07-03-2023, 11:25 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-09-2023, 05:06 PM by xenosthelegend. Edited 2 times in total.)
Introduction: Eliot Bukowski grew up loving both his parents dearly, but he was what many would call a “momma’s boy.” When he was just starting out playing football as just a child, he would look to find his mother every time he made a field goal or extra point. He would give her a wave and she would wave back. As he grew older and played in college, she wasn’t able to attend every game, but he still kept up the tradition by waving at the crowd every time he made a kick. Sometimes this would be misinterpreted as bad sportsmanship or taunting, but over time the meaning was explained enough that it became well known among the teams he played. If the game was televised, he’d wave at the camera, just in case she was watching. This is all to say that Eliot often thinks of his mother throughout his journey as a player. These are a collection of letters that were written to his mother throughout his start in the league.
Dear mother,
As you read this, know that leaving this letter on the door was one of the hardest things I’ve done. I had to chase the dream, I had to go to that kicking competition. DSFL scouts are there, and if I do good enough I could really make it to the ISFL one day. I know you and Pa would’ve tried to talk me out of it, and although I’m sure you will be angry at me for it, leaving this letter and heading out is my way of seeking out my own destiny. I know, the likelihood of me making kicking into a career is incredibly low. I know that it may be a waste of time. However, there comes a time in every person’s life where they need to take control over their future. If it doesn’t work out this time, then I promise I’ll give it up for good, and I will commit to following Pa into the haberdashery business. But something inside me believes that this is my moment. You and Pa have done a lot to prepare me for this, and I know I can make it on my own. After all, you used to yell at me for losing the kickball because I kicked it too far. I even took out a window one time.
Anyway, I guess what I really want to say is sorry. I’ll come back after the tryout and let you know how it went. I hope by then you’ll understand why I did it.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
I’m sorry for not writing sooner. I’m sure by now you know that I am consumed by the need for working on my craft of kicking. Although once a hobby in childhood, this has become a passion, and I begin to nearly itch if I spend enough time not practicing. There’s always the thought that someone out there is putting in more work whenever I rest. But regardless, I have committed myself to putting pen to paper more frequently.
It’s cold in Minnesota. It often is. It’s grown on me though. You learn to make friends with it, just as I used to soak in the sun in order to not mind the heat as much. I knew I’d come to love any place that decided to draft me. The only issue is trying to stay warm during the game when not much is asked of me. This past game I paced, did high knees, and anything else to keep the blood flowing. It must have worked, because I made all my field goals. After a tough season last year, one in which you encouraged me and provided me sweet comfort despite my doubts in myself, it felt very good to be able to contribute to the team in a positive manner.
Everything just feels different about this season. I’m more focused, the ball is sailing straighter, and I’m generally more at peace. I’m not sure what changed though.
Maybe the pressure is off since I got drafted. When I do find myself stressed, I find myself drifting off to your kitchen and thinking of the taste of your perfect cherry pie. Hope to have it again soon.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
I don’t know how you got that slice of pie to survive the trip up to Minnesota, but opening the box was as if I’d seen the 8th wonder of the world. I’m eating it as I write this letter, so please don’t mind the stains. Just a couple days ago I returned back to Minnesota after being flown out by the GM of what you might call my major league team, the Orange County Otters. The last time I wrote you, I was freezing in Minnesota, but it seems in California I couldn’t stop sweating. But the heat wasn’t the only difference, I also felt like a stranger in the culture. I’d never seen so many expensive cars in my life. It’s nothing like we’d see in Fort Payne. The adjustment to Minnesota was tough enough, but the people were still more similar to my small town mentality. The adjustment to Orange County will take a bit more time and patience. However, I felt very welcomed by the GM, Mr. Beck, and the rest of the team on my trip. They seemed happy to have a youthful kicker on hand, since their current one was slowly shuffling around with a walker. They said I’d probably stay with the Grey Ducks through this season, but then it’s likely they call me up to kick in the big leagues. Can you believe it mama? I hardly can. It seems that things move so fast in my life these days. A year passes but it feels like a couple of months. That being said, I’m enjoying every second of it. Hope you and the family are well.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
I hope you were able to catch the last game! I hit a 51 yarder! That’s easily my longest in a game so far. All the guys kept patting me on the back and letting me know excited they were for me. They know I’m leaving after this season, but they’re not spiteful or anything. Once you play for your DSFL team, you wear that badge (metaphorically) for the rest of your life. Maybe it’s the smaller rosters or the fact that everyone is grinding towards something together, but there is a brotherhood that forms in the locker rooms. Everyone is passionate for the team they come from. So when I get called up, I’ll be representing the Grey Ducks, and they want to be represented well. They say that they’ll be cheering me on, no matter what teams they play for or support. I feel the same way about them. It'll be real strange seeing them in different uniforms.
