"It won't be an issue."
He studied my face again. "Alright. We can break down the offense tomorrow. The goal is to give you more control at the line of scrimmage. You're going to need the time to find a body to throw to. I've also got things set up to make sure the defense is in the dark about whether or not you're throwing or handing off until the last second, which frees you up to run the ball. I have a feeling we're going to need that option."
I chuckled. He had no faith in the rookies. "Don't count them out just yet. They've got time to pull it together."
"Any word on Kirk?"
"Out the entire fucking season."
"Damn."
"Damn is right. Let me go, we'll dive in with more detail tomorrow."
I nodded and he pushed through the double doors, heading toward the tunnel that would take him to the corridor out to the practice fields.
I left the training facility and was almost at my car when I heard Ryland jogging behind me.
"O, hold up…"
I paused at my car and tossed my bag in, leaning against the side. "We have Rookie Roundup Friday. You're down, right?"
Shit…
I raked a hand down my face. I had completely forgotten about that. It would be a bad look if I didn't show, considering it was an annual tradition with the team. The veteran players took the rookies out to make sure they were properly initiated with the squad. Strip club to get them drunk while we explained the hierarchy between the players and then we treated them to private rooms with the top dancers for the rest of the night.
"Damn, that's this Friday?"
"Yeah and you know you have to be there."
"I'll make it work."
"Good because you're captain and I have a feeling you're going to have to put your foot in McClain's ass. Kid has talent but his mouth is gonna write a check his ass can't cash."
Based on the interaction with Makari I already knew that, but I wouldn't blow up her spot by putting her shit on blast. I was sure he would give me plenty of reasons to check his ego that didn't involve her.
"He's cocky as hell, but trust, I have no problem humbling him."
"Which is why you have to be there."
"Chapter House?"
"Yeah."
"What time?"
"Ten and you know how we get down. Last man standing."
I nodded. It was always fun making sure the rookies learned their place and they were so eager to gain our respect they would always go too damn far trying to prove they could hang.
"Aight I'm down and make sure third string knows they got clean up. I'm not getting anybody home."
"Rell and Darius are on that. Shots until they pass the fuck out."
"Bruh, you're too damn excited about this."
"Hell yeah I am and you should be too. They had us so fucked up our rookie year I'm still collecting payback."
He was right. I had no idea how I didn't get alcohol poisoning that night or how my dick functioned normally afterwards. It was only by a miracle that I didn't already have kids or something I needed a shot for because I damn sure didn't remember much from that night other than multiple women and bottles of Henny.
