After the NFL news broke in 2009, the entire league and all of North America were shaken. Two years have passed, and the authenticity of the two expert research reports has been confirmed. The league's credibility and authority have been severely damaged. Even if they mobilized a number of the league's star players to appeal to everyone not to panic too much, the impact of the incident could not be stopped.
As Leigh said, this incident still affects all aspects of the league today. Although the league is still trying to downplay the seriousness of the situation, there have been some changes in policy details.
For example, concussions are now taken more seriously than ever. Colin Kaepernick is a good example of this. After a concussion, he is not allowed to play in a game without passing the league's official tests. If a team tries to conceal a player's concussion, the entire team will be penalized. This is a new policy. Even if an athlete signs a voluntary agreement, it's not allowed.
Another example is that if a player experiences dizziness, tremors, or other physical discomfort, the team must provide the necessary in-depth examinations at the player's request. The costs of these examinations are all covered by their medical insurance. In the past, they were unwilling to do these examinations because the cost was too high, and the insurance didn't cover it.
There are many other examples like this. In addition to these changes, the advancement of high-tech protective gear and the further protection of the quarterback position are also gradually changing the status quo.
Leigh bringing up this news to me, a journalism student, meant that his intentions were very clear. But, as Leigh said, they don't know what the so-called "consequences" are until they actually face the problem themselves.
"On the surface, the league is making changes, but deep down, Roger Goodell is a businessman, and the entire league is a game of money and profit," Leigh's words were simple and understated, yet they carried a lot of weight.
Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, has been the subject of continuous controversy since he took over in 2006, yet he is very popular. The reason is simple: under his leadership, the market value of the NFL has skyrocketed. In addition to the Dallas Cowboys, the market value of other top teams has also increased, and their average value has completely surpassed that of Europe's top soccer leagues.
Profit. They would do anything for it.
"So, besides yourself, no one cares about your health or your future." Leigh still had a smile on his face, but his words were dark. The conflicting feeling made me chuckle. "You're an undrafted rookie. You're a Chinese-American player. For 99% of the fans, it's a given that you can't handle the physical hits on the field."
"I know, because Asians are not suitable for this true man's sport," I chuckled, saying it with a sarcastic and playful tone.
This is a fact that can't be denied. Only they themselves know how much effort Liu Xiang and Yao Ming put in to gain recognition. Outside of them, the prejudice against Asians in track and field and basketball still lingers. The situations of Jeremy Lin, an undrafted rookie who is now playing in the NBA, and me are very similar.
I let out a long breath, and all the thoughts in my mind slowly settled down. I slowly sorted out my thoughts and said with certainty, "I understand."
"Sometimes, you can grit your teeth and fight, even if it means bleeding, but sometimes, you have to learn to give up. At the end of the day, protecting yourself is the first rule. This is just your first season. You have an unlimited future, and anything is possible. Most importantly, don't lie to the team doctor. After you honestly tell them your condition, then you can discuss whether you can play."
Leigh kept rambling on, and then he chuckled. "Sorry, this old man always talks too much now. When I was young, I didn't know why. Now I finally understand. It's because we've seen too much, and we always want to pass on our experience. Just listen, and if you like it, remember it. If you don't, then forget it."
I could feel Leigh's sincerity. Although I didn't have an agent, I knew who Logan, Marcus, and Aldon's agents were.
Those agents had never shown their faces because these rookie players weren't big enough yet and hadn't achieved enough success for them to come and watch their training or games. They had more senior, excellent players to take care of. On a normal day, they were more like assistants than agents.
This was true even for Aldon, who was a first-round pick. Because the San Francisco 49ers' defensive lineup was relatively complete, Aldon didn't win a starting position. He mostly played as a rotational player.
Leigh, on the other hand, not only showed up in Cincinnati himself, but his concern in our conversation was also so genuine. If this was acting, I could only say: he deserves an Oscar.
"You think my future has unlimited possibilities?" Instead of responding to Leigh's concern, I focused on another keyword in his sentence and said with a smile.
