Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 Lost & Found

   By Douglas Fox

   ============================================================== This
story is a sequel to "Drive for Excellense" It is written from the
perspective of Kyle Martin.  All characters, situations and actions are
completely fictitious.

   The previous stories in the series are:

   Algonquin Memories, The Tailback & The Cheerleader, Second Chance At
Love, Love By The Side of the Lakes, Finding Balance, Finding Answers,
Drive for Excellence.  These stories can be found at
/~Douglas_Fox/stories.htm

   Any resemblance to reality is purely coincidental.  These teenagers
practice unsafe sex repeatedly.  No one should do this in real life.  Real
unsafe sex leads to pregnancy, AIDS and death.  Be safe!

   ===================================================

   Chapter 81

   ==========

   The warm weather of the previous weekend continued, along with fog and
rain.  The rain and warm temperatures washed away the blanket of snow from
the weekend before.  School went off without delays or cancellations.

   My Wednesday first period lecture to the AP Comparative Government and
Politics class about the Cuban constitution went well.  The seniors were
surprised at all the guarantees in their constitution - freedom of speech,
of press and of religion, guarantees of medical care, housing and jobs. 
All of these guarantees sounded pretty good, until I pointed out the
article near the end of the constitution that stipulated that no one could
disparage or put down the communist party.  The article basically
invalidated the rest of the constitution's promises.

   Tuesday night's trip out to Pro Train's Cherry Hill gym took half an
hour.  Thankfully rush hour was over when I went.  I knew from listening to
local radio the last few weeks that I-95, the Betsy Ross Bridge and I-73 in
New Jersey could get jammed with traffic at the wrong time of day.

   Steve met me at his site.  He had me warm up and then work on the drills
I would be doing at the Combine.  About an hour into my workout I noticed
two muscular guys walk into the gym.  I knew they had to be athletes from
their build.  They looked kind of familiar too, but I couldn't place them.
The white guy was my height but huskier.  The black guy accompanying him
was shorter, maybe six foot tall and sleeker than his compatriot.  They
went to work on their own, without any help from the staff.

   I wrapped up my work a little before nine o'clock that evening.

   "You're on for Thursday night, right Kyle?" Steve asked.

   "Yes, I'm game for it," I agreed.

   "Do you want to meet a couple of your fellow pros?" Steve added.

   "Sure, why not?" I responded.  Steve led me over to the two guys I
suspected were athletes.

   "Brent, Jeremy, could I take a minute of your time and introduce you to
a soon-to-be pro?" Steve asked.  As soon as Steve said their names, I
figured out why they looked familiar.  They both played for my favorites,
the Eagles.  The guys agreed.

   "Brent, this is Kyle Martin from Penn State," Steve said.  I shook
Brent's hand.  "Kyle is getting ready for the combine."

   "I've read about you," Brent replied.  "The Philly paper has big Penn
State write-ups after every game.  You've been featured in most of the
articles."

   "Jeff Morgan has been very kind to me," I answered.

   "Kyle, this is Jeremy Maclin," Steve added.

   "Jeremy, it's a pleasure to meet you," I said as I shook hands with the
big Eagles receiver.  "I cheered myself hoarse the day the Eagles drafted
you."

   "Your fame has preceded you, Kyle," Jeremy said pleasantly.  He made a
mock scowl.  "Did you really have to break virtually all my college
records?"

   "Sorry about that," I replied.  "I was just playing football." Jeremy
gave me a big grin.

   "I'm just yanking your chain, man," Jeremy said.  "You shouldn't
apologize for what you've done on the field.  You beat out Brian Westbrook
and Jerry Rice.  No apologies needed."

   "You would have done that too, if you had stayed in school for four
years," I answered.

   "Maybe," Jeremy allowed.  "I made a good name for myself while I was at
Mizzou.  The Eagles pay me well too." Jeremy snorted.  "Anyway... you left
my freshman all-purpose yards record intact."

   "Penn State has never been strong believers in giving freshmen playing
time," I replied.

   "Good luck at the Combine and the draft," Jeremy said.

   "Maybe we'll end up teammates," Brent added.

   "I can't imagine that, as much as the Eagles fan in me would love it," I
responded.  "Coach Reid has one of the best receiving corps in the NFL.  I
doubt he will use a high draft pick on someone like me."

   "Good luck wherever you end up, Kyle," Jeremy said.  "It's nice to meet
you.

   "Same here," Brent added.

   "Good luck next season, guys," I said as we parted.  "I'll be cheering
for you a little... assuming I don't get drafted by the Cowboys, Giants or
Redskins.  Tell Cuch I said hi."

   "You might see him another time," Jeremy added.  "He often works out
with us.  He and his wife had a thing tonight."

   I felt pretty good when I left the gym.  Real professionals that didn't
know me from college accepted me as their colleague, no questions asked. 
The camaraderie I experienced with college players, even when we were on
different teams, was still there on the professional level.  I liked that
feeling of belonging to a larger fraternity.

   ----------------------------------------------------------------------

   Thursday's two lectures on the Philippines for the ninth grade World
Cultures course were harder than I anticipated.  The kids in both classes
were antsy.  I had some trouble keeping them focused on my lecture.  John
explained my problem after the first class was dismissed.  The weatherman
was expecting a storm late in the afternoon or early evening.  Approaching
rain affected the behavior of the kids.

   John asked me to stick around after school for a bit to discuss
techniques he learned for dealing with distracted students.  I listened
carefully.  John's ideas sounded good.

   I headed over to Cherry Hill to Pro Train after dinner for a couple
hours' workout with Steve Sanderson.  Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek were
there with Dominic Cuchiella and his backfield mate, Nate Allen.

   Cuch and I got a chance to catch up on his and Gina's life.  Gina was
expecting.  Their son was due April 10th.  I wished Gina the best.  Cuch
asked me to send his regards to Marco next time I saw him.  I expected to
see him at the Thon.  Pretty much the whole team took shifts supporting the
dancers.

   Penny and I packed for our trip down to Tallahassee after I returned
home.  We pre-positioned our luggage in my car.  We wouldn't have much time
Friday afternoon after school to catch our flight.

   -----------------------------------------------------------

   John Waters assigned me five lectures for next week, one a day, covering
all five classes that we taught.  I was going to have plenty to do on the
flight south and then again on the return trip home getting lesson plans
ready for next week.  John let me depart minutes after the students at the
end of the day.  He knew getting to the airport by five o'clock was going
to be difficult.

   I called home before pulling out of the school parking lot to warn Penny
I was on the way.  Traffic was busy but moving as I headed back to our
apartment.  I called from a traffic light on Lancaster Avenue to warn Penny
to get ready.  She was on the sidewalk at the front door of our building
when I double parked on 38th Street.  She hopped in and I headed for the
airport.  Traffic was ugly between Powelton and the airport.  I pulled into
the long term parking lot a few minutes after five.  Thankfully the line at
the check-in desk wasn't long.  We cleared check-in and security in time to
catch our plane.  We grabbed soft pretzels and bottles of water to have on
the plane before we boarded.

   Penny and I grabbed supper when we arrived in Charlotte.  We had an hour
and a half layover before we caught the CanadaAir RJ commuter jet that took
us to Tallahassee.  It was a few minutes before midnight when we arrived in
Tallahassee.  The Tallahassee Quarterback Club had a limousine waiting for
us.

   The early morning air outside the airport was hot and muggy.  Penny and
I had no need for the winter coats we wore from Philly.  The driver dropped
us off at the Residence Inn Marriot in downtown Tallahassee.

