Page 123 of Scored

“I am,” I replied.

“It is an honor and a pleasure to award you, your family” —they were all standing behind Aunt Rachel and me— “and the Lexington Coopers the Super Bowl sixty-one Vince Lombardi Trophy for the first time in franchise history.”

He handed me the silver trophy.

It was heavier than I expected. After kissing the silver football, I lifted it over my head. Cheering came from everyone on stage and everywhere in SoFi Stadium.

The microphone was in front of me. “Thank you. It is an honor to accept this trophy on behalf of the Hubbards and Marshes, our incredible coaches, our amazing players, everyone in the Coopers organization.” I lifted it again and spoke louder. “Lexington and our fantastic Coopers’ fans, this is for you.”

Cheers.

I looked upward. “Dad, we did it.”

Tears streamed down my cheeks.

“The Coopers had a magical season,” Bradshaw said. “Perhaps some heavenly intervention?”

My smile was back. “I believe my father is watching. I also know that it was hard work and determination at every level of the Coopers organization that got us to where we are today.”

“Speaking of hard work, where is Don Tilson?” Bradshaw asked.

Don came forward. He’d quickly changed his clothes and was wearing the championship shirt and hat. His eyes were moist as I handed him the trophy.

“What can you say about your team, Coach Tilson?”

He lifted the trophy high. “They are the best.”

Cheers.

After Coach Tilson, Troy Dennison was called up to the front. As he came forward, he hugged me and I hugged him back.

“We knew you could do this,” I said in his ear.

“Thank you for believing in me.”

“Troy,” Bradshaw said, “this was a tight game right down until the end. Did you ever doubt the outcome?”

Troy’s smile was radiant as he lifted the trophy.

Cheers.

“I’d say no,” Troy said, “but a wise man told me to be confident, not overconfident. I had complete faith in our team. We’ve worked through a lot this year. Each challenge made us stronger.” He lifted the trophy again. “This is for you, Mr. Hubbard.” He turned. “And for you, Ms. Maeve.”

I blew him a kiss.

“Troy, you’re the Super Bowl MVP. How does it feel to be the youngest Super Bowl quarterback and MVP?” Bradshaw smiled. “You beat Mahomes by 136 days.”

“It feels like I want to do this again.”

Cheers.

“Now, the question you were waiting for,” Bradshaw said. “You just won the Super Bowl. Where are you going next?”

“Disney World.” Troy looked all around. “You’re all invited.”

Cheers.

Malik Johnson was the next person to lift the Lombardi Trophy and say a few words.