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Chapters (48)
  1. Cover
  2. PRAISE FOR ALEXA MARTIN’S PLAYBOOK SERIES
  3. Titles by Alexa Martin
  4. Dedication
  5. AUTHOR’S NOTE
  6. Prologue
  7. One
  8. Two
  9. Three
  10. Four
  11. Five
  12. Six
  13. Seven
  14. Eight
  15. Nine
  16. Ten
  17. Eleven
  18. Twelve
  19. Thirteen
  20. Fourteen
  21. Fifteen
  22. Sixteen
  23. Seventeen
  24. Eighteen
  25. Nineteen
  26. Twenty
  27. Twenty-one
  28. Twenty-two
  29. Twenty-three
  30. Twenty-four
  31. Twenty-five
  32. Twenty-six
  33. Twenty-seven
  34. Twenty-eight
  35. Twenty-nine
  36. Thirty
  37. Thirty-one
  38. Thirty-two
  39. Thirty-three
  40. Thirty-four
  41. Thirty-five
  42. Thirty-six
  43. Thirty-seven
  44. Thirty-eight
  45. Epilogue
  46. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  47. About the Author
  48. What’s next onyour reading list?

As for Quinton, I really wanted to narrow his focus on the football league, their treatment of retired players, and racism within the organization. As more people are seeing the realities BIPOC face in this country, these are problems that are impossible to escape. I knew I couldn’t do the story justice unless I narrowed it down. As the wife of a former professional player, I’ve been hearing more and more about the mistreatment of former players, specifically players who retired before 1993. After hearing personal accounts from their spouses, listening to interviews, and then finding FAIR—Fairness for Athletes in Retirement, a nonprofit that lifts the voices of players who retired before 1993—I knew this was the story I was capable of telling in a meaningful and effective way.

This book, which I hoped would be full of laughs and fun, took on a much more personal and serious tone. Though I hope everyone still finishes this book with a smile on their face, my main hope is that you, the reader, will feel the love and heart I tried to insert in these pages. And I hope that if you started this book set in one perspective, you finish it more open to understanding the journeys of self-discovery and acceptance that so many of us are on.

Prologue

Quinton

Game One

The crowd’s cheers echo in the tunnel. Screams of excitement bounce off the concrete floor and vibrate through my cleats and into my veins.

I live for this feeling. The anticipation of running onto the field. Never knowing what is coming or what might happen.

I’ve always kept my head down. I’ve listened to the coaches. Made the plays. I’ve done my job like the good little athlete they’ve trained me to be.

But today is different.

The piece of black tape feels as if it weighs a thousand pounds hidden in my glove. My knee itches to touch the ground.

I can’t keep quiet any longer. I won’t keep quiet any longer.

No.

This is the day I will take a stand by taking a knee.

Today is the day I look up.

One

Elliot

I’ve never had actual work benefits.

I mean, sure, I’ve got medical and a 401(k), but I’m talking about benefits that mean something. Like my friend Liv’s Nordstrom discount or Marie’s endless supply of cupcakes.

But now, I’m finally on their level. I have perks. The best perks possible: discounted and readily available Denver Mustangs tickets.

Sure, the parking costs a mint, the food is outrageous, and don’t even get me started on the drinks . . . but I’m here! My first ever professional football game and I’m part of the Mustangs family.

My dad would’ve freaking loved this.