   The night manager greeted us warmly when we checked in.  She gave us a
packet of information from the Tallahassee Quarterback Club, our hosts.  We
had a briefing with the dinner organizers at 11:00 am in the morning.  They
scheduled me for a press conference at 3:30 pm.  The packet included
vouchers for meals at our hotel.

   Penny and I headed upstairs to our room.  To our pleasant surprise, we
were booked in a two bedroom suite.

   "I can't believe they gave us a suite," Penny marveled.

   "It's good to be the guest of honor," I commented.

   "I guess the second bedroom is so we can keep the appearance of
propriety," Penny said.

   "If only they knew," I joked.  "What would they say if they knew we've
been spending nights together since we were fourteen?"

   "That is information the public doesn't need to know," Penny answered.
"Are you ready to go to bed?  I'm beat from the travel."

   "You bet," I agreed.

   ----------------------------------------------------------------

   I left us a ten o'clock wakeup call when we checked in the previous
evening.  That helped Penny and me catch up on our sleep.  We didn't get to
bed until almost 2:00 am the previous night.  We had time to grab brunch at
the hotel before heading to the conference room for our morning briefing.

   We met with Tallahassee Quarterback Club president Gary Huff and his
Biletnikoff Dinner chair Brett Ewing.  The men filled us in on our schedule
for the weekend.  Jim Kelly was the featured speaker for the dinner.  The
club was taking us to lunch where we would meet our guides.  They would
take us on a tour around downtown Tallahassee.  Penny and I would have time
to relax after the press conference that afternoon and before the dinner.

   Mr.  Huff and Mr.  Ewing took us to Harry's Bar and Grille, a well-known
local restaurant.  I got a pleasant surprise when we got the restaurant. 
Quinton MacElree, the Senior Bowl South Team quarterback from Florida
State, had agreed to be our guide for the afternoon.  I introduced Quinton
to Penny.  He introduced us to his girlfriend Megan DiFiore.

   Harry's specialized in New Orleans cooking.  I had a Shrimp Po'boy. 
Penny decided to try the fish tacos.  I was glad the Tallahassee
Quarterback Club was picking up the fare.  The food was pretty good but I
thought $15.00 for a sandwich, a beer and tip was expensive.

   I knew Quinton a little from the Senior Bowl, but not a lot.  I spent my
time getting to know the three North quarterbacks, not the South
quarterbacks.  Quinton seemed like a personable guy to spend an afternoon
with.  Megan was as sweet as could be.

   Half a dozen people stopped by to talk with Quinton, including two state
representatives and a state senator.  He was very much the big man on
campus (or in town).  Mr.  Huff and Mr.  Ewing headed off after lunch.  The
weather in Tallahassee was great compared to back home.  The sky was sunny
and the temperature was near seventy degrees.  Philly would be lucky if the
temperature went above freezing that day.

   Quinton took us across the street, where he parked his car.  It was a
brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee.  The cars came with the full package of
accessories.  It had to have cost a small fortune.

   "You have nice wheels," I commented as he pulled out of the lot.  "Have
you had it long?"

   "I've had it three weeks," Quinton answered.  "My agent gave me an
advance.  It was past time to dump that old beater of a car I had.  What do
you think?"

   Penny and I agreed the car was very nice.  It was also exactly the kind
of extravagant spending Max had warned us to avoid right now.  I had no
interest in going further into debt than I already was to my parents. 
Quinton's agent may have called it an advance, but it really was a loan.  I
kept those thoughts to myself.

   "I'm satisfied with my old VW," I said.  "The neighborhood where Penny
and I live isn't the safest.  A car like this would disappear off the
street in no time at all, if it were parked there."

   "That's what I love about Tallahassee," Quinton responded.  "It isn't a
big city.  I don't have to worry about anything like that."

   Quinton gave us a driving tour of downtown Tallahassee.  We saw the
capitol building and the state supreme court building.  He took us through
the Florida State campus.  Quinton gave us a complete tour of the football
facilities at the Moore Athletic Center.  He had no problem convincing
security to allow us out on the field at the stadium.  Quinton and Megan
got us back to our hotel in time to freshen up before the press conference.


   About thirty reporters showed up for the press conference, including six
camera crews.  ESPN, Fox and CBS were there with the remainder coming from
local TV stations.  Most of the questions were routine.  One question
cropped up from the Senior Bowl week.

   "Kyle, are you definitely going into the NFL next season?" Adam Chadwick
from ESPN asked.  "What are your plans over the next month or two?"

   "I'm student teaching during the day and working out to get ready for
the Combine in two weeks," I replied patiently.  "I hired a trainer to
improve my techniques for the Combine drills because I plan to play in the
NFL."

   "There have been concerns that you have a list of teams that you would
refuse to play for," Adam added.  "Which teams are on your list?  I heard a
rumor that you wouldn't play for the Raiders." I gave him a big smile.

   "I'll tell you the same thing I told Al Davis when I talked with him two
weeks ago," I answered.  "I love the vertical passing game.  Get me the
ball deep to drive the secondary off the line.  My deep threat opens up the
whole field for the team.  Doesn't that sound like classic Raiders
football?"

   "It does," Adam agreed.  "How about the..."

   I cut him off.  "I'm not going to go through the league team by team to
talk about whether I will play for them or not.  I have no list of teams
that I will or won't play for.  I fully expect to be on the field next fall
with whichever team drafts me.  I hope that puts this issue to bed."

   Thankfully a local sports reporter threw me a softball question next. 
He wanted to know which players most influenced me over the last four
years. I happily credited Zack Hayes, Aaron Morano, Bo Cherry and Anders
Voight for their on field help.  I thanked Bobby Engram, Joe Jurivicius,
Glenn Tucker and Deon Butler for their advice.  The rest of the press
conference went well.

   Penny and I had some time to relax before heading over the dinner.  We
showered and changed into our dress clothes before catching our limo ride
over to Florida State's University Center Club on campus.

   We arrived for the pre-dinner reception at 5:30 pm.  Mr.  Ewing
introduced Penny and me to Jim Kelly and his wife.  I felt honored to meet
the Hall of Fame quarterback.  We had a couple minutes to talk before we
started our duties.

   Jim teased me about Joe Paterno.  Jim is from a small town in western
Pennsylvania and had wanted to attend Penn State when he was in high
school. Jim wondered if Joe had changed his mind yet whether Jim Kelly
would be a better quarterback than a linebacker, which is the position
JoePa wanted Jim to play.  I allowed that Joe probably was right.  Jim
would have made a hell of a linebacker if he had gone to Penn State, not
that his going to Miami as a quarterback hadn't worked out OK too.

   Jim and I were expected to schmooze with the VIPs at the pre-dinner
party and have our pictures taken with each of them.  The hors d'ouevres
looked good, but I only knew by look.  I spent the entire reception shaking
hands, talking and posing for pictures with the VIPs.

   I was introduced to Fred Biletnikoff during the pre-dinner reception. 
He was friendly and down to earth.  I enjoyed the couple minutes I spent
talking with him.  A number of football coaches were invited to the dinner.
Les Miles from LSU was there.

   He greeted me warmly when we met.  "I was disappointed to lose you at
LSU, but I guess you did well up at Penn State," Coach Miles said. 
"Congratulations on an outstanding college career."

   "Thank you," I replied.  "I have been very fortunate."

   "How did things work out for you and your high school girlfriend?" Coach
Miles asked.  "I remember you wanted to see if I could help get her into
LSU as an undergrad and into our veterinary school."

   "Things worked out well, in the end," I answered.  "Let me introduce you
to that girlfriend, and now my fiancée.  Coach Miles, this is Penny
Edwards. Penny, this is Coach Les Miles from Louisiana State University."

