in the NFL Draft last week. Aston Griffith will be one of my teammates, and I couldn’t be happier. He’s like a little brother to me, too, so it’ll be fun playing with him.
I’m meeting with team management today at the training facility in New Jersey. Since I got an apartment in MidtownManhattan, in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, and my car hasn’t arrived from New Orleans yet, the team sent me a car.
As we exit the Lincoln Tunnel, entering New Jersey, I turn around and see the city behind us. I snap a selfie and open my group text with my buddies from Walker University.
Liam: Bright lights, big city, bitches.
Casey: Look at you, Rookie of the Year. Is that a gold necklace?
Beck: He’s gotta spend that money on somethin’.
I am, in fact, wearing a gold chain, but I know they’re just playing with me. I won NFL Rookie of the Year at the end of my first season, and they’re still teasing me about it. And they both have high-paying contracts. None of us is hurting for money—that’s for sure.
Archie: My guy. City looks good on you.
Liam: I agree. I think this was a great move for me.
Archie: You’re gonna light that place up.
Liam: You know it. When does Aston get in?
Archie: Uhh, I think next week sometime. He’s home right now, getting all his shit organized. With Ace going off to a different team, this is gonna be a big change for them. They’ve never lived apart, so you’ll need to keep an eye on him for me. Aiden’s home, too, so we’re getting some quality family time in.
Liam: I don’t think Aston is the one you need to worry about. Ace will tear it up in Florida.
Casey: I was just about to say …
Beck: Nah, Acer will be just fine.
Archie: They’ll both be fine. So, you just have a meeting today and a tour, or what? I assume Scotty boy is with you?
Liam: Yeah, I guess so. Scott is meeting me there. I think I need to meet with the medical staff, too, and get some initial weigh-ins and tests done for baseline numbers. Probably looking at being here most of the day.
Archie: Coach Andrews is a good coach. I think you’ll work well with him.
Liam: Yeah, and Tully is one of the best OCs in the league, so hopefully, we’ll have a winning season this year.
Beck: I gotta run, boys. The boss is calling. Her pregnancy cravings are out of control.
Casey: Feed my sister before she gets hangry.
Archie: I need to run, too, but text me later and let me know how it went.
Liam: We’re about to pull up to the building anyway. Talk to you guys later.
I close out the text thread and pocket my phone as we pull up to the entrance.
I see my agent, Scott; the general manager, Tom Gardner; and Coach Andrews waiting for me just outside the doors. When I start to open my door, the driver stops me.
“I’ll get the door for you, Mr. Pitz.”
I wave him off. “I’m good. Thank you for the ride.”
“I’ll be here to take you back into the city when you’re done for the day. They’ll notify me when you’re wrapping up.”
“Thanks.” I hold out my hand.
“Name’s Joey.” He shakes my hand in return.
