*I walk towards the podium, shaking hands with one of the analysts before taking my spot at the podium, clearing my throat as I get settled*
RM: How's it going everybody? Long story short, we fell a few games short of contending just like last year, but we'll be back as strong as ever come Season Three. In all areas of the football. I'm ready to take some questions when you ladies and gentleman are.
*I read through the people raising their hand and pick the man in the front row*
R1: Yes, we've heard that you just inked a new deal not even 48 hours after your loss in the playoffs any reason for the quick movement to get the ink dried?
RM: Well, that's pretty simple, I don't plan on going anywhere as long as the Wraiths want to keep me here. After talking to the GM the day after the game, I just let him know that I'm ready for an extension when you are and it was a very short conversation after that point. Haha Nothing too crazy.
R1: Any details as to why it's such a small contract? Three years for three million guaranteed? The GOAT TE obviously deserves more than that, right?
RM: I'd be quick to agree with you, but money ain't what I'm playing for. My Jordan contract more than covers my bank account. I said that money wasn't going to be an issue from the beginning and I meant it.
R1: Isn't that kind of cocky?
RM: Wouldn't it be cocky to say that I deserve $30+ million after one decent season and one stellar season?
R1: Fair enough.
RM: Next.
*I scan the room and point towards the lady in the back of the room*
R2: Staying on the contract subject, do you have any words to the people that think that those type of deals that you signed are ruining the league?
RM: Not too much. I'm not breaking any rules so let the salty be salty.
R3: Do you think you're helping set the standard for the players that want to stick with their team?
RM: Not really, everyone doesn't think like me and I don't expect them too. If they wish to sign a contract that can help them train for the upcoming seasons is the route they want to take, by all means. Go for it. Haha
How about you over there. On the right side.
R4: Two playoff games in a row for you and you come up missing, are playoffs not a place where you show up?
RM: Eh, I feel like I did my best. Not worth complaining about my performance, with the opportunities called my number, I answered.
R4: That stat line says other wise..
RM: The stat line doesn't show all of the other things I contributed in. Keeping the spirits up of my teammates (not that I needed to, we always stay hyped) hard work on the offensive line, not doing anything that can cost the team, etc. Games don't always go your way but it's no point feeling sorry for myself or the team, we played valiantly through all four quarters. We also didn't play some slouch team either, Baltimore came to play and took it to us. So they deserve plenty of credit as well.
R5: Any thoughts on your coaches decision to run the football on your last drive to possibly take the lead?
*I shudder in disgust before getting settled again*
RM: No comment, bruh.
Who's next?
R6: We've talked about your statline in the playoffs, but that line you had this regular season was spectacular! You appear to be the front runner in both the Pro Bowl Votings and on your way to gain your first Best TE award. How do you feel that you've done this year and where does that put you in the rankings for TEs?
RM: Well, people call me the "GOAT TE" for a multitude of reasons. I really do think that I helped build up what TEs can do for this league. Hopefully it'll inspire more to come to this position whether it's by switching positions or through the next few draft classes. I wanna see what the next group of guys can do for the TEs and continue to make it great. If not, I can continue to carry the torch. Haha
As far as how I did, I felt like I was me again, more in a mindset kind of thing, the games started clicking and I felt comfortable with what I was doing on the field.
R6: Would you put yourself at the top of the list of TEs?
RM: I think my "carrying the torch" comment more than answers that question. Haha
R7: How are you carrying the torch when you let a dominant BLOCKING TE beat you in catches and TDs?
RM: Wright Jr. also beat me in more drops and sacks allowed too.. Did you forget that part in your question?
*the reporters sits down*
RM: That's exactly what I thought. Lmaoo But in all seriousness, that's not to diminish what G-Dub has done this year, he's improved immensely since Season One and I expect that he's going to do even better next year. Him, DiMirio, Bottles, Gucci and Tenzini all performed very well.
R8: In your opinion, what do you and the rest of the Wraiths need to do in order to avoid another quick playoff loss?
RM: We gotta execute. Too many dead plays for us, dirty laundry on the field. They happen to be at horrible times, unfortunately. I'm not worried though. With the talent growing and our chemistry getting better, we'll be just fine.
R8: Are you confident that your team will make that jump in the future?
RM: I'm as confident as ever in myself and my team to make that jump as early as next year. Every team will have it's day. We got the right staff, the right players in the locker room, the right coaches, the right everything. The foundation has been built since day one so all we will have to do is keep on building.
R9: Let's talk about your friend and former teammate Darren Smallwo-
RM: Checkerssssssssssss ????
R9: Yes, do you have any extra thoughts from the trade earlier in the year?
RM: Most definitely, all I know is that the Sabercats got one hell of a leader in their possession. He's going to right the ship by himself if he has to. I know how great of a person and football player they got first hand and it was always encouraging having him in our locker room.
Do they have a bit to go? Yes, but just like over here in Yellowknife, they need accountability, the foundation needs to be stable and the right people need to be around them to help build a long lasting squad. I wish the Sabercats and Sir Checkers nothing but the best for their futures. San Jose is on the come up, just wait on it.
On the other side of the trade(s) we got two stellar guys at their position, Bailey Cook and A.C. Hackett has been amazing for us since wearing a Wraiths uniform and I'm looking forward to win some championships with them.
R10: We have the NSFL Championship coming right around the corner, Arizona will be going for a repeat and snag their second title in a row. Do you have them completing the task.
RM: To be honest, I want the Outlaws to win. I want The Wraiths to be the team to knock them off the top of the mountain. Make it so much sweeter. But I'll still be rooting for Baltimore to represent the NSFC with pride. So I'm a little bit in a middle, if the Hawks do lose, just don't get blown out. ????
Thanks again for your time, I'll see you all again come S3 Preseason.
