First of all, congratulations on being drafted into the NSFL. You guys have been working hard for this opportunity for more a long time now. How does it feel to have all that hard work pay off?
Lanzer Grievous: It’s probably a pretty generic answer, but wow, it feels really good. This was my first time ever creating a player in any kind of simulation league. I never even knew they existed before finding the recruitment threads on Reddit. I had no idea what to expect going into it, and I was definitely not disappointed. I really feel like I committed myself to this league and have put a good amount of time into making my player how he is now, and it feels great to finally see it pay off. I felt like several teams overlooked me going into the draft, because I didn’t have the best LB season statistically, and it’s a huge relief that someone actually realized my full potential and took the chance on me. It just so happened to be my favorite NSFL team as well. In my end of season presser, I actually talked about specific teams that interested me, and the Orange County Otters were definitely at the top of my list. It’s like a dream come true. The thing is, it’s only just begun. This is just the first step for me. My hard work and determination to make my player the best he can possibly be will not stop here. I want Lanzer Grievous to be remembered throughout the league. I may not be the best LB of all time, but I want people to see his name and think “Hey, I remember that guy.” I want future coverage LB’s to look at Lanzer Grievous for inspiration on how to build their players and ask me for advice on how to improve themselves. So yes, it feels great to have my hard work finally pay off. But, even though this is the end of one chapter of Lanzer Grievous’ career, it’s the beginning of something even greater, a legacy that will hopefully be remembered for seasons to come.
AJ Lattimer: It feels awesome. I’ve worked a lot to get to where I am now, and to have been picked where I was is proof that I’ve been doing something right. But, now is not the time to stop. I plan on continuing to work hard so I can be one of the best in the league.
Apollo Reed: It feels so great, I really can’t put it into words. I’m just remembering the boy a from a few years ago, practically living on the streets, constantly getting in trouble. And look at me now! I’ve gone from being some street rat to being on the starting roster for an NSFL team! I’ve put so much time into refining and developing my talents, so finally being able to play with the best in the world feels just… amazing.
Did you have any expectations of where you’d end up leading up to or during the draft? And now knowing how it played out, was there anything you wish you had done differently in advance of the draft or anything you wish had gone differently during?
LG: To be completely honest, I did have some expectations going into the draft. Since the draft is over now, I think it’s probably safe to talk about some scouting stuff that happened. I actually expected myself to be drafted by the Philadelphia Liberty. I was contacted by most of the teams, at least to some extent, but Liberty was the only team to specifically tell me that they were considering using their first round pick on me. Even though I had the TPE total and activeness that was, in my opinion, worthy of a first round pick, I still didn’t really expect myself to get drafted in the first round, unless it was Liberty calling my name. After Liberty’s pick was revealed, and it wasn’t me, I honestly didn’t really know what to expect. I personally thought that I deserved to go in the first two rounds, but I didn’t know which team was going to take me or how far I was going to fall in the draft. Liberty had to use their second round pick on Emondov Emoji, so the only team that I could really rule out at that point was the one team I thought was going to draft me. When it got to the Otters’ second round pick, and I saw my name on the board, I was so excited. This was the team that I wanted to go to the most, but I didn’t even think it was a possibility. I don’t really think there’s anything I would have changed or done differently knowing how it all turned out in the end. I put a lot of time and effort into this one moment, and it paid off in the best possible way.
AL: I had very low expectations. With all the mock drafts leaving me out of the first, I was convinced I would be a mid-round pick, so I was blown away when I heard my name at 8th overall. I don’t wish I had done anything differently with the way it ended up. It couldn’t have gone better.[/b]
AR: Honestly, I had no idea where I’d end up. Of course, part of me wanted to go to the team I’ve been following since childhood, the Baltimore Hawks, but I had no personal preference or problem with any of the teams. I knew I wanted to go in the top five rounds, especially after going in the twelfth in the DSFL entry draft, but I had no idea which team I would end up going to. I had a lot of back-and-forth with the Colorado GM so I assumed I was headed there, but going to Orange County was an unexpected surprise. If I could do something different, I would personally message each GM that didn’t already reach out to me to see where they had me on their draft boards. I think the GMs would have liked to see me express interest in them.