Although we started out slow, we never lost faith in each other. Because of that, we put together some very exciting and dominant performances. I can’t help but think about what it would be like to play in the playoffs, but I suppose I shouldn’t get too ahead of myself. It’s still very early in the season after all.
Anyway, I’ve been thinking of y’all a lot lately. Maybe one day I could fly y’all up to here, and I can show you around the area. You’d like it, there’s not much to do.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
One thing they don’t prepare you when you become a professional athlete is what it’s like to be on the move so often. You think that the city where your team is located is your home, and you’re somewhat right, but you spend many nights in different beds in hotels, oftentimes with a roommate. Now I like my teammates, but I love my privacy a bit more. Of course y’all raised me in Fort Payne and we never moved to anywhere else, so I’m accustomed to being used to my surroundings, but we see different places and people on any odd week. Some are better than others. I enjoyed Portland quite a bit, but I can’t say that I found Dallas to be the most exciting. I’m pretty excited to see London later in the season. I’ll be sure to get you a teacup or something. But as I was saying, I just haven’t been able to get a good sleep on those hotel beds. Neither me nor the bed have time to really get to know each other. Of course, my problems are small potatoes considering what other people are facing, but I guess people glamorize the professional athlete’s life when it doesn’t always look as pretty as it does on TV. I also can’t say I really like all the plane rides. First off, they’re quite boring, but secondly, I know that there’s a very low chance of any accident or mishap occurring, but I can’t shake the nerves here and there. I’m sure I’ll get used to it, or at least the veterans tell me that, but I secretly wish we could just play all our games in Minnesota. I probably shouldn’t have written that part about the planes, because knowing you, now you won’t stop worrying. But I’ll be safe momma, I promise.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
I write today to tell you that I have fallen in love. She is a Grey Ducks cheerleader, and we have already decided to get married. I know it seems quick, but I already know she is the one. Just kidding. Did you believe me? I hope you didn’t have a heart attack and can continue reading this leader. Your son is too young for those shenanigans. Although I must say, you’d be surprised to see the amount of groupies even DSFL players have. However, those are for cooler positions like quarterback or linebacker, not for a kicker like me. I tend to prefer that though. I don’t think I could handle too much fame. I prefer to do things like go out to eat or visit a coffee shop without being constantly pestered. I love our fans and will sign any autographs if asked, but I also need that time for privacy. Some people can handle it, and more power to them, but it’s just not in my blood. In fact, I feel like I get the best of both worlds. I get to play the game I love for a ridiculous amount of money, all the while at very low risk of injury, and afterwards I can just pack up my stuff and go home. I do my best not to take that for granted. I’ve also been thinking that this won’t last forever, and because of that I do my best to save my money. I admit, I made some impulse purchases when those first checks came in. Can you blame me? I’ve never seen that kind of money before. After that though, I’ve started to be more frugal. I’m not sure what exactly I’m saving up for yet, but I’m interested in starting some other business after I retire from football. Even if it’s just to open up a small, humble bookstore, that would please me. It would also give me something to do, a purpose. I suppose I have tons of time to figure out what that might be, but I figured you’d like to know that your son wasn’t being too irresponsible. You raised me to remember what’s important.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
Nutrition is important for an athlete. It sounds easier than it is though. When you’ve grown up on good southern home cooking, it can be strange to adapt to the meals of the team chef we have here in the Midwest. The food isn’t nearly as good, but it also has a lot more vegetables. Also a lot less butter. Sometimes I go weeks without seeing a fried food. That’s when I start to get the shakes. Of course, eating perfectly may not be THAT important for me as a kicker. I’m not exactly doing tons of cardio all the time. However, it’s important for a couple of reasons. First off, it’s important for me to take care of my body to keep up my longevity in the league. If I’m slowing down or getting weaker because of my diet, I won’t get to practice as much and my legs won’t stay as strong. I won’t to be doing this career for a while since I’m rarely ever taking a hit. Secondly, it’s important to me to do so because I don’t want to be seen by the team as someone who’s slacking or isn’t taking it as serious as everyone else. I want to make the same sacrifices with my diet as they do in order to create a feeling of solidarity and unity. Kickers are already sometimes looked down upon for their job on the team being so different from others, and I don’t want to appear like I don’t need to focus on the details as much as they do. Lastly, I’ve kind of gotten to like some of these meals. Kale is actually pretty good, as strange as that may sound. Nonetheless, when I come back in town, considerate it cheat days. I won’t have anyone looking over my shoulder, so the fried chicken and sausage and pies will be our little secret. Besides, I can eat the food of all the personal chefs in the world, but none of them will top meals from you kitchen, momma.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
