Chapter Twenty-eight—Fair Catch

Present

Monica Meadows pulled me aside after the Cheetahs lost the division championship game. “Coach, what a tough loss, but an amazing journey. Do you have any regrets?”

It was hard to hear in the stadium since they were celebrating and we were trying to have a conversation through a veil of silver and blue confetti.

“Absolutely no regrets. This team surpassed the expectations I had for them. I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished. How many teams can say they went from ground zero to the division championship game their first year ever? It takes years for a team to gel, but somehow, we not only had a winning season but did amazingly well in post-season.” I was sad we were so close but couldn’t get there, but also happy that we made it this far.

“Congratulations on your success with the team. You brought in Grayson Moats and proved to the NFL that not only could a woman take a team this far but could motivate a once retired quarterback to return to the game. Is he really retiring?” she asked.

When she put the microphone back in my face, I stuttered. I didn’t want to say anything until it was official. Maybe in the last three minutes his agent released a statement, but I didn’t know. “I’m afraid you’re going to have to talk to him about that.”

“Great job, Coach McCoy. Good luck next season.”

“Thanks for all your work down here on the field, Monica.” She hugged me on national television, and I didn’t care. More reporters were flagging me over, but I really wanted to talk to the team. They needed me more than any network.

“Coach, come on in.” Bill waved me into the locker room.

My heart went out to the players who were crying or upset about our loss. The emotional side of football was harder to break down. As somebody who had put their heart and soul into this game, I knew it was a tough loss to swallow.

“I’m proud of each and every one of you,” Bill said. “You gave the team everything and it showed. This season was a victory in our hearts. I want you to know that what you did here was remarkable and you are all winners. Keep your heads held high.” We applauded the players, the coaches, and the trainers who were with us. We didn’t make it to the Super Bowl, but I couldn’t imagine things could be better than this. “Let’s go home.”

I left before the guys started undressing. The season was over. That meant everything.

Parker and I had one incredible night last month, but we had kept to our agreement. Even once news of the divorce was leaked, we waited. It was hard but I knew it would be worth it to fully give ourselves to each other.