Some of you guys are expected to hit the ground running in Orange County while others will be staying down in the DSFL. In both cases, what are you most looking forward to about this upcoming season?
LG: I’m looking forward to playing with Franklin Armstrong and a couple of my other teammates on the Pythons for another season. We already won one Ultimini together, and I truly believe we can win another. Although we lost some really big impact players, so has every other team, so that is no excuse. Playing through a full DSFL season at the TPE cap will be fun, and I’m definitely ready to take the step up into a much larger role in the Pythons’ defense. Maybe I’ll even have a chance of being LBOTY of DPOTY, but it’s way too early to think about that. I’m just going to focus on being the best player and teammate I can be, while preparing myself for my future with the Orange County Otters.
AL: I’m looking forward to building relationships with teammates, improving as a professional player, and enjoying success with my team. I feel that we have a lot of positives in Orange County, and that we will be a contender for years to come.
AR: I’m just looking to begin my NSFL experience and meet my fellow Otters. I’m looking to really make a name for myself and prove some doubters wrong. I’m in a great position being a starter in my first season being eligible for the NSFL. I can't wait to get the regular season started!
Having been in Orange County for a couple of days now and become comfortable with the lay of the land, is there any player who you’ve really enjoyed getting to know? What’s been your favorite part of joining the Otters franchise?
LG: I can’t say that there’s any specific player I’ve been getting to know. The fact that the Otters decided to draft several of my Pythons teammates definitely helped the whole locker room transfer process. It made it much easier to get to know my teammates, since I already knew several of them. One player that I’m personally happy to be on the same team as and be able to be in the same locker room as is Gus Showbiz. When I watched this past NSFL season, he really stood out to me. I thought his name was really interesting, I actually drafted him on my fantasy team, and I felt like he was extremely underrated. I don’t think he was getting the attention he deserved, even though he was carrying my fantasy team. He put up some insane numbers in a few of the Otters games, and I can’t believe I actually get to be on the same team as him.
AL: I’m fairly introverted and take a little while to warm up to people, so hopefully further down the line I’ll have a better answer for you. However, with the addition of so many Portland Pythons, my former teammates, it really helps to have that connection. That is my favorite part of joining this franchise – the locker room is great, and the comradery is developing quickly. I’ve been enjoying my time here so far.
AR: Well, I’ve obviously gotten to know my fellow running back, Seer Zephyrous. But the person I’ve enjoyed getting to know the most has to absolutely be wide receiver Carlito Crush. I used to watch him play during his rookie year back when I was a teenager, so being on the same team with him is one of the most surreal moments in my life. Carlito is an amazing guy, and it’s going to suck to see him retire when the season ends.
What does it mean to you to be playing for the winningest franchise in league history? Do you feel like it comes with an added pressure or do you feel more at ease surrounded by guys who’ve been there before?
LG: I actually did not even know this statistic/fact until after I was drafted. It’s kind of insane to even think that I’m on such a historically amazing team and that they believed in me enough to let me help carry on this tradition of winning. I don’t think it really has any added pressure. Either way, best team or worst team, I was going to put all I could into training and being the best I can. I guess I do feel a little more at ease knowing that the GM’s and players on this team definitely know what they’re doing. They not only know how to win, they know how to consistently win. It makes me feel better knowing that they trust me to be part of such a great organization.
AL: It means a lot to me. It’s like a dream – I feel like playing for this team merits respect. I don’t feel like there is any added pressure since I have so many teammates that know what they’re doing and are great role models for us young guys.
AR: There is definitely some added pressure. You know that your coaches are expecting the best, your teammates expect the best, and, most importantly, you know that the fans expect the best. Luckily, I’m more than willing to provide the best. I’m excited to play for a winning culture and the responsibilities that come with it.