This time, it was Leigh's turn to be a little stunned. He carefully looked at my expression, and his smile broadened. Then he nodded. "Yes, I think you have unlimited possibilities."
Before, when I said that "everyone in the league is unsure," Leigh didn't respond and changed the subject. But this time, Leigh gave me a definite answer.
"You're not a prodigy. But most of the great players in history weren't prodigies. Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees weren't prodigies, but the achievements and glory they've had are unimaginable for most people. Do you know why?"
Leigh looked at me seriously. His cloudy eyes gradually became clear, and he seemed to want to see my true thoughts. I chuckled and said something off-topic. "You didn't mention Ben Roethlisberger."
"Haha." Leigh laughed heartily. "Yes, Big Ben is also not a prodigy, but he's still a ways away from being great," Leigh admitted frankly. "Because prodigies have too much. They don't have to fight for it. It's a blessing from God, but it's also a curse that prevents them from going further. So, a prodigy is just a prodigy, but it's hard to call them great."
"What about Peyton Manning? Troy Aikman? John Elway? O.J. Simpson? Terry Bradshaw? How should we discuss them?" I still didn't answer Leigh's "why" and continued to list a series of names.
The commonality of these names is: first, they were all first-round picks, prodigies, and highly-regarded talents in college; second, they are all Hall of Fame members. Even Manning, who has not yet retired, has already secured his spot in the Hall of Fame. More importantly, they are also strong candidates for being great players and are at least worthy of being in that category.
Leigh wasn't annoyed or angry. Instead, he nodded seriously. "I'll correct my words. Prodigies can achieve greatness, but only a small portion of them do. Truly great players need to go through trials and tribulations, and this process is too long and too difficult. It's often the players who aren't prodigies who are able to stick with it until the end."
I nodded in agreement, but then I changed the topic. "I think it could be because there are so few prodigies. So, from a proportional standpoint, it seems that most of the players who achieve greatness are not prodigies."
A prodigy is a prodigy. The reason they are called prodigies is that they have the potential to achieve greatness, or at least a greater chance of success. Also, the players who are called prodigies are still a minority.
A helpless smile appeared in Leigh's eyes. He had finally experienced my style. "That's also an explanation."
"But if I could choose, I would still choose to be a prodigy." My teasing made Leigh laugh out loud again, and he kept nodding. "Of course, of course. I can't refute that. Honestly, I'd also like to be a prodigy and enjoy the privileges and conveniences that come with it. That would be a great thing."
After the laughter, Leigh said solemnly, "I hope to be your agent and represent you in all your affairs. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anything that will help me get your representation."
"Why?" This was an expected invitation. The joy and excitement in my chest surged, and I was so excited that I couldn't control myself. But before I could blurt out a "yes," I forced myself to calm down and asked.
If he were just a regular agent, I wouldn't have asked such a stupid question.
Because those agents often have a dozen or twenty players. One more or one less doesn't matter. They could completely sign me based on my three-game winning streak. If my future development continues to rise, they would give me more attention. Otherwise, they would just forget about me in a corner, and they wouldn't have any losses.
So, the invitations from those agents were just one of their investment options. I naturally wouldn't ask such a stupid question as "why?"
But Leigh was different. This agent, over a long period of five or even ten years, might only sign one football player. He is cautious and would rather have nothing than something bad. But now, he has invited me. This is really not normal.
I have confidence in myself. I firmly believe that I can carve out a continuously rising career path. But for others in the league, that's not the case. And for Leigh, it's also not the case. So, why?
Leigh showed a faint smile, and a look of satisfied affirmation flashed in his eyes. He liked my reaction. Even though I was overjoyed, I still remained a little calm. Comparing this to my big-heart performance during key moments on the field, it was a very interesting confirmation.
"If I were to say that you are the only Chinese-American quarterback in the league and that I see commercial potential in you, would you believe me?" Leigh didn't answer directly but instead asked a question and looked at me.
I didn't say anything because I knew that was impossible.
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