I run back on the field, Keller next to me as we head into the huddle. Our defensive captain reminds us of our scheme before we break apart, much earlier than the offense across from us does. Cincinnati has one timeout left and there’s a minute and thirty left on the clock. They’re back on their thirty-five-yard line, meaning they have ninety seconds to try and make it sixty-five yards. But like I told Coach, they won’t be going anywhere.
I look at how Cincinnati is lining up, and they’re playing with an empty backfield, knowing they have to pass onevery down to have a prayer of winning this game. They have three receivers to the right, a receiver to the left along with the tight end. He’s who I’ve had to keep my eye on for most of the game, which I’ve done and done well. But I don’t think he’s the first option. Cincinnati runs this formation a lot in their two-minute drill, but the beautyof their play is that it never goes to the same receiver twice in a row, so it could be going anywhere.
The quarterback starts his cadence, everyone waiting to jump off the line the second he calls the play. That is, everyone except me. As a free safety, I’m in the back and looking. Trying to figure out where he’s going to throw it. Again, I don’t think it’s going to be the tight end. He’s not a downfield receiver and they need yards. I also don’t think they’re going to go to their top receiver. He has more than a hundred yards today, but we’re choosing to double team him, and they aren’t going to like those odds.
When I look to my left, I see that it’s their number two receiver lined up next to the tight end. The guy can make plays. He's a veteran in the league. He might’ve lost a few steps, but he can still ball. And because our defense overloaded on the right side, it means he’s going to likely be the most open.
That is until I get over there.
The quarterback snaps the ball and it’s a flurry of motion as everyone runs their lanes or routes. I’m cheating my way to his side, more confident than ever that’s where the ball is going to go. When I see the quarterback turn to his right, my left, I know I’ve made the right call.
Which is when I take off.
Part of being an elite safety is all about timing. Many players can pick off a pass. It’s part of the job. But perfectly timing the ball so the receiver doesn’t see you coming? That's an art. One that I've perfected.
The pass is in the air as I pick up my speed.
The receiver doesn’t see me coming. He’s too worried about making sure he catches the ball and staying in bounds.
Too bad that’s not going to happen.
I pause for a half second before making my move.
Step.
Step.
Jump.
Grab.
Interception.
I keep my eyes open as I fall to the ground. I would’ve loved to get a few yards, but as I was securing the ball, I fell to the ground, and Cincinnati quickly piled on top of me.
Sorry guys. Ball is mine. And with less than two minutes on the clock, we’re about to win the fucking game.
2-0.
“Maddox! Your first interception of the season, and a pretty big one at that. How’d you feel out there?”
“It always feels good to pick one off, but when it seals the game, it’s a little sweeter,” I say to the reporter. “But more than that, I’m glad we got the win. It was a total team effort out there today.”
I’m standing in front of my locker, the media scrum enclosing me in, as reporters shout their postgame questions. This is typical for postgame. A few cameras are around—one being the team’s camera as they air each of the interviews live. Usually, I don’t mind fielding questions. I know I’m a favorite sound bite because I generally don’t hold back, while also pleasing our media and PR team by giving canned answers as well. But today, I’m anxious to get out of here. I have my girlwaiting for me at home—our home—and hopefully I’m greeted by her wearing nothing but that jersey.
“Maddox!” I point to a reporter I’m friendly with, who’s covered the Fury for a few years now at the Nashville Banner. “Are the rumors true? You have a little one on the way?”
It was only a matter of time before the pregnancy became public. Gabi didn’t come to any of the family days at training camp. Not that she didn’t want to, but because it didn’t line up with her schedule at the bakery as she was still getting Josie settled in at the time. But with the season starting, and anyone who had eyes could see her in the suite today wearing my jersey, I knew I could get this question.
“That’s right folks! Maddox Gallagher is going to be a dad!”
I get a few congratulations from the reporters, as well as some cheers from teammates who can hear the interview, before the reporter has a follow-up. “When is she expecting?”
“November 1. And it can’t come soon enough. Gabi and I are both ready for our little guy to get here.”
A different reporter throws up her hand. “November 1 is the rematch against Miami. Do you know if you’re going to be traveling with the team or are you going to stay at home for the birth?”
Gabi and I haven’t explicitly talked about this, but I’ve discussed it with my coaches. “If she’s in labor, or if it’s anywhere close, I’m going to be there for her. Would I like to be with my team? Absolutely. But my family is going to come first. Always. Plus, I have a feeling Miami doesn’t want anything to do with me. Last time they faced me it didn’t go well for them. I’m pretty sure they’d fund my son’s college education for me not to play them again.”