   "It's very nice to meet you, Coach Miles," Penny said as she shook the
coach's hand.

   "I guess everything worked out for the two of you," Coach Miles
observed. "I know Penn State does not have a veterinary school.  Did you
give up on that dream, Penny?"

   "No, I attended the University of Pennsylvania," Penny said.  "I start
veterinary school there this fall."

   "It can be very difficult to maintain a long distance relationship,"
Coach Miles said.  "How did the two of you manage it?"

   "We didn't," I replied.  "We had an ugly breakup when we were freshmen.
I was incredibly fortunate that she was willing to take me back last
spring."

   "To win back a beautiful woman like Penny," Coach observed, "...you are
indeed fortunate, Kyle.  I wish the best of luck to both of you."

   I got to meet Coach Lou Holtz.  He was engaging and funny.  Coach and
Mrs.  Burton arrived near the end of the reception.

   "I hear you had another run in with Dr.  Henderson last week," Coach
Burton observed.  "Joe helped you get things straightened out."

   "I think it is safe to say, Coach Paterno was instrumental in getting me
reinstated to the student teaching program," I answered.  "How did signing
day go?  I'm out of touch down in Philly."

   "We did very well," Coach Burton replied.  "All our expected signees
signed their letters.  We got a bonus.  Blake Drummond, a four star tight
end out of Texas, switched to us at the last minute.  His father and
grandfather both graduated from Penn State, but the family moved to Texas
fifteen years ago.  I frankly expected him to end up at Texas or Oklahoma
instead of with us."

   "That's excellent," I replied.  "I'm glad things went well."

   Mr.  Ewing came over and escorted Penny and me to the head table.  We
were seated with Jim and Mrs.  Kelly, Mr.  and Mrs.  Ewing and Mr.  and
Mrs. Huff.  Bobby and Mrs.  Engram arrived just before the banquet started.
They were seated at our table too.

   The University Center Club did a nice Pecan Crusted Chicken with mashed
sweet potatoes and a vegetable medley.  We had a choice of crème brulee
with fresh berries or a bittersweet chocolate mousse layered with chocolate
sponge cake.  Chocoholics through and through, Penny and I both had the
mousse.

   I enjoyed talking non-football topics with Bobby.  We had talked before
but always about football.  He was friendly and engaging.  He had the table
laughing with some of his JoePa stories.  Deanna Engram seemed delightful
too.

   During a lull in the conversation I asked, "How is retirement treating
you?" Bobby hung up his cleats after his 2010 season with the Browns.  "Do
you miss football?" Bobby let out a loud laugh.

   "You haven't heard the news?" Bobby retorted, still laughing.  "I was
hired to coach for the 49ers three weeks ago."

   "Really?" I responded.  Bobby nodded yes eagerly.  "I hadn't heard that.
I interviewed with your boss a couple weeks ago."

   "I know," Bobby replied.  "Now I need to convince Jim that we need to
draft you.  I'd love to see you in 49ers colors."

   "Good luck with that, Bobby," I answered.  "I wouldn't mind playing for
you at all."

   Mr.  Ewing excused himself during our conversation.  He conferred with
the master of ceremonies briefly.  The program started shortly thereafter.
The emcee talked about Fred Biletnikoff's career at Florida State and with
the Raiders.  There was a joke or two about "stick-um", something I never
heard of.

   Bobby leaned in and whispered to me, "Decades ago players in the NFL
were allowed to use a sticky gum called `stick-um' to help them hold onto
the balls.  Fred was notorious for using a lot of `stick-um.'" Bobby gave
me a wink.  "None of that detracts from his performance on the field.  He
still had to get open, make the catch and then move the ball down the
field, just like in my day and like you will to."

   "Thanks for the info," I whispered back.

   Fred Biletnikoff acknowledged the crowd but didn't speak that evening.
Jim Kelly was up next.  Jim spoke eloquently about perseverance - in sports
and in life.  He talked about the struggle he and his wife Jill had when
they found out their son Hunter had Krabbe Leukodystrophy.  He talked about
how perseverance and faith in God had helped them through their trying
times.  Hunter's life gave Jim's life a sense of purpose.  He spoke briefly
about his Hunter's Hope Foundation before concluding his speech.

   The emcee recognized various members of the Tallahassee Quarterback Club
to thank them for organizing the dinner.  The emcee called forward the high
school players who were receiving scholarships and recognized them.

   It was Bobby Engram's turn after that.  Bobby was at the dinner both as
the first recipient of the award as well my presenter that evening.  He
talked about the parallels between his career at Penn State and mine. 
Bobby reviewed the various records I broke in the past couple seasons.  He
gave me a big smile when it was time for the finale.

   "It is a great honor and privilege to present this award to my fellow
Penn Stater," Bobby said.  "Kyle D.  Martin, please come forward to be
recognized."

   I stepped onto the stage with Bobby and shook hands.  "Congratulations
on winning the 2012 Biletnikoff Award for the outstanding collegiate wide
receiver." Bobby handed me the trophy showing Fred Biletnikoff stretching
out to make a tiptoe catch at the edge of an imaginary field.

   "I want to thank the Tallahassee Quarterback Club for giving me this
honor," I said as I stood at the podium.  "You have been very generous and
gracious hosts to me and my fiancée, Penny Edwards." I blew Penny a kiss.
"I want to thank Walter Caffrey, the high school coach who saw something in
a skinny eighth grader and convinced me to try out for football.  His
coaching started me on the road to where I am today.  I want to thank
Zachary Hayes, now at Green Bay, for demanding that I learn to play my
position with skill and determination.  I want to thank Coach Joe Paterno,
who brought me into the Penn State family.  Coach Robert Burton, Coach John
Schroeder and Coach Paul Adams taught me how to compete at the top level
collegiately.

   "I want to thank my parents for their help, support and forbearance of
my football obsession over the past eight years.  My brothers and my sister
have always supported me on the football field too.  Thank you, all.  Most
of all I want to thank my lovely fiancée, Penny Edwards.  Penny has the
patience of a saint.  She has managed to put up with all my foibles and
mistakes over the past eight years.

   I paused for a moment and looked at the statuette.  "I see one thing
that should be corrected on this trophy.  The only name on it is mine.  It
really should recognize the entire Nittany Lions team.  Football is the
ultimate team sport.  Whether it's the offensive linemen buying time for
Zack or Chip to get me the ball deep; the running backs making our ground
game go so the secondary has to close up on the line; or the special teams
players opening big holes for me to return the ball through; everyone has a
hand in making me successful.  Even the defense plays a part.  They made
the stops we needed and gave us good field position so our offense could
operate at full effectiveness.

   "I will share these sentiments with my teammates so they know the honor
all of you have done recognizing them through me.  Thank you again for this
award and this wonderful weekend here in Tallahassee."

   Fred Biletnikoff come up and congratulated me and presented me with the
Biletnikoff Award ring.  The officers of the club came up to congratulate
me before the end of the banquet.

   I endured more photos after the banquet ended.  Many of the patrons at
the banquet stopped by to personally congratulate me afterward.  Penny and
I didn't get a ride back to our hotel until after eleven o'clock.  I was on
an emotional high after the awards banquet and feeling amorous.

   Penny and I changed and cleaned up for the night.  We climbed in bed
together.  I snuggled up to my sweetie.  I kissed the back of her neck and
whispered, "Do you want to make love tonight?"

   Penny rolled over to face me.  "I'm sorry, honey," she answered.  "I
feel a little crampy already.  It's going to be that time of month
tomorrow. How about later next week, after I'm done?  Maybe Thursday night
since we're going to be busy dancing next weekend."