This will likely be my last letter of the season. The Grey Ducks are currently at the top of their conference, and the team is incredibly focused as we are beginning to make a run for the playoffs. This was an opportunity that the team missed out on in heartbreaking fashion last year, losing out on their playoff spot simply by the virtue of a tiebreaker. Due to that heartbreaking event, this team may be the most motivated in the DSFL to avoid that pain and make a run that hopefully ends up in an appearance in the championship game, the Ultimini. Everyone is doing extra work to make this happen, which looks different depending on who you are. For some, such as the starters, that means spending extra time practicing. For me, since less practice is required, I’ve been assisting with film review and game planning. Although I lack the natural athleticism of other players on the roster, you can attest to the fact that I’ve always been a student of the game. Remember the days I’d sit in front of the TV with my notebook, trying to call plays? You’d call me “little coach” back then, and maybe you were on to something. I could see myself doing that in the future, even if just in a small role. You always need a plan for the future, right? Anyway, I watch film of our upcoming opponents, and depending on what our film staff needs, I either pay attention to gameplay trends in general or specific star players, crafting ways to nullify their impact on the game. It’s hard to say whether I’ve been very helpful or not, but I believe it’s all that extra work ethic that’s going to take us to the next level. Unfortunately, this extra responsibility I’ve volunteered to work on has taken up the time I’d normally use to write letters. I hope you know that I’ll be safe and happy here in Minnesota, and if either of those change, you’ll be the first to know. It’s been quite a journey so far, and it’s one that I don’t regret, even if I was so scared to take the jump. The next time you hear from me, I hope it’ll be as an Ultimini champion.
With all my love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
As you read this, know that leaving this letter on the door was one of the hardest things I’ve done. I had to chase the dream, I had to go to that kicking competition. DSFL scouts are there, and if I do good enough I could really make it to the ISFL one day. I know you and Pa would’ve tried to talk me out of it, and although I’m sure you will be angry at me for it, leaving this letter and heading out is my way of seeking out my own destiny. I know, the likelihood of me making kicking into a career is incredibly low. I know that it may be a waste of time. However, there comes a time in every person’s life where they need to take control over their future. If it doesn’t work out this time, then I promise I’ll give it up for good, and I will commit to following Pa into the haberdashery business. But something inside me believes that this is my moment. You and Pa have done a lot to prepare me for this, and I know I can make it on my own. After all, you used to yell at me for losing the kickball because I kicked it too far. I even took out a window one time.
Anyway, I guess what I really want to say is sorry. I’ll come back after the tryout and let you know how it went. I hope by then you’ll understand why I did it.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
I’m sorry for not writing sooner. I’m sure by now you know that I am consumed by the need for working on my craft of kicking. Although once a hobby in childhood, this has become a passion, and I begin to nearly itch if I spend enough time not practicing. There’s always the thought that someone out there is putting in more work whenever I rest. But regardless, I have committed myself to putting pen to paper more frequently.
It’s cold in Minnesota. It often is. It’s grown on me though. You learn to make friends with it, just as I used to soak in the sun in order to not mind the heat as much. I knew I’d come to love any place that decided to draft me. The only issue is trying to stay warm during the game when not much is asked of me. This past game I paced, did high knees, and anything else to keep the blood flowing. It must have worked, because I made all my field goals. After a tough season last year, one in which you encouraged me and provided me sweet comfort despite my doubts in myself, it felt very good to be able to contribute to the team in a positive manner.
