Immanuel Blackstone, normally not one for the spotlight, waits patiently for his turn to be interviewed on the NSFL Network post-game show. As Mo Berry leaves the stage, Blackstone slaps him on the back as he steps up the podium.
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Reporter: How do you feel coming off of a second straight win to start the season for your team?
Blackstone: Well it feels good, that's for sure. I know what kind of team we can be. We talk about it all the time in the locker room, many of us staying late after practice and working on getting getting our mindset right. But more importantly, these were two really big games for us, both for momentum but also because their conference games so they tend to mean a lot more. That being said, we definitely have our eyes set on week four when we get to take on the Yellowknife Wraiths. We haven't forgotten how closely they played us in the conference championship and we've done nothing but get better since last season, so believe me when I say that we'll be ready.
Reporter: Does the season feel any different coming off of last season as defending champs? Is there any added stress?
Blackstone: No I don't think so at all. In part because we do feel like we got a little lucky. I mean we're not delusional. We knew going into the playoffs last season that it would be a long road and that our chances of taking it all would be pretty small. But at the same time we never stopped doubting either that we could do it. Because, just like this season, we knew what we were capable of. I think that once we were past that first playoff game our nerves started to settle a little more (were still a relatively young team, you know). Nevertheless we knew we were underdogs and obviously we ended up winning the next two games by a total of two points. So, long story short, no. We knew that we did something special last season -- not that we didn't deserve it -- but it means that this season we don't have to deal with all the pressure of being the best team in the league. We learned that we need to perform when it matters and that's what we plan to do.
Reporter: And how do you feel about the league's decision to switch to a sixteen game schedule in order to accommodate a more evenly balanced schedule?
Blackstone: In general, I'm a fan. To be quite honest, the last couple of seasons the Yeti have kind of gotten screwed when you consider the unbalanced schedule that we've had to play with. We didn't get the benefit of playing more home games than away games. In fact, I don't know if the yeti have ever had that advantage. It would have been nice to play with an advantage like that for a season or two in return, but I suppose that this is the next best thing. It does mean that we get to spend more time on the field which means more stats and sacks naturally. And that's what we're all here for. Now, if they'd increase our pay at all for like a 23% increase in games, now that would be an icing on the cake.
Reporter: Well, speaking of an increase in pay, you didn't waste any time signing an extension with the Colorado Yeti as soon as you entered your contract season. Care to share any thoughts on thought?
Blackstone: Yes, I would actually. I hoped this would come up because it's been a while since I've spoken publicly about my place in the league and my thoughts on how things are going in my career. If you remember the last time I spoke about this stuff, it was in the days leading up to the NSFL Draft. Since then I was absoluately thrilled to be drafted by the Colorado Yeti. I grew up a Yeti fan so I know the annual heartbreak well when the season doesn't turn out like you had hoped. So I was a dream of mine to be in a position where I could actually influence it. Well, what I have I done since being drafted? Hopefully, my play has done the talking, since I haven't. I earned a spot in the Pro Bowl in each of my two seasons in the league so far, even in my first season as a true rookie. Furthermore, I was honored to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award two seasons ago, and then just last season I won the league's first Defensive End of the Year Award. It would be an absolute dream of mine to make history as the first Defensive End to win the MVP award. But for now I'll keep up my high standards and keep working towards a Defensive Player of the Year award. Most importantly though, last season we improved on the season before -- in fact in all 21 seasons before -- and finally took home the Ultimus Trophy.
Reporter: That's all true, it sounds like you deserved that contract extension then. But what's next for you?
Blackstone: Well, it's not completely decided in my mind. And I know that might sound a little odd considering I just signed a contract extension. You'd think I'd jump at the chance to say that I will be a Yeti for life. But, and I just mentioned this to my GMs while I was in contract talks, I'm staying true to what I said early in my career (what am I talking about, its still early) -- that I do plan on moving around the league. I want to see what's out there, win some rings, and have some great experiences while I play some world class football. So, in other words, my days in Colorado won't last forever, but they aren't numbered either. I'm keeping an open mind about things and the lines of communication will remain wide open between my GMs and I, so that they will know my thoughts at any given moment and can prepare for my eventual departure. That being said, I am already looking to the future, so I'm super excited to announce that my future interests will be well represented by Ferguson Networking Agency.
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I have all the confidence in the world that @sapp2013 will be able to find me what's in my best interest.
Reporter: This is big news! Can you give us any insight into where you might be headed next?
Blackstone: Truthfully, not really. And, you know I have to be careful, I wouldn't be surprised if Head Office comes down and hands me a fine for tampering myself if I'm not careful! Screw those guys. Except the DSFL Head Office I heard they got a good group up there....No, no in all seriousness, I'm just excited for where things take me. I know that our league is growing rapidly. It would certainly be exciting to play for an expansion team. So that's always an option. But there are so many other great teams in the league that I'd still be happy to play with. Or who knows, maybe I end up at my next destination by way of trade. I didn't include any NTC on my last contract, so that's an option as well. But that's getting ahead of myself. Right now I have a job to do and that's to bring another title to the city of Denver. Nothing's going to stop me and my teammates from leaving our hearts on the field every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until we're back on top of the league. Thank you all very much, but no more questions as this time."