   "That sounds wonderful," I said, concealing my disappointment.  "I can't
wait for Thursday night." I gave Penny a kiss before she rolled over.  I
spooned against her before falling asleep.

   ---------------------------------------------------------------------

   The wake up service at the hotel rang our room at 4:00 am, as we
requested.  Penny and I stumbled through our morning routine.  We were down
at the front desk, ready to check out and head to the airport at 4:30 am,
as scheduled.  The morning was cold and rainy, quite unlike the nice
weather the previous day.  We breezed through check-in and security and had
breakfast before we boarded our plane.

   The flight to Charlotte and then the one on to Philadelphia went
routinely - on time with no more snow.  Thank God!  The plane pulled up to
the gate in Philly and opened the door so we could debark just before
eleven o'clock that morning.

   We grabbed our bags and boarded a bus over to long term parking.  The
sky was bright and clear.  The temperatures were in the mid-twenties, more
normal by our standards for a February Sunday.

   I spent part of the afternoon reading the paper and the remainder
preparing for my lectures the next week.  John Waters assigned me a lecture
a day, one for each of the five classes we taught.  I knew my workload at
school was going to continue to increase until I was virtually taking over
the teaching duties for his classes by the end of April.

   ------------------------------------------------------------

   The week flew by.  I did my Econ lecture on Monday, two lectures to the
AP U.  S.  Government and Politics classes on Tuesday and Modern European
History on Wednesday.  During the break period Wednesday John had me take a
first stab at preparing the next test for the AP Comparative Government
class.  I lectured that class first thing Thursday morning.  Professor
Buchanan observed.  John and my professor were pleased with my progress
when they reviewed the lecture with me afterward.

   Aaron Morano called on Thursday evening to confirm all the arrangements
for the Thon weekend.  I lectured the World Cultures class on the French
colonial period in Indo-China on Friday.  Penny texted me a few minutes
after the car picked her up at our apartment.  The message said: "IN LIMO,
ON WAY."

   I observed John lecture through the remainder of eighth period.  I
gathered up my things as soon as the kids were dismissed and headed for the
door.  John called out, "Which city are you jetting off too this weekend? I
don't think you've spent a weekend in Philly since you moved down here."

   "You know I'm going to State College this weekend," I responded.  I gave
him a wink.  "I'm taking my sweetie dancing for the weekend.  By the way,
thanks for the contribution to the Thon."

   "Good luck with Thon," John answered.  "Get a good night sleep Sunday
night.  You're giving the lecture first period Monday."

   "I got it covered, John," I replied as I breezed out the door.  The limo
was parked right outside the main doors to the school, putting on too much
of a show.

   "Nice ride, Mr.  Martin," someone called out as I opened the door.  I
turned to see Alex D'Antonio.  "Good luck at Thon.  Say hi to Jen for me if
you see her."

   "I'll do that Alex," I promised.  ""Have a good weekend."

   I climbed in the back of the limo beside Penny.  "What do you think of
this?"

   She grinned and responded, "Would you like some wine for the trip to the
airport?"

   "Maybe a small glass," I replied.  "Do you like the ride?"

   "I couldn't believe it when the limo pulled up to pick me up," Penny
said as she poured my wine.  "Thank Aaron and Zack the next time you talk
to them.  This is pretty incredible."

   We sipped our wine and talked for a bit about our day.  Penny was in a
bubbly mood.

   "Have you ever done it in a limo, Kyle?" Penny queried.

   "Done it?  Sex?" I asked.  "No, I've never done that.  This is the
fourth time in my life I've ridden in a limo.  You were there the first
time when we took one to the senior prom.  The second time was in December
during the ride from the airport to the hotel for the Heisman announcement.
Then there was last weekend.  I did NOT have an opportunity that time."

   "Wouldn't it be naughty?" Penny giggled.

   "On the Route 30 Bypass through the middle of Chester County?" I
retorted.  "I don't think so."

   Penny rolled over into my lap hugged and kissed me.  "If not the limo,
how about joining the mile high club?" Penny purred between kisses.

   "You're certainly excited this afternoon," I replied.

   "It's been six days since we made love," Penny answered.  "You're not
the only who has gotten used to regular loving.  What do you think of the
mile high club?"

   Penny smothered any answer with kisses.  Half an hour later when we
arrived at the G.  O.  Carlson Airport outside Coatesville, I was ready for
most anything.  Mile high club?  Oh hell, yeah!

   Our limo pulled off the bypass and drove down to Business Route 30 and
over to the airport.  An attendant was waiting for us at the parking lot
with a sign with my name on it.  He helped us carry our overnight bags over
to a Learjet near the terminal.

   "A limo to the airport?  A Learjet?" Penny said, laughing.  "What kind
of world have you gotten me into, Kyle?"

   "My friends do live life well, don't they?" I responded.  "Get used to
it.  We may be able to afford little extravagances too, after the draft."

   The attendant helped us get our bags stowed and settled in for takeoff.
The pilot had us in the air within a couple minutes of our arrival at the
airport.  I do believe Aaron had been very specific about the tight time
schedule we had to follow to get to the Thon.

   When the plane had climbed to altitude and leveled off, the attendant
stopped checked on us.  "Is there anything I can get for you?  Drinks...
snacks?"

   "No, we're good," I replied.  "Could my fiancée and I get some privacy
for a while?"

   He smiled and gave us a knowing wink.  "You'd be surprised how often I
get asked that question.  We will begin our descent in ten minutes.  I will
announce myself before I come back to this section.  Enjoy yourselves."

   "Thank you," I said.  Penny echoed my thanks.

   The make out session in the limo had gotten both of us excited enough so
that we didn't need much time to prepare.  Penny threw my tie over my
shoulder and unzipped my pants.  She pulled my `Little Kyle' out (her name
for it, not mine).  Penny swallowed the tip and gave me a quick blow job to
get me to maximum hardness.

   Penny doffed her jeans and climbed on my lap, mounting me quickly.  I
hugged Penny's body to me as she bounced up and down on my hard shaft. 
God, her velvety insides felt great.  She rode me hard and fast.  I played
with her clitoris to help her along.  The tight friction moved me closer
and closer to climax.  My balls were tingling when Penny gasped from my
clitoral stimulation and came hard.  I followed her seconds later, pumping
spurt after sticky white spurt of cum into her belly.

   Penny was buttoning her jeans when the attendant coughed loudly and
asked, "Is everything clear?  We are beginning our descent into University
Park shortly."

   "It is all clear," I managed.  Penny couldn't stifle her laugh.

   "Make sure you belt up," the attendant added.

   "That was so bad," Penny teased.  I leaned across and gave her a kiss.
"I'm going to have you dribbling out of me for half the weekend."

   "You seemed to be a very willing participant," I countered.  "Welcome to
the mile high club, honey." She returned my kiss before settling in for
landing.  The attendant checked on us about thirty seconds later before
taking a seat and strapping himself in.

   I watched out the window at the mountains I had become so familiar with
over the past four years as we descended into the University Park Airport.
I spotted Beaver Stadium just before we landed.  It seemed so tiny from up
here.

   Our pilot set the plane down gently and taxied us over to the private
aircraft terminal.  The attendant helped Penny and me get our bags and
debark the plane.  Brian Henson was standing near the building.  He gave us
a big smile and wave.

   "Hey Coach, it's good to see you," Brian exclaimed.  "It's good to see
you too, Penny.  We need to get moving.  We're on a tight schedule this
afternoon."

   "It's good to see you, Brian," Penny said as Brian took her bag.  "Thank
you for driving us."

   "It's just one of my jobs this weekend," Brian answered.  "Jon runs a
tight ship.  He has everything super organized."