Everything just feels different about this season. I’m more focused, the ball is sailing straighter, and I’m generally more at peace. I’m not sure what changed though.
Maybe the pressure is off since I got drafted. When I do find myself stressed, I find myself drifting off to your kitchen and thinking of the taste of your perfect cherry pie. Hope to have it again soon.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
I don’t know how you got that slice of pie to survive the trip up to Minnesota, but opening the box was as if I’d seen the 8th wonder of the world. I’m eating it as I write this letter, so please don’t mind the stains. Just a couple days ago I returned back to Minnesota after being flown out by the GM of what you might call my major league team, the Orange County Otters. The last time I wrote you, I was freezing in Minnesota, but it seems in California I couldn’t stop sweating. But the heat wasn’t the only difference, I also felt like a stranger in the culture. I’d never seen so many expensive cars in my life. It’s nothing like we’d see in Fort Payne. The adjustment to Minnesota was tough enough, but the people were still more similar to my small town mentality. The adjustment to Orange County will take a bit more time and patience. However, I felt very welcomed by the GM, Mr. Beck, and the rest of the team on my trip. They seemed happy to have a youthful kicker on hand, since their current one was slowly shuffling around with a walker. They said I’d probably stay with the Grey Ducks through this season, but then it’s likely they call me up to kick in the big leagues. Can you believe it mama? I hardly can. It seems that things move so fast in my life these days. A year passes but it feels like a couple of months. That being said, I’m enjoying every second of it. Hope you and the family are well.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
I hope you were able to catch the last game! I hit a 51 yarder! That’s easily my longest in a game so far. All the guys kept patting me on the back and letting me know excited they were for me. They know I’m leaving after this season, but they’re not spiteful or anything. Once you play for your DSFL team, you wear that badge (metaphorically) for the rest of your life. Maybe it’s the smaller rosters or the fact that everyone is grinding towards something together, but there is a brotherhood that forms in the locker rooms. Everyone is passionate for the team they come from. So when I get called up, I’ll be representing the Grey Ducks, and they want to be represented well. They say that they’ll be cheering me on, no matter what teams they play for or support. I feel the same way about them. It'll be real strange seeing them in different uniforms.
Although we started out slow, we never lost faith in each other. Because of that, we put together some very exciting and dominant performances. I can’t help but think about what it would be like to play in the playoffs, but I suppose I shouldn’t get too ahead of myself. It’s still very early in the season after all.
Anyway, I’ve been thinking of y’all a lot lately. Maybe one day I could fly y’all up to here, and I can show you around the area. You’d like it, there’s not much to do.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
One thing they don’t prepare you when you become a professional athlete is what it’s like to be on the move so often. You think that the city where your team is located is your home, and you’re somewhat right, but you spend many nights in different beds in hotels, oftentimes with a roommate. Now I like my teammates, but I love my privacy a bit more. Of course y’all raised me in Fort Payne and we never moved to anywhere else, so I’m accustomed to being used to my surroundings, but we see different places and people on any odd week. Some are better than others. I enjoyed Portland quite a bit, but I can’t say that I found Dallas to be the most exciting. I’m pretty excited to see London later in the season. I’ll be sure to get you a teacup or something. But as I was saying, I just haven’t been able to get a good sleep on those hotel beds. Neither me nor the bed have time to really get to know each other. Of course, my problems are small potatoes considering what other people are facing, but I guess people glamorize the professional athlete’s life when it doesn’t always look as pretty as it does on TV. I also can’t say I really like all the plane rides. First off, they’re quite boring, but secondly, I know that there’s a very low chance of any accident or mishap occurring, but I can’t shake the nerves here and there. I’m sure I’ll get used to it, or at least the veterans tell me that, but I secretly wish we could just play all our games in Minnesota. I probably shouldn’t have written that part about the planes, because knowing you, now you won’t stop worrying. But I’ll be safe momma, I promise.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
