Page 55 of Platinum Pressure

“That’s the plan. I’m building my strength every day, and I’m praying as I get stronger, the possibility of being back on the field full time soon.”

“We’re going to see how he feels with some light workouts on the field. We may limit him to warm-ups only as the season progresses and manage his development. Coach T wants to talk to you when workouts are over,” one of the defense coaches, Coach K, stated.

I nodded. “Yes, sir, understood. Let’s get the warm-ups going.”

I clapped my hands, and the team got hyped. Everyone joined me in team chants as we jogged onto the field. My leadership led the team in various warm-up exercises and stretches. It felt like the world lifted off my shoulder. My second family and I worked as one. There was loud music, jokes flying, and overall good vibes.

Seddrick had his phone out recording content for my social medias. A few days ago, he told me he had been documenting most of my recovery process. Mostly workout and progress pictures. He wanted to get my team training captured on film too, just in case I went on a crazy run this season and ended up with a documentary. He took his role seriously.

Coach T, Coach J, and Coach LB broke the defense off into different teams to do separate drills. We had so many coaches, twenty-two to be exact. We usually just referred to them by letters. It made it easier. I was on the same practice drills as Eddie. The two of us were in sync like I never left. My body screamed after the first couple of drills. I didn’t mind, though. I missed the pain of the sport.

During a water break, Coach K came out onto the field to retrieve me. On the walk to the office, we caught up.

“We were worried about you, PJ.”

“There was a lot of time I was worried too.”

“I saw you out there making moves. The team really looks up to you.”

“Being out there today really did something to me. It reminded me just how much I love the game.”

He smiled. “That’s what we like to hear. I have the GM on the line in my office. He just wants to check in.”

“He wants to make sure his investment is still worth the money,” I retorted.

Coach K didn’t respond. Instead, he let out a low chuckle. We stepped into his office and the large screen on the corner wall had a video chat waiting with the GM of the Silverbacks, Andreas Tillman.

“The legend!” Andreas greeted me with a flashy-ass smile.

“Hey, Dre.” I took a seat next to Coach K.

“How are you feeling?” Andreas asked.

“Better.”

“We don’t want to rush your recovery, but we want to do a heat check. You know you’re a major asset to the Silverbacks. You are my franchise player. Not too many defensive tackles hold a title like that. We care about you, but we also need to make sure you know this is a business. We’ve reviewed your recovery through your medical team, but we need to hear from you.”

“Honestly . . .”

I was very transparent about my recovery. I explained the mental, physical, and emotional roller coaster I’d been on since my injury and what I had done to combat it.

“I won’t lie. It worries me that you’ve had such a roller-coaster experience. I remember reading in your chart you had some hiccups the first week of recovery.” Andreas leaned back and waited for my response.

“Yeah, one hiccup. Since then, I’d had nothing but good improvement. I’m almost back to my full strength in my arms and legs. Mentally, I’m hungry for it. Emotionally, I’m prepared. Physically, I know by the time playoffs come around, I’ll be ready to give it my all.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I have the best nurse and physical therapist in the state.”

Then I highlighted Meadow’s involvement in my recovery.

“Speaking of Miss Edwards . . .” Andreas trailed off.

“Will she be a liability moving forward in your recovery?” Coach K finished.

I shook my head. “Hell nah. She’s an important part of my recovery. If it wasn’t for her, I would have lost my love for football. Every time I got in my head, she was there to bring me out of the darkness. I wanted to make a suggestion . . .”

Both gave me their undivided attention. I sat up straight and laced my fingers together. Then I went into detail about a partnership between A Healing Meadow and the Silverbacks. A sponsor from the team would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.