Page 101 of Scored

The microphone was before me.

“It means the world to me.” I gestured toward Aunt Rachel and Uncle Darin. “And to our family.”

It was then I noticed the rest of our family, everyone from the suite above, standing in front of the platform. Smiles filled every face.

I motioned to them. “To our entire family. John, this hasn’t been an easy year, but this team—this franchise—has magic. I’m proud to accept this trophy not only for the Hubbards and Marshes, but also for our coaches, Royce Beasley” —I smiled in his direction— “who has seen this trophy before. And for our amazing players and fans. I also accept it for my father. I know if he could be here, he would be bursting with pride for what this team has accomplished this year.” Looking up, I lifted the trophy. “This is yours, Dad.” I looked over at Don, Royce, and Fin and the other players. “We’re not done. Coopers, we’re going to the Super Bowl.”

John smiled and placed his hand on his heart. “I had the feeling you’d bring up Reid. He is definitely in all of our hearts today.” He turned to Don. “Coach, come up here.”

Everyone cheered.

I handed the trophy to Don Tilson.

“Hey, Don,” John said, “tell us what you’re feeling right now.”

Don held the trophy. “I’m so proud of our team. These guys worked through adversity, through injuries, and through tragedy. They kept their heads in the game.” He turned to Aunt Rachel, Uncle Darin, and me. “And to Maeve and the Marshes. Reid Hubbard is missed every day, yet these people over here to my right and those in front of the platform... This is a family who loves Lexington, loves the Coopers, and that love created a world where our players are willing to put it all on the line.” He lifted the trophy. “Coopers’ fans, next trophy is the Lombardi.”

More cheering.

“Coach,” John said, “talk to us about today’s game. The Texans’ defense is ranked one of the best in the league. What did Drew Pratt do to overcome that defense?”

“John, Drew, our offensive coordinator, and Darius Brown, our defensive coordinator, worked extremely hard. That dedication showed today. Not only did our defense stop Houston, but our offense ran them down.”

Cheering.

“Troy Dennison,” John said, “come on up here.”

Don handed Troy the trophy.

“This is your second season in the league, and you’ve taken this team to the Super Bowl. What does that mean to you?”

Troy lifted the Lamar Hunt Trophy. “First, I want to dedicate this to my mom. Mom, without your work ethic and example, I wouldn’t be here today. John, holding this trophy is a step to our goal. The Coopers are here today because we’re a team. There were a lot of dogs in our locker room. We came to play. Offense, defense, special teams, we all focused on winning this trophy.” He looked down at his jersey. “We’ve been playing with Reid Hubbard’s name on our jersey.” He lifted the trophy over his head. “This is for him and for Ms. Maeve.”

Aunt Rachel reached for my hand as tears fell from my eyes.

“Let’s bring Griffin Graham up here,” John said.

Troy handed Fin the trophy.

“How does it feel to be up on this platform holding that trophy.”

Fin lifted it to his lips and kissed the silver. “Amazing.”

“Some people,” John said, “thought your career was over. Then you signed with the Coopers. When Troy Dennison was injured, you stepped up. Without those four wins, the Coopers might not be here today. What do you think about that?”

“I’m grateful to Reid Hubbard, Royce Beasley, and Coach Tilson for taking a chance on an old man.”

John laughed.

“The truth is,” Fin said, “signing with the Coopers has been life-changing. After thirteen years in the league, I’m not stopping until we wear Super Bowl rings.” He patted Troy’s shoulder. “I’m honored to have the front row to greatness.”

Cheering.

Fin handed the trophy to Malik.

“Malik Johnson,” John said, “come forward.”

Malik lifted the trophy high.