You guys are all now going to be playing at the professional level with at least a season of experience under your belts. What do you think will be the biggest difference between you as a rookie and you in this upcoming season?
LG: I think I will stand out a lot more as an individual player, instead of just another high TPE earning LB on the Pythons. With Lee and Stokeley being called up to the Outlaws, I’ll have to step up big-time if I want to replace them. The biggest difference will probably be that you’ll definitely be seeing my name show up much more frequently on film and during games. I believe that, depending on who else gets called up or gets sent back down to the DSFL, I have a really good chance of being one of the most effective defensive players this season.
AL: I think the biggest difference is, now that we’re a little more familiar with how it all works, we can make an impact quicker. I know as a rookie I was confused and a little overwhelmed trying to take it all in. Now, I feel a lot more comfortable and look to be a much better player than I was a year ago.
AR: The biggest difference will be my overall talent. My time spent training in Norfolk, and the coaches at the Orange County training camp have taught me more than I have learned my entire life. I am undoubtedly the best I’ve ever been in my life and I will definately be showing that on the field this year.
You guys just signed your first contracts, and I know everyone has that first purchase lined up. What’s it gonna be?
LG: I’m definitely going to be buying new equipment. I already have enough money in the bank to keep up with my weekly training, so I might as well bank as much TPE as possible for when my time comes in the NSFL.
AL: I don’t know, some new equipment would be nice. Maybe treat myself to some new shoes? Then again, I’ve always been pretty frugal, I don’t need to live a lavish life. Maybe I’ll just donate some of my money to the local church.
AR: Personally, my first purchase is going to help set up a youth flag football league back in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. Football helped to motivate me to get off of the streets and I’m hoping it will do the same for other young boys in the city. Who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire the next Cincinnati native NSFL star.
Lanzer Grievous: It’s probably a pretty generic answer, but wow, it feels really good. This was my first time ever creating a player in any kind of simulation league. I never even knew they existed before finding the recruitment threads on Reddit. I had no idea what to expect going into it, and I was definitely not disappointed. I really feel like I committed myself to this league and have put a good amount of time into making my player how he is now, and it feels great to finally see it pay off. I felt like several teams overlooked me going into the draft, because I didn’t have the best LB season statistically, and it’s a huge relief that someone actually realized my full potential and took the chance on me. It just so happened to be my favorite NSFL team as well. In my end of season presser, I actually talked about specific teams that interested me, and the Orange County Otters were definitely at the top of my list. It’s like a dream come true. The thing is, it’s only just begun. This is just the first step for me. My hard work and determination to make my player the best he can possibly be will not stop here. I want Lanzer Grievous to be remembered throughout the league. I may not be the best LB of all time, but I want people to see his name and think “Hey, I remember that guy.” I want future coverage LB’s to look at Lanzer Grievous for inspiration on how to build their players and ask me for advice on how to improve themselves. So yes, it feels great to have my hard work finally pay off. But, even though this is the end of one chapter of Lanzer Grievous’ career, it’s the beginning of something even greater, a legacy that will hopefully be remembered for seasons to come.
AJ Lattimer: It feels awesome. I’ve worked a lot to get to where I am now, and to have been picked where I was is proof that I’ve been doing something right. But, now is not the time to stop. I plan on continuing to work hard so I can be one of the best in the league.
Apollo Reed: It feels so great, I really can’t put it into words. I’m just remembering the boy a from a few years ago, practically living on the streets, constantly getting in trouble. And look at me now! I’ve gone from being some street rat to being on the starting roster for an NSFL team! I’ve put so much time into refining and developing my talents, so finally being able to play with the best in the world feels just… amazing.
Did you have any expectations of where you’d end up leading up to or during the draft? And now knowing how it played out, was there anything you wish you had done differently in advance of the draft or anything you wish had gone differently during?