   "We appreciate your help," I added as we walked over to his car.  "Is
there time for a quick shower before we go to the BJC?"

   Brian stopped and glanced at us.  "Were you doing work out on the
flight? You're all sweaty."

   "In a manner of speaking," I admitted.  "We joined a special club on the
flight here." Brian stopped, arched his eyebrows and stared back at me.  I
gave him a big smile.  "You know how it is."

   "I did," Brian responded.  "I had a fight with my girlfriend.  It's been
a couple weeks but I do remember what it's like."

   "Why don't you drop me off at the Lasch Building," I suggested as we
rode back to campus.  "Penny can use the shower in the apartment and I'll
catch a quick one in the locker room."

   The trip back to campus took a few minutes.  Brian double parked
momentarily while I hopped out of the car and grabbed my bag.  I hustled
into the Lasch Building.  I breezed past Ann Marie at the reception desk.

   "Hi, Ann Marie," I said as I rushed by.  "I've got to shower and change
for the Thon.  Have a good day."

   "Good luck dancing, Kyle," Ann Marie called back as I headed for the
locker room.  The place was deserted, as I expected.  Everyone was busy
with Thon preparations.  I grabbed a towel and borrowed Trevor's soap and
shampoo.  I knew he wouldn't mind.  I hustled through my shower and dressed
in shorts, T-shirt and sweatpants.  I threw my dirty clothes in my bag and
hustled over to "my" apartment.

   Trevor, Damian and Chip all greeted me warmly when I arrived.  Damian
had a high-carb supper ready for everyone.  Penny came downstairs a couple
minutes later.  We devoured our dinners.

   Brian drove Penny and me over to the Bryce Jordan Center.  The two of us
headed inside to check-in and get ready for the dance.  Brian gave Penny a
replica #87 jersey to wear.  I wore one of my own.  Christian delivered the
other football dance team a couple minutes later.  Shawn Byrd was wearing
his #22 jersey.  His fiancée Jada Owens was wearing an identical replica
jersey to Shawn's.  The football team couples were assigned to the blue
team, of course.

   They issued us dance couple numbers to pin to our shirts.  Somebody did
a little planning.  We were assigned to be couple #87.  They did the same
thing for Shawn and Jada.  They were couple #22.

   The four of us gathered with the other dancers.  Shawn and I talked with
the other dancers.  Everyone recognized us by our jerseys.  We talked with
our fans, offering encouragement and accepting the kind words they offered
us in return.

   The Thon captains called everyone together when it was time.  The whole
group jogged out onto the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center through the
human tunnel.  Joe Ricci and his girlfriend; Christian and Bev; Dave McCall
and Grace; Trevor and Steph; and Jon Stafford and Ashley Burton were on the
floor to help us get prepared.

   Everyone stretched and prepared for our coming marathon.  Our support
staff helped us get psyched.  Charles Mallard, the founder of the Four
Diamonds Fund, kicked things off by talking about the founding and the
purpose of the Four Diamonds Fund and what it worked to achieve.

   The morale boosters led the arena in a series of TV theme songs to get
the crowd psyched up for the weekend.  Penny and I were allowed to sit and
relax during the preliminaries.  Our handlers offered encouragement and
Gatorade to get us ready for our ordeal.

   The "Welcome to Thon" video was next.  When the video was over, Missy
Crosby, this year's Thon chair, announced, "Remember, this weekend is FOR
THE KIDS!  Dancers, on your feet.  Let's dance!"

   Penny and I hopped up and joined the other seven hundred and six dancers
on the floor.  The music was lively.  The big crowd was pumped and I was
having a blast.

   "What do you think, honey?" I asked.

   "This whole thing is amazing," Penny answered.  "I've never seen
anything like this.  How many people are in this arena?"

   "Probably twenty-thousand plus," I answered.  "Enjoy this.  It's a great
cause and a fun weekend."

   "I will, honey," Penny agreed.

   The committee started things off with a DJ to spin tunes for the first
half hour or so.  The first guest to appear on stage was huge, furry and
green.  About half the crowd cheered loudly as the Philly Phanatic rolled
out on a scooter.  The other half of the crowd presumably was from the
western half of the state and weren't Phillies fans.

   He danced with some of the morale boosters on stage and then coaxed the
Nittany Lion out to join him.  When that song was over, the Phanatic
trotted over to the side of the stage and dragged someone out by the arm.

   The crowd went wild when the recognized the tall man wearing a #35
Phillies jersey.  They cheered wildly as they recognized Cole Hamels, the
ace Phillies pitcher.  Cole was tugging on a beefy black man's arm. 
Another cheer went up as his #6 was revealed and the crowd recognized Ryan
Howard, the Phillies first baseman.

   Ryan was tugging on a much smaller black arm.  Jimmy Rollins was the
next to appear on stage, to the crowd's delight.  Jimmy tugged on a white
arm.  I knew who it was going to be attached to.  The crowd roared in
delight as Chase Utley's #26 was revealed.

   Jimmy Rollins acted as the group's spokesman.  He praised the huge crowd
of students for coming out to raise money for the fight against cancer. 
The Phanatic and the Nittany Lion took center stage for the next song. 
They led the crowd in the next dance while Cole, Chase, Jimmy and Ryan
swayed along with the furry characters.

   The morale boosters took over when the song was over.  It was time for
them to teach us this year's line dance.  The Morale sub-committee of the
Thon committee produced new lyrics and music for the line dance each year.

   Twenty-some thousand danced with the dancers on the floor as we learned
the line dance.  The line dance was repeated hourly throughout the Thon. 
The crowd got into the line dance.

   Penny leaned close into to me and whispered, "I can feel you dribbling
out of me now."

   "Whose idea was it to join that rather exclusive club?" I replied.

   "No regrets, Kyle," Penny said.  "It was just a comment.  It reminds me
of how much I love you."

   "I love you too," I answered as we hugged and danced.

   Penny and I took our first break after everyone finished the line dance.
One of the rooms off to the side of the main floor was set aside for
dancers to relax and get away from the crowds and noise for a few minutes.

   Chase, Jimmy, Cole and Ryan were working the crowd of dancers in the
break room.  Joe Ricci and his girlfriend, Erika, delivered bottles of
Gatorade and granola bars to Penny and me.  Chase noticed us as we were
devouring our snacks.  He came straight over.

   "Devin told me the two of you were dancing this weekend," Chase said in
greeting.  He gave Penny a hug and shook my hand.

   "Hey, Chase.  It's good to see you here," I answered.

   "It's wonderful to see you here," Penny added.  "I never imagined you
would be here this weekend.  How did you get involved?"

   "Yeah, I'm curious too," I added.  "I expected you guys to be down in
Florida for spring training."

   "The group organizing this fundraiser asked the Phillies to get
involved," Chase explained.  "Our team wanted to do more than send the
Phanantic.  The team asked if a few players would be willing to come up for
this weekend and work the crowd.  Since my nephew is here now, I
volunteered.  Cole, Jimmy and Ryan were kind enough to agree to come too."
Chase chuckled.  "As for spring training... we fly down to Clearwater
tomorrow morning.  Hey, guys... Jimmy... Ryan... Cole... come over."

   Chase's teammates came over and greeted us.  Jimmy and Ryan remembered
us from last spring.  Cole, not so much.  He was starting the game that
afternoon and had focused his attention elsewhere.

   Joe reminded Penny and me that our break was nearly over.  Chase asked,
"Are you and Penny going to come to any games this spring?  I'd be happy to
arrange it to say thanks for all you've done for Devin.  I'm sure you had
something to do with his getting a scholarship."

