I wondered why I was just hearing about it now. “Wow. When did this happen?” I asked. When the Cheetahs joined the NFL, they were given first draft pick and negotiated a hotshot quarterback from Notre Dame to build the new team around. I thought he was good, but not great. They wanted him because he was young, fast, and hungry. Now that I was officially part of the coaching staff, I had a say in who stayed, who got traded, and who was cut. I wasn’t expecting this kind of decision on day one.

“Last Friday. We wanted to wait until we heard back from the doctor to see if it’s repairable, but he’s toast. So, first thing today we’re going to see what scraps are left and who can take us to the playoffs.”

My mind was running through a list of possible names I could throw out if they were open to suggestions. The best players were taken, but I was sure there were a few free agents who could fill the spot. Our backup quarterback was average. There was no way he could bring our team to the championship game. He was third-string talent.

I walked into the large meeting room where players and coaches sat waiting for the meeting to start. Bill introduced me. It was a warm reception.

“I’m Sutton McCoy. I’m excited to be here at the ground level of this new team and anxious to get started on our journey.” They didn’t need to know my résumé. If they cared, they already knew. And I sure as hell didn’t want to bring up why I was there. This was a fresh start for everyone. The room rumbled with “Hey, Coach” and “Welcome” and even some applause.

“Okay, let’s get down to business,” Bill said. He brought up the need for a new quarterback and how it was so important to not make decisions that could result in ending a career before it began. “Meet with your coaches, get taped up, and be careful out on the field today and every day.” When he was done with his somber pep talk, we walked across the hall to a small conference room.

“Here’s your staff. They’ll take good care of you.” He opened the door where three guys dressed in Cheetah polos and khaki shorts sat around a table staring at a list of names on a computer screen. The search for the quarterback’s replacement had already started. “I think you know everyone,” he said before issuing me a final nod and closing the door.