LG: To be completely honest, I did have some expectations going into the draft. Since the draft is over now, I think it’s probably safe to talk about some scouting stuff that happened. I actually expected myself to be drafted by the Philadelphia Liberty. I was contacted by most of the teams, at least to some extent, but Liberty was the only team to specifically tell me that they were considering using their first round pick on me. Even though I had the TPE total and activeness that was, in my opinion, worthy of a first round pick, I still didn’t really expect myself to get drafted in the first round, unless it was Liberty calling my name. After Liberty’s pick was revealed, and it wasn’t me, I honestly didn’t really know what to expect. I personally thought that I deserved to go in the first two rounds, but I didn’t know which team was going to take me or how far I was going to fall in the draft. Liberty had to use their second round pick on Emondov Emoji, so the only team that I could really rule out at that point was the one team I thought was going to draft me. When it got to the Otters’ second round pick, and I saw my name on the board, I was so excited. This was the team that I wanted to go to the most, but I didn’t even think it was a possibility. I don’t really think there’s anything I would have changed or done differently knowing how it all turned out in the end. I put a lot of time and effort into this one moment, and it paid off in the best possible way.
AL: I had very low expectations. With all the mock drafts leaving me out of the first, I was convinced I would be a mid-round pick, so I was blown away when I heard my name at 8th overall. I don’t wish I had done anything differently with the way it ended up. It couldn’t have gone better.[/b]
AR: Honestly, I had no idea where I’d end up. Of course, part of me wanted to go to the team I’ve been following since childhood, the Baltimore Hawks, but I had no personal preference or problem with any of the teams. I knew I wanted to go in the top five rounds, especially after going in the twelfth in the DSFL entry draft, but I had no idea which team I would end up going to. I had a lot of back-and-forth with the Colorado GM so I assumed I was headed there, but going to Orange County was an unexpected surprise. If I could do something different, I would personally message each GM that didn’t already reach out to me to see where they had me on their draft boards. I think the GMs would have liked to see me express interest in them.
Some of you guys are expected to hit the ground running in Orange County while others will be staying down in the DSFL. In both cases, what are you most looking forward to about this upcoming season?
LG: I’m looking forward to playing with Franklin Armstrong and a couple of my other teammates on the Pythons for another season. We already won one Ultimini together, and I truly believe we can win another. Although we lost some really big impact players, so has every other team, so that is no excuse. Playing through a full DSFL season at the TPE cap will be fun, and I’m definitely ready to take the step up into a much larger role in the Pythons’ defense. Maybe I’ll even have a chance of being LBOTY of DPOTY, but it’s way too early to think about that. I’m just going to focus on being the best player and teammate I can be, while preparing myself for my future with the Orange County Otters.
AL: I’m looking forward to building relationships with teammates, improving as a professional player, and enjoying success with my team. I feel that we have a lot of positives in Orange County, and that we will be a contender for years to come.
AR: I’m just looking to begin my NSFL experience and meet my fellow Otters. I’m looking to really make a name for myself and prove some doubters wrong. I’m in a great position being a starter in my first season being eligible for the NSFL. I can't wait to get the regular season started!
Having been in Orange County for a couple of days now and become comfortable with the lay of the land, is there any player who you’ve really enjoyed getting to know? What’s been your favorite part of joining the Otters franchise?
LG: I can’t say that there’s any specific player I’ve been getting to know. The fact that the Otters decided to draft several of my Pythons teammates definitely helped the whole locker room transfer process. It made it much easier to get to know my teammates, since I already knew several of them. One player that I’m personally happy to be on the same team as and be able to be in the same locker room as is Gus Showbiz. When I watched this past NSFL season, he really stood out to me. I thought his name was really interesting, I actually drafted him on my fantasy team, and I felt like he was extremely underrated. I don’t think he was getting the attention he deserved, even though he was carrying my fantasy team. He put up some insane numbers in a few of the Otters games, and I can’t believe I actually get to be on the same team as him.
AL: I’m fairly introverted and take a little while to warm up to people, so hopefully further down the line I’ll have a better answer for you. However, with the addition of so many Portland Pythons, my former teammates, it really helps to have that connection. That is my favorite part of joining this franchise – the locker room is great, and the comradery is developing quickly. I’ve been enjoying my time here so far.