   "You overestimate my importance here," I answered.  "I don't have that
kind of clout.  Devin earned the scholarship on his own."

   "I heard how you coached him during football camps and took an interest
in him," Chase said.  "I feel I owe you.  When do you and Penny want to
take in a game?  Maybe opening day?"

   "When is it?" I asked.  "My schedule is getting full."

   "Friday, April 5th, is our opening day," Chase answered.  "What do you
think, Kyle?"

   I turned to my lover.  "What do you think, honey?" I asked.  "I don't
remember anything we have that weekend."

   "We'll check our calendars, Chase," Penny said.  "I'd love to watch you
guys open the season."

   "Coach... Penny, it's time to get back on the floor," Joe Ricci
remarked, interrupting our conversation.

   "Duty calls, Chase," I said.  "I'll e-mail you so we can coordinate
things.  I think we'll be able to attend.  Good luck with spring training."

   "Cool," Chase replied.  "Good luck with the marathon, you two.  Good
luck for that scouting workout with the NFL.  When is it?"

   "I leave Wednesday night for Indianapolis," I replied.  "Good luck to
all you guys.  Go get another pennant.  Penny and I will be cheering for
you."

   "Thanks, Kyle," Chase answered.  "Knock'em dead in Indy."

   Penny and I headed back to out to the arena floor and went back to
dancing.  NOTA ("None of The Above"), one of the university's a cappella
groups was performing.  They were outstanding.

   Penny and I danced on.  We had one live band play later that evening. 
They did a decent job.  The BJC was rocking even if the band was a little
off key.  I lost track of time.  Everyone in the arena did a conga line
later in the evening.

   The crowd started to thin later.  I'm guessing it was after midnight by
then.  The DJ, the morale boosters and our team's handlers kept Shawn,
Jada, Penny and me going.  Michael Jackson's Thriller got the crowd pumped
up for a while.  An early morning pasta salad helped our energy level. 
Sometime early in the morning one of the fitness trainers led all the
dancers in stretching exercises.  It helped.

   I recognized it was around six o'clock Saturday morning by the change in
shifts.  Matt Sauder showed up with a cute freshmen coed.  Josh Hunsecker
showed up with Joe Radziwill.  Joe was a first semester linebacker from
Lititz, Lancaster County, who started half a year ahead of his high school
classmates, same as Josh and Matt.  Matt introduced us to his steady
girlfriend, Hannah Reitz.  I was surprised Matt managed to find himself a
steady girlfriend in just six weeks.

   People started to drift in an hour or so later, mostly families with
kids to start with.  The kids watched us a dance for a bit and then split
to play in the play room the university athletic teams were running.  So
far, Penny and I were holding up pretty well.  Shawn and Jada were feeling
great.

   One of the live bands did a forty-five minute set late in the morning.
They ended their set with their version of Charlie Daniels' "The Devil Went
Down to Georgia." The fiddling was excellent.

   Penny and I had some fun with one of the Color Wars games.  It's called
`Whack-a-Moraler.' We got to chase the morale boosters around the dance
floor and bop them with Nerf pool noodles.  Hopefully they don't have a
`Whack-a-Dancer' game later.

   The next live band was setting up when I felt a tap on my shoulder. 
Penny could see who it was behind and had a huge grin on her face.  I
turned to find who wanted me.

   "Zack!  Leigh Ann!  What the he....[LL]," I gasped.  I cut off the
`hell' when I saw little Laurie draped over her father's shoulder.  "What
are you doing here?"

   "I had to check on my..." Zack chuckled, "investment.  Hi, Penny.  How
are the two of you holding up?"

   "Hi, Kyle.  Hi, Penny," Leigh Ann added.

   "We're good so far," I answered.  "How did you guys get on the floor?"

   "I have friends in high places," Zack teased with a wink.  "Dave McCall
was kind enough to loan me his floor passes for a few minutes."

   Zack, Leigh Ann, Penny and I talked while my lover and I continued
dancing.  Zack and Leigh Ann were in Pennsylvania for a couple weeks.  They
wanted to give both sets of grandparents a chance to see their
granddaughter.  I enjoyed talking with Zack and Leigh Ann.  The proud papa
let me dance with his daughter for minute.  Laurie seemed to enjoy the
attention from her "Uncle" Kyle and "Aunt" Penny.

   Zack glanced at his watch.  "I've got run.  They heard I was coming this
weekend and sucked me into helping over at the Lasch Building with the
Make-A-Wish tour."

   "You'll enjoy that, Zack," I replied.  "Have fun with the kids.  I
always loved visiting with them.  The kids will get a kick out of meeting a
real NFL player."

   "I think they'll get more of a kick out of meeting a Pro-Bowl player
than me," Zack replied.

   "Aaron's here?"

   "He and Tania have the room next door to Leigh Ann and me," Zack said.

   "Tell him to stop by and see me," I said.  "I'm sure Dave McCall will
loan him a pass so we can visit here on the floor."

   "Don't worry, you'll get the chance to talk with Aaron this weekend,"
Zack promised.

   Our friends headed off while Penny and I continued dancing.  Another
band came on stage to entertain the growing crowd in the arena.  More
students were joining the throng as the late risers woke up.

   I know I was starting to get a little bleary as I approached thirty
hours without sleep.  My memory was more of snippets than of the whole
event.  I remember the whole arena singing "Hey Jude" together.  I remember
the Four Diamonds kids chasing students around the arena with squirt guns
later in the morning.  Twenty thousand people singing Bruce Springsteen's
"Born to Run" was another highlight.

   My noon day bowl of spaghetti got my energy back.  The Deacons of
Dixieland were setting up.  That is President Spanier's band.  The man
plays a mean washboard.  Our college's president's group was well received.

   Early in the afternoon the glee club led the arena in a sing-along. 
Queen's "Somebody to Love" was a smash.  "Don't Stop Believin'" was another
hit by the glee club.  The band Velveeta performed next.  They had the
place rocking with "Sweet Caroline", always a crowd favorite at Thon. 
Chewbacca showed up to dance with Velveeta.

   Mop Break!  All the dancers move aside to let the staff mop down the
area floor.  I guess we dancers are literally pouring ourselves into the
Thon.  We stood on the sidelines for twenty minutes or so while they got
the floor safe for us again.

   Athletes Hour was next.  Various university teams performed for the
crowd.  The ladies' volleyball team was excellent.  The men's soccer team,
including Chip's good friend Austin, had everyone laughing hard.  That
wasn't the effect their dance was intended to produce, but it kept us
going.

   Joe Paterno came on next to address the crowd.  After sixty-three years
addressing students, the short Italian from Brooklyn knew how to use his
raspy voice to reach students.  He had the crowd cheering.

   "The things you do today will stay with you the rest of your life,"
JoePa observed.  "I hear you are aiming to raise over ten million dollars
this year.  It's great to set big goals and even better when you achieve
them.  Dance... dance FOR THE KIDS!"

   JoePa left the stage to raucous "We are... Penn State!" cheers.  Poor
Coach Burton took the stage next.  He kept his remarks brief, sticking to
introducing the "Lasch Building Dancers" to the crowd.  About twenty of my
teammates took the stage to the cheers of the crowd.

   I was shocked to see Jonathan Caffrey and Ryan Adams in front of the
group.  Both boys were wearing their #87 jerseys.  The team did Ushers'
"Yeah!" I enjoyed seeing the two white boys rapping along with the mostly
black football players.  Unlike last year, Jonathan really was enjoying his
time on stage.  The YouTube video from last year had helped him fit into
his new school and made him something of a hero among his classmates.