I write today to tell you that I have fallen in love. She is a Grey Ducks cheerleader, and we have already decided to get married. I know it seems quick, but I already know she is the one. Just kidding. Did you believe me? I hope you didn’t have a heart attack and can continue reading this leader. Your son is too young for those shenanigans. Although I must say, you’d be surprised to see the amount of groupies even DSFL players have. However, those are for cooler positions like quarterback or linebacker, not for a kicker like me. I tend to prefer that though. I don’t think I could handle too much fame. I prefer to do things like go out to eat or visit a coffee shop without being constantly pestered. I love our fans and will sign any autographs if asked, but I also need that time for privacy. Some people can handle it, and more power to them, but it’s just not in my blood. In fact, I feel like I get the best of both worlds. I get to play the game I love for a ridiculous amount of money, all the while at very low risk of injury, and afterwards I can just pack up my stuff and go home. I do my best not to take that for granted. I’ve also been thinking that this won’t last forever, and because of that I do my best to save my money. I admit, I made some impulse purchases when those first checks came in. Can you blame me? I’ve never seen that kind of money before. After that though, I’ve started to be more frugal. I’m not sure what exactly I’m saving up for yet, but I’m interested in starting some other business after I retire from football. Even if it’s just to open up a small, humble bookstore, that would please me. It would also give me something to do, a purpose. I suppose I have tons of time to figure out what that might be, but I figured you’d like to know that your son wasn’t being too irresponsible. You raised me to remember what’s important.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
Nutrition is important for an athlete. It sounds easier than it is though. When you’ve grown up on good southern home cooking, it can be strange to adapt to the meals of the team chef we have here in the Midwest. The food isn’t nearly as good, but it also has a lot more vegetables. Also a lot less butter. Sometimes I go weeks without seeing a fried food. That’s when I start to get the shakes. Of course, eating perfectly may not be THAT important for me as a kicker. I’m not exactly doing tons of cardio all the time. However, it’s important for a couple of reasons. First off, it’s important for me to take care of my body to keep up my longevity in the league. If I’m slowing down or getting weaker because of my diet, I won’t get to practice as much and my legs won’t stay as strong. I won’t to be doing this career for a while since I’m rarely ever taking a hit. Secondly, it’s important to me to do so because I don’t want to be seen by the team as someone who’s slacking or isn’t taking it as serious as everyone else. I want to make the same sacrifices with my diet as they do in order to create a feeling of solidarity and unity. Kickers are already sometimes looked down upon for their job on the team being so different from others, and I don’t want to appear like I don’t need to focus on the details as much as they do. Lastly, I’ve kind of gotten to like some of these meals. Kale is actually pretty good, as strange as that may sound. Nonetheless, when I come back in town, considerate it cheat days. I won’t have anyone looking over my shoulder, so the fried chicken and sausage and pies will be our little secret. Besides, I can eat the food of all the personal chefs in the world, but none of them will top meals from you kitchen, momma.
With love,
Eliot
Dear mother,
This will likely be my last letter of the season. The Grey Ducks are currently at the top of their conference, and the team is incredibly focused as we are beginning to make a run for the playoffs. This was an opportunity that the team missed out on in heartbreaking fashion last year, losing out on their playoff spot simply by the virtue of a tiebreaker. Due to that heartbreaking event, this team may be the most motivated in the DSFL to avoid that pain and make a run that hopefully ends up in an appearance in the championship game, the Ultimini. Everyone is doing extra work to make this happen, which looks different depending on who you are. For some, such as the starters, that means spending extra time practicing. For me, since less practice is required, I’ve been assisting with film review and game planning. Although I lack the natural athleticism of other players on the roster, you can attest to the fact that I’ve always been a student of the game. Remember the days I’d sit in front of the TV with my notebook, trying to call plays? You’d call me “little coach” back then, and maybe you were on to something. I could see myself doing that in the future, even if just in a small role. You always need a plan for the future, right? Anyway, I watch film of our upcoming opponents, and depending on what our film staff needs, I either pay attention to gameplay trends in general or specific star players, crafting ways to nullify their impact on the game. It’s hard to say whether I’ve been very helpful or not, but I believe it’s all that extra work ethic that’s going to take us to the next level. Unfortunately, this extra responsibility I’ve volunteered to work on has taken up the time I’d normally use to write letters. I hope you know that I’ll be safe and happy here in Minnesota, and if either of those change, you’ll be the first to know. It’s been quite a journey so far, and it’s one that I don’t regret, even if I was so scared to take the jump. The next time you hear from me, I hope it’ll be as an Ultimini champion.
With all my love,
Eliot