#WraithsNation
(1290 Words, Ready be Graded)
GRADED
RM: How's it going everybody? Long story short, we fell a few games short of contending just like last year, but we'll be back as strong as ever come Season Three. In all areas of the football. I'm ready to take some questions when you ladies and gentleman are.
*I read through the people raising their hand and pick the man in the front row*
R1: Yes, we've heard that you just inked a new deal not even 48 hours after your loss in the playoffs any reason for the quick movement to get the ink dried?
RM: Well, that's pretty simple, I don't plan on going anywhere as long as the Wraiths want to keep me here. After talking to the GM the day after the game, I just let him know that I'm ready for an extension when you are and it was a very short conversation after that point. Haha Nothing too crazy.
R1: Any details as to why it's such a small contract? Three years for three million guaranteed? The GOAT TE obviously deserves more than that, right?
RM: I'd be quick to agree with you, but money ain't what I'm playing for. My Jordan contract more than covers my bank account. I said that money wasn't going to be an issue from the beginning and I meant it.
R1: Isn't that kind of cocky?
RM: Wouldn't it be cocky to say that I deserve $30+ million after one decent season and one stellar season?
R1: Fair enough.
RM: Next.
*I scan the room and point towards the lady in the back of the room*
R2: Staying on the contract subject, do you have any words to the people that think that those type of deals that you signed are ruining the league?
RM: Not too much. I'm not breaking any rules so let the salty be salty.
R3: Do you think you're helping set the standard for the players that want to stick with their team?
RM: Not really, everyone doesn't think like me and I don't expect them too. If they wish to sign a contract that can help them train for the upcoming seasons is the route they want to take, by all means. Go for it. Haha
How about you over there. On the right side.
R4: Two playoff games in a row for you and you come up missing, are playoffs not a place where you show up?
RM: Eh, I feel like I did my best. Not worth complaining about my performance, with the opportunities called my number, I answered.
R4: That stat line says other wise..
RM: The stat line doesn't show all of the other things I contributed in. Keeping the spirits up of my teammates (not that I needed to, we always stay hyped) hard work on the offensive line, not doing anything that can cost the team, etc. Games don't always go your way but it's no point feeling sorry for myself or the team, we played valiantly through all four quarters. We also didn't play some slouch team either, Baltimore came to play and took it to us. So they deserve plenty of credit as well.
R5: Any thoughts on your coaches decision to run the football on your last drive to possibly take the lead?
*I shudder in disgust before getting settled again*
RM: No comment, bruh.
Who's next?
R6: We've talked about your statline in the playoffs, but that line you had this regular season was spectacular! You appear to be the front runner in both the Pro Bowl Votings and on your way to gain your first Best TE award. How do you feel that you've done this year and where does that put you in the rankings for TEs?
RM: Well, people call me the "GOAT TE" for a multitude of reasons. I really do think that I helped build up what TEs can do for this league. Hopefully it'll inspire more to come to this position whether it's by switching positions or through the next few draft classes. I wanna see what the next group of guys can do for the TEs and continue to make it great. If not, I can continue to carry the torch. Haha
As far as how I did, I felt like I was me again, more in a mindset kind of thing, the games started clicking and I felt comfortable with what I was doing on the field.
R6: Would you put yourself at the top of the list of TEs?
RM: I think my "carrying the torch" comment more than answers that question. Haha
R7: How are you carrying the torch when you let a dominant BLOCKING TE beat you in catches and TDs?
RM: Wright Jr. also beat me in more drops and sacks allowed too.. Did you forget that part in your question?
*the reporters sits down*
RM: That's exactly what I thought. Lmaoo But in all seriousness, that's not to diminish what G-Dub has done this year, he's improved immensely since Season One and I expect that he's going to do even better next year. Him, DiMirio, Bottles, Gucci and Tenzini all performed very well.
R8: In your opinion, what do you and the rest of the Wraiths need to do in order to avoid another quick playoff loss?
RM: We gotta execute. Too many dead plays for us, dirty laundry on the field. They happen to be at horrible times, unfortunately. I'm not worried though. With the talent growing and our chemistry getting better, we'll be just fine.
R8: Are you confident that your team will make that jump in the future?
RM: I'm as confident as ever in myself and my team to make that jump as early as next year. Every team will have it's day. We got the right staff, the right players in the locker room, the right coaches, the right everything. The foundation has been built since day one so all we will have to do is keep on building.
R9: Let's talk about your friend and former teammate Darren Smallwo-
RM: Checkerssssssssssss ????
R9: Yes, do you have any extra thoughts from the trade earlier in the year?
RM: Most definitely, all I know is that the Sabercats got one hell of a leader in their possession. He's going to right the ship by himself if he has to. I know how great of a person and football player they got first hand and it was always encouraging having him in our locker room.
Do they have a bit to go? Yes, but just like over here in Yellowknife, they need accountability, the foundation needs to be stable and the right people need to be around them to help build a long lasting squad. I wish the Sabercats and Sir Checkers nothing but the best for their futures. San Jose is on the come up, just wait on it.
On the other side of the trade(s) we got two stellar guys at their position, Bailey Cook and A.C. Hackett has been amazing for us since wearing a Wraiths uniform and I'm looking forward to win some championships with them.
R10: We have the NSFL Championship coming right around the corner, Arizona will be going for a repeat and snag their second title in a row. Do you have them completing the task.
RM: To be honest, I want the Outlaws to win. I want The Wraiths to be the team to knock them off the top of the mountain. Make it so much sweeter. But I'll still be rooting for Baltimore to represent the NSFC with pride. So I'm a little bit in a middle, if the Hawks do lose, just don't get blown out. ????
Thanks again for your time, I'll see you all again come S3 Preseason.
#WraithsNation
(1290 Words, Ready be Graded)
GRADED