AR: Well, I’ve obviously gotten to know my fellow running back, Seer Zephyrous. But the person I’ve enjoyed getting to know the most has to absolutely be wide receiver Carlito Crush. I used to watch him play during his rookie year back when I was a teenager, so being on the same team with him is one of the most surreal moments in my life. Carlito is an amazing guy, and it’s going to suck to see him retire when the season ends.
What does it mean to you to be playing for the winningest franchise in league history? Do you feel like it comes with an added pressure or do you feel more at ease surrounded by guys who’ve been there before?
LG: I actually did not even know this statistic/fact until after I was drafted. It’s kind of insane to even think that I’m on such a historically amazing team and that they believed in me enough to let me help carry on this tradition of winning. I don’t think it really has any added pressure. Either way, best team or worst team, I was going to put all I could into training and being the best I can. I guess I do feel a little more at ease knowing that the GM’s and players on this team definitely know what they’re doing. They not only know how to win, they know how to consistently win. It makes me feel better knowing that they trust me to be part of such a great organization.
AL: It means a lot to me. It’s like a dream – I feel like playing for this team merits respect. I don’t feel like there is any added pressure since I have so many teammates that know what they’re doing and are great role models for us young guys.
AR: There is definitely some added pressure. You know that your coaches are expecting the best, your teammates expect the best, and, most importantly, you know that the fans expect the best. Luckily, I’m more than willing to provide the best. I’m excited to play for a winning culture and the responsibilities that come with it.
You guys are all now going to be playing at the professional level with at least a season of experience under your belts. What do you think will be the biggest difference between you as a rookie and you in this upcoming season?
LG: I think I will stand out a lot more as an individual player, instead of just another high TPE earning LB on the Pythons. With Lee and Stokeley being called up to the Outlaws, I’ll have to step up big-time if I want to replace them. The biggest difference will probably be that you’ll definitely be seeing my name show up much more frequently on film and during games. I believe that, depending on who else gets called up or gets sent back down to the DSFL, I have a really good chance of being one of the most effective defensive players this season.
AL: I think the biggest difference is, now that we’re a little more familiar with how it all works, we can make an impact quicker. I know as a rookie I was confused and a little overwhelmed trying to take it all in. Now, I feel a lot more comfortable and look to be a much better player than I was a year ago.
AR: The biggest difference will be my overall talent. My time spent training in Norfolk, and the coaches at the Orange County training camp have taught me more than I have learned my entire life. I am undoubtedly the best I’ve ever been in my life and I will definately be showing that on the field this year.
You guys just signed your first contracts, and I know everyone has that first purchase lined up. What’s it gonna be?
LG: I’m definitely going to be buying new equipment. I already have enough money in the bank to keep up with my weekly training, so I might as well bank as much TPE as possible for when my time comes in the NSFL.
AL: I don’t know, some new equipment would be nice. Maybe treat myself to some new shoes? Then again, I’ve always been pretty frugal, I don’t need to live a lavish life. Maybe I’ll just donate some of my money to the local church.
AR: Personally, my first purchase is going to help set up a youth flag football league back in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. Football helped to motivate me to get off of the streets and I’m hoping it will do the same for other young boys in the city. Who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire the next Cincinnati native NSFL star.
Code:
2378 total words. Should be double payout as well with the draft related bonus.
Payouts:
4.4% to speculadora
50% to Rising Equinox
19.7% to TeyonSchavari
25.9% to NylarThePhoenix![[Image: 8DpwXfg.png]](https://i.imgur.com/8DpwXfg.png)
![[Image: 030p.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/X7QZp3vX/030p.png)
![[Image: StarkComicCOL.png?width=1118&height=676]](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/813516004993925163/969363218738872330/StarkComicCOL.png?width=1118&height=676)
![[Image: q6FdH93l.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/q6FdH93l.jpg)
