Trying out for the Saints was crazy. I mean, it was one thing when I got the call from LSU, but this... oh man. I spoke to Gordon Gekko about it, and he wasn't exactly thrilled, but he understood I needed to go and pursue this. I grew up watching Brees slinging passes out to guys like Colston and Moore. Those were the guys I wanted to be when I was a kid. Now here I was, getting offered a tryout to play the role of stopping guys like them. It was kind of surreal.
I made my way back down to Louisiana, though. I did wonder why Coach Payton offered me the tryout if I'm honest. The Saints just drafted two defensive backs, and while I can see their secondary isn't great -- okay, that's understating it; they're arguably the worst in the NFL -- I was wondering why they would come for me now. I just signed a contract extension with the Hawks, and I have no idea how compensation would work across leagues.
Anyway, the tryout went pretty well. A couple of coverage drills against Ted Ginn and Michael Thomas, and I really saw just how good Brees is. Putting the ball in the right places, making it hard for me to make a play. The receivers too, the quickness, the strength, the body control... everything. But I held my own. I think ultimately, it wasn't enough to convince everyone, though. It was suggested I'd be on the practice squad, and as much as I dreamed of playing for the Saints as a kid, I never dreamed of being on a practice squad. Besides, why would I leave the Hawks when we're primed to make a run at the championship here? Especially if it would be to be a backup for one of the worst secondaries in pro football. Grandma always told me to never sell myself short. I sure as hell ain't gonna start now.
(328 words)
I made my way back down to Louisiana, though. I did wonder why Coach Payton offered me the tryout if I'm honest. The Saints just drafted two defensive backs, and while I can see their secondary isn't great -- okay, that's understating it; they're arguably the worst in the NFL -- I was wondering why they would come for me now. I just signed a contract extension with the Hawks, and I have no idea how compensation would work across leagues.
Anyway, the tryout went pretty well. A couple of coverage drills against Ted Ginn and Michael Thomas, and I really saw just how good Brees is. Putting the ball in the right places, making it hard for me to make a play. The receivers too, the quickness, the strength, the body control... everything. But I held my own. I think ultimately, it wasn't enough to convince everyone, though. It was suggested I'd be on the practice squad, and as much as I dreamed of playing for the Saints as a kid, I never dreamed of being on a practice squad. Besides, why would I leave the Hawks when we're primed to make a run at the championship here? Especially if it would be to be a backup for one of the worst secondaries in pro football. Grandma always told me to never sell myself short. I sure as hell ain't gonna start now.
(328 words)
I impersonate a programmer for a living
Father of the League Wiki • Friendly Neighbourhood Angry Black Guy™ • NOT British
Originator of the Sim League Cinematic Universe (SLCU)
Super capitalists are parasites. Fite me.
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