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![[Image: ?u=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.nydailynews.com%2...f=1&nofb=1]](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.nydailynews.com%2Fpolopoly_fs%2F1.1396780.1373594310!%2Fimg%2FhttpImage%2Fimage.jpg_gen%2Fderivatives%2Farticle_750%2Fjets-aboushi-palestinian-pride-football.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
Reporter: How do you feel coming off of a second straight win to start the season for your team?
Blackstone: Well it feels good, that's for sure. I know what kind of team we can be. We talk about it all the time in the locker room, many of us staying late after practice and working on getting getting our mindset right. But more importantly, these were two really big games for us, both for momentum but also because their conference games so they tend to mean a lot more. That being said, we definitely have our eyes set on week four when we get to take on the Yellowknife Wraiths. We haven't forgotten how closely they played us in the conference championship and we've done nothing but get better since last season, so believe me when I say that we'll be ready.
Reporter: Does the season feel any different coming off of last season as defending champs? Is there any added stress?
Blackstone: No I don't think so at all. In part because we do feel like we got a little lucky. I mean we're not delusional. We knew going into the playoffs last season that it would be a long road and that our chances of taking it all would be pretty small. But at the same time we never stopped doubting either that we could do it. Because, just like this season, we knew what we were capable of. I think that once we were past that first playoff game our nerves started to settle a little more (were still a relatively young team, you know). Nevertheless we knew we were underdogs and obviously we ended up winning the next two games by a total of two points. So, long story short, no. We knew that we did something special last season -- not that we didn't deserve it -- but it means that this season we don't have to deal with all the pressure of being the best team in the league. We learned that we need to perform when it matters and that's what we plan to do.
Reporter: And how do you feel about the league's decision to switch to a sixteen game schedule in order to accommodate a more evenly balanced schedule?
Blackstone: In general, I'm a fan. To be quite honest, the last couple of seasons the Yeti have kind of gotten screwed when you consider the unbalanced schedule that we've had to play with. We didn't get the benefit of playing more home games than away games. In fact, I don't know if the yeti have ever had that advantage. It would have been nice to play with an advantage like that for a season or two in return, but I suppose that this is the next best thing. It does mean that we get to spend more time on the field which means more stats and sacks naturally. And that's what we're all here for. Now, if they'd increase our pay at all for like a 23% increase in games, now that would be an icing on the cake.
Reporter: Well, speaking of an increase in pay, you didn't waste any time signing an extension with the Colorado Yeti as soon as you entered your contract season. Care to share any thoughts on thought?
Blackstone: Yes, I would actually. I hoped this would come up because it's been a while since I've spoken publicly about my place in the league and my thoughts on how things are going in my career. If you remember the last time I spoke about this stuff, it was in the days leading up to the NSFL Draft. Since then I was absoluately thrilled to be drafted by the Colorado Yeti. I grew up a Yeti fan so I know the annual heartbreak well when the season doesn't turn out like you had hoped. So I was a dream of mine to be in a position where I could actually influence it. Well, what I have I done since being drafted? Hopefully, my play has done the talking, since I haven't. I earned a spot in the Pro Bowl in each of my two seasons in the league so far, even in my first season as a true rookie. Furthermore, I was honored to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award two seasons ago, and then just last season I won the league's first Defensive End of the Year Award. It would be an absolute dream of mine to make history as the first Defensive End to win the MVP award. But for now I'll keep up my high standards and keep working towards a Defensive Player of the Year award. Most importantly though, last season we improved on the season before -- in fact in all 21 seasons before -- and finally took home the Ultimus Trophy.
Reporter: That's all true, it sounds like you deserved that contract extension then. But what's next for you?
Blackstone: Well, it's not completely decided in my mind. And I know that might sound a little odd considering I just signed a contract extension. You'd think I'd jump at the chance to say that I will be a Yeti for life. But, and I just mentioned this to my GMs while I was in contract talks, I'm staying true to what I said early in my career (what am I talking about, its still early) -- that I do plan on moving around the league. I want to see what's out there, win some rings, and have some great experiences while I play some world class football. So, in other words, my days in Colorado won't last forever, but they aren't numbered either. I'm keeping an open mind about things and the lines of communication will remain wide open between my GMs and I, so that they will know my thoughts at any given moment and can prepare for my eventual departure. That being said, I am already looking to the future, so I'm super excited to announce that my future interests will be well represented by Ferguson Networking Agency.
[div align=\\\"center\\\"]
![[Image: TQFfZ42.png]](https://i.imgur.com/TQFfZ42.png)
I have all the confidence in the world that @sapp2013 will be able to find me what's in my best interest.
Reporter: This is big news! Can you give us any insight into where you might be headed next?
Blackstone: Truthfully, not really. And, you know I have to be careful, I wouldn't be surprised if Head Office comes down and hands me a fine for tampering myself if I'm not careful! Screw those guys. Except the DSFL Head Office I heard they got a good group up there....No, no in all seriousness, I'm just excited for where things take me. I know that our league is growing rapidly. It would certainly be exciting to play for an expansion team. So that's always an option. But there are so many other great teams in the league that I'd still be happy to play with. Or who knows, maybe I end up at my next destination by way of trade. I didn't include any NTC on my last contract, so that's an option as well. But that's getting ahead of myself. Right now I have a job to do and that's to bring another title to the city of Denver. Nothing's going to stop me and my teammates from leaving our hearts on the field every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until we're back on top of the league. Thank you all very much, but no more questions as this time."