I glanced at my mom, who nodded toward the reporter. I didn’t like giving interviews. I was an introvert, but this was the most significant moment of my life, and it was good for my brand. Reluctantly, I broke away from my mom and turned toward the cameras.

“Kellon, what does this moment mean to you?”

“Everything. It’s validation of all my hard work.”

“Three weeks from today marks the anniversary of the tragic accident that took your brother, Jeronee Barnes. Your mom has your brother on her shirt, and we notice you’re wearing his jersey number on a pin. We know that your brother has been a huge inspiration in your football career. Do you think he’s proud of you?”

The mention of Jeronee had me grabbing the pin I had on my chest. I missed my big brother. It had been almost ten years since that eighteen-wheeler hydroplaned into my car. It wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think about him or see his lifeless body lying in the passenger seat of my memories.

“I sure hope so,” I replied, keeping it short, hoping they’d get the picture. My brother was off limits. Everybody knew that. The reporters shot a few more questions about the game, and I answered them like a well-polished machine until my mom pulled me away.

“We need to get the shots for the commercial,” she said, smoothing down my shirt and fixing my hat before removing my brother’s pin from my chest.

“Ma… I…” I began, but she interrupted me, holding her hand up.

“It won’t look good in the commercial.”

“I don’t give⁠—”

“Smile for the confetti shot.” She pointed at the camera pushed inches from my face.

I loved my mom, but most of the time, she was more concerned with running Kellon Barnes’s business than she was with me. I appreciated her hard work, but sometimes, I just wanted my mom. Turning, I smiled for the camera before snatching my pin back from my mom and making my way to the platform where the trophy celebration was held. I watched as the team’s owners lifted the Lombardi Trophy. A swell of happiness shot through me as my teammates cheered and embraced their families.

I couldn’t lie and say I didn’t feel a little lonely. Everybody had somebody to enjoy this with, and all I had was my mom, who was texting her phone, probably negotiating deals and setting up press opportunities.

“You’re the champ, bro!” Braelon exclaimed as he passed me the trophy. His joy was contagious. “You’re bringing your stuffy ass outside tonight!”

Usually, I would protest partying with Braelon, but tonight was different. Tonight, I was a Super Bowl champion!

Chapter 3