   The team's song was well received by the audience.  Some joker,
undoubtedly a football player, yelled loudly, "WE WANT THE OTHER TRIPLET!"
Thankfully the crowd did not take up that chant.  Like all good performers,
my teammates exited the stage leaving the audience wanting more.

   It's time for another line dance.  A dozen long haired students took the
stage after the line dance to get their hair shaved off.  They were
donating it to Wigs for Kids.  They received tremendous applause for their
shaved heads.

   An evening highlight was Thoning with the Stars.  Penn State has some
extremely talented students.  We had Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift
wanna-bes.  We had musicians, singers and dancers.  The winner was a folk
duo who sang and played beautifully.

   Oh God!  Not more Backstreet Boys!  Please deliver me from this!

   One memorable highlight Saturday evening was the foot massage.  The
Moralers did a massage for every dancer on the floor.  God, it was nice.

   The DJ did a musical tour through the decades.  They started with
ancient stuff by Elvis, Little Richard, B.  B.  King and company.  Beatles,
Rolling Stones, the Who, the Doors... down through time.  Led Zepplin, the
Eagles, Springsteen, Billy Joel... the musical review continued.

   Penny and I liked the classic rock.  This was the soundtrack of our
youth.  Both sets of parents played this music constantly, so we learned to
enjoy it too.  The disco songs weren't as much fun for Penny and me.  They
came back with Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, U2 and Dire Straits.  We were
rocking again.  Nirvana, the Dave Matthews Band, Green Day and Janet
Jackson rounded out the featured artists.

   The big crowd chanted for the Nittany Lion to come out.  My friend
Patrick obliged.  He pumped out forty-six one-armed pushups in honor of the
Thon as the crowd chanted P... S... U...

   I guess around midnight or so the crowd thinned drastically.  Many of
the audience had been up as long as the dancers.  They headed to bed.  We
danced on with the encouragement of the Moralers.  Penny and I were in the
break room when Aaron and Tania Morano found us.  I introduced Penny to
Tania.

   "I heard you were in town this weekend," I commented after the
introductions were done.  "I figured I'd see you sooner than this."

   "I was only able to get a floor pass for one shift," Aaron explained. 
"Tania and I know how down dancers get about this time.  We're here to help
you stay up and awake until morning."

   "It gets much easier when the crowd returns Sunday morning," Tania
added. "Have some Gatorade and enjoy the break.  We're planning on dancing
with you for the next four hours."

   "That's fantastic," I said.

   "Thank you very much," Penny added.  "I am starting to wear down."

   Aaron and Tania stayed with us through the night, until relief early
Sunday morning.  One of the highlights was performances from Monty Python's
Spamalot.  The Quest for the Holy Grail is always good for a laugh.

   The dancers toilet papered our Moralers.  Aaron and Tania were NOT
spared.  Sigma Chi and Zeta Tau Alpha serenaded us with songs from the Lion
King.  Of course our Nittany Lion King had to perform with the group.

   Tania let slip some news.  She was three months along with their first
child.  Penny and I wished our friends the best.

   Sometime around dawn we did our final Color Wars contest, the
shout-o-meter for the flag parade.  This was for triple points.  Current
standings were Red, Blue, Orange and Green.  Shawn and I tried to whip up
our crowd.  We can take this thing if we give it everything!  They paraded
the colored flags.  Blue went ape-shit when our flag came by.  We won!  We
won!

   Trevor and Stephanie showed up to take over from Aaron and Tania.  Penny
and I were dragging by now.  An infusion of carbs and coffee got us
semi-alert again.  Trevor and Steph kept the conversation going as we
danced on.  The arena filled slowly as students woke up and joined us for
the last ???  hours.  I had no idea how many were left.  Too many and at
the same time not nearly enough time left in the experience.

   Tucker Haas sang the Black Eyed Peas' "The Time of My Life." The eleven
year old cancer survivor had captured the hearts of every Thoner years ago.
His hold was as strong as ever.  We cheered ourselves hoarse when the young
man finished singing.

   Penny and I carbed up at our next break.  The area is filling.  It's
almost time for picking the raffle winners.  The first prize to go was a
hot new iPad 4.  Next they drew for the eleven day European vacation for
two.  Last was the 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STI.  That was a sweet ride for
the lucky guy who won it.

   They did some fight songs after the raffle drawing to fire up the
swelling crowd.  Everyone did a water break and then it was on to Family
Hour.  The emcee announced, "Everyone, get your tissues.  Here is Four
Diamond Fund's founder, Charles Mallard."

   He introduced the video montage, entitled, "Where Are They Now?" We
watched for forty-five minutes as they showed photos of kids the Four
Diamonds Fund helped.  Many kids beat their cancer, but not all.  The call
for tissues was appropriate.  Penny and I clung together as we watched.  It
was a tough but important reminder of how crucial this work was.

   John Stafford, his girlfriend Ashley, Dave McCall and Grace hung out on
the floor with Shawn, Jada, Penny and me as we watched.  From past
experience I knew Penny and I were nearly done.  Family Hour usually was
between 1:00 and 2:00 pm.

   "Two hours to go, honey," I whispered that fact to Penny as the video
montage ended.

   "Thank God, I'm dead on my feet," Penny replied.

   Missy Crosby, the Thon chair, took the stage.  "We have one special
award to do in this, our fortieth year, of raising money fight pediatric
cancer.  This year's Rick Funk Leadership Award goes to a dedicated Thoner
who was out of state during the Road to Thon banquet a few weeks ago.  This
senior has been active with the Thon since arriving on campus four years
ago as a freshman.  We have two special guests that have agreed to present
this award.  Please welcome our All-American quarterback and now Green Bay
Packer, Zack Hayes and All-American cornerback and now San Francisco 49er,
Aaron Morano.  Zack and Aaron both danced their way through past Thons. 
Zack and Aaron, come on out."

   "Oh, shit," I commented.

   "This is for you, isn't it?" Penny replied.  "Smile.  You earned
whatever they have for you, honey."

   Zack and Aaron strode out to center stage to loud cheers and applause
from the crowd.  My friends had always been fan favorites.

   "Thank you," Zack said.  "Thank you so much." Aaron smiled and waved
until the din decreased.

   "Thank you everyone," Aaron said.  "It's great to be back on campus for
a weekend like this.  Four years ago when I was a team captain, one of our
freshmen came to me with a proposal that the football team get more
involved in working with the Thon.  Antwaan Booker and I liked idea, so we
appointed the young man our Thon captain and told him to get to work.  The
first year we hadn't planned to be an official organization.  Our Thon
captain did such a fantastic job that year that the Thon committee asked
the team to field a dance couple.

   "My then girlfriend and now lovely wife..." Aaron said as he blew a kiss
to the stands for Tania, "was willing so we danced.  This industrious young
man raised an amazing $21,000 in a few weeks time."

   "The next year when I was one of the team captains," Zack said, "we
decided the football team needed to get really involved in Thon as an
official fundraising organization.  I appointed this sophomore to take
charge of our Thon effort.  He did a hell of a job, recruiting fundraisers,
support staff and dancers.  The team raised $137,020 that year.

   "This industrious young man passed chairmanship of the team's Thon
committee over to a younger teammate but stayed on to advise the new
chairman.  The football team's success with Thon is due directly to this
gentleman's leadership.  We have raised over $715,000 in four years,
counting this year's donations.

   "Please welcome All-American wide receiver, Campbell, Biletnikoff and
Maxwell Award winner Kyle Martin to the stage," Zack boomed.  "Bring that
lovely fiancée to the stage too, Kyle.  The two of you are still dancing."

   The big crowd of dancers parted way to make room for Penny and me to
walk up to the stage.  I hopped up onto the stage and helped Penny up too.
Applause and cheers thundered through the Bryce Jordan Center.

   "This is unbelievable," Penny commented.  I could barely hear her over
the roar.  "This crowd really loves you."

   Aaron and Zack both gave Penny a hug before shaking my hand.  We waited
for a minute or so before the crowd finally got quiet enough so they could
continue.  I smiled and waved to the crowd while we waited.

   "Kyle was instrumental in the football team's successes over the past
four years," Aaron announced.  "He personally raised $95,450 dollars FOR
THE KIDS.  Missy, would you bring out the recognition for Kyle."

   Missy Crosby carried a Penn State helmet out.  She was followed by a guy
carrying a large plaque.  She waved to the crowd before taking the
microphone from Aaron.

   "Originally the Thon committee planned to paint the thank you on Kyle's
helmet as a memento to thank him for his efforts," Missy explained.  "His
teammates warned me that wasn't a good idea.  I was reminded, `a plain
white helmet with a blue stripe.' That is Penn State football.  We have a
more standard plaque for you instead, Kyle."

   Missy handed me the handsome mahogany 12" by 15" plaque recognizing my
contributions to the Thon and the Four Diamond Fund.

   "Thank you," I croaked, trying to choke back my emotions.  "Thank you so
much." I cleared my throat and tried again.  "I've been so blessed to be
able help with this wonderful charity.  I don't accept this award for
myself or for my team.  Everything I've done is FOR THE KIDS!"

   The crowd roared its approval.  Zack and Aaron took my awards for me. 
They promised to get them to me as soon as Thon was over.  Penny and I went
back to the dance floor and rejoined the other dancers.  All the couples
around us patted us on the back and congratulated me for my work.

   The DJ played a couple songs before the next wrap up activity.  Alpha
Tau Omega and Zeta Tau Alpha won the record for the top Greek fundraising
organization.  They raised a record $327,786.51 [This is a real number, not
a fictional one.  Congratulations on a great job.]

   Everyone on the football team expected that Atlas House from Atherton
Hall would win the independent organization prize for the top fundraiser,
the way they had the past three years.  Jon commented we might have a shot
this year.  He had managed to more than double last year's total for this
Thon.

   To our delight, the football team edged out Atlas House.  We raised
$389,745 this year.  Atlas house raised an excellent, though slightly lower
amount, $381,884.97 [This also is a real amount.  Wow!  That is a great
total for a small group like Atlas House].

   Jon, Dave, Shawn and I celebrated as we realized our team had pulled it
off.  This certainly was a feather in the team's cap.  It also said a great
deal for Jon's leadership and organizational skills.  That boded well for
the team after Chip graduated next year.

   The one remaining detail left was the finale where they revealed the
Thon total for 2013.

   Missy Crosby announced, "Dancers, have a seat!" Penny and I, along with
the other 706 dancers sat down cross legged on the arena floor.  Penny
leaned in against me.

   "God, I'm tired," Penny whispered.

   "This is what it's all about, honey," I answered.  "Here comes the
total."

   Fourteen committee members came out on the stage carrying big white
panels with the digits for this year's total.  Chants of "Ten Million,"
echoed through the arena as they started revealing the cards, from right to
left.  The first panel had the Four Diamonds logo.

   In order the next digits appeared: ",156,489.56" Everyone waited with
bated breath as the next to last panel went up.  It was `0'!  The crowd
stared momentarily until it sunk in.  The final panel was raised showing a
`$' sign.  The twenty-thousand stared silently for a moment, until the
Nittany Lion ran on stage, elbowed his way between the `$' and the "0" and
revealed the final total: "$10,156,489.56"

   The crowd's roar rocked the roof of the Jordan Center.  The applause and
cheering carried on for a couple minutes before things calmed down.  Jon
called for the drivers for Shawn, Jada, Penny and me.  Jon and Dave
escorted us out of the arena.  Brian Henson was assigned to take us back to
the apartment.

   Damian had dinner ready for Penny and me when we got back.  Penny took a
quick shower while I hung out downstairs.  I showered before we sat down to
eat.  Billy, Stephanie and Claire joined my roommates for dinner.

   Aaron and Zack showed up as we finished eating.  They drove us back to
the airport for our flight home.  I was surprised when we found Leigh Ann,
Laurie and Tania at the airport too.  My friends were taking advantage of
the flight to get across the state.

   I settled in after we took off.  What an amazing weekend.  I tried to
think about the Combine and the lectures I had scheduled for next week, but
exhaustion won.  I was asleep in minutes.

   [The Thon is a real student run organization that has raised over $77
million since its first marathon in 1973.  Give if you run into one of the
students with a can.  You can also donate at www.thon.org.  It's FOR THE
KIDS!]





   Chapter 82

   ==========

   Penny helped me pack for my trip to Indianapolis on Wednesday night, the
20th.  She teased me about packing running shoes and two types of cleats. I
had no idea what would be best on Lucas Oil Stadium's surface.  I did not
want to be poorly equipped when I did my workout.

   I left early Thursday morning around 5:30 am for the trip to the
airport. The Scouting Combine had me booked for a 7:05 am departure from
the airport.  Thank God I sent my travel info in early last month.  I was
booked on a non-stop flight to Indianapolis.  Jamal Anderson from Temple
had dawdled.  He had left yesterday morning and had a stop in New York
before he headed for Indianapolis.

   The Combine staggered the arrivals of the players.  Placekickers,
special teams players, tight ends and offensive linemen arrived on
Wednesday.  Quarterbacks, wide outs and running backs came on Thursday. 
Defensive Linemen and linebackers arrived Friday.  Defensive backs arrived
last, on Saturday.

   I made it out of Philly just in time.  Another major snow storm was due
to hit the region late afternoon or early evening.  They were predicting we
would get 4-8 inches of snow.  I doubted Tredyfferin/Easttown would have
school tomorrow.  That was fine.  That would be one day less for me to
teach at the end of term.

   The flight was smooth as could be.  I stepped off the airplane a little
after 10:15 in Indianapolis.  The Scouting Combine's travel staff was
waiting for me at the center escalator leading to baggage claim.  Eric
Peters, Quinton MacElree and Jamal Wallace were waiting beside the
transportation captain.

   Eric, Quinton and Jamal were due into Indianapolis forty-five minutes
earlier than me but they ran into trouble in Charlotte.  Their flight was
delayed twenty minutes, so here they were, waiting on my arrival.  We
greeted each other like old friends, which we were becoming.

   I was pleasantly surprised at the weather when we stepped out of the
airport to board the van.  The temperature was around forty degrees with
light drizzle.  That beat the snow storm I just missed.  The Scouting
Combine put us up in the Crown Plaza Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

   The four of us checked in at the hotel with Scouting Combine people.  We
picked up a packet of information before they sent us to the hotel's front
desk.  The lady at the desk signed me into my room.  She told me my
roommate had arrived earlier, so I wasn't to be surprised when I found him
there.

   Eric, Quinton, Jamal and I rode up to the third floor together.  All of
us were on the hotel's top floor.  I found Room 312 easily at the opposite
end of the hall from the elevator.  I knocked at the door.

   "Come on in," the familiar voice said.  I opened the door and found
Casey Kerrigan from Ohio State sitting on one of the beds.  "Welcome to
Indianapolis, Coach," Casey said with a grin.

   "Hey, Casey.  It's good to see you," I replied.  "Imagine them putting
an Ohio State player and a Penn State player in the same room.  Don't they
expect some fireworks?"

   "It could be worse," Casey answered.  "You could play for Michigan. 
That would be REALLY BAD."

   We would tease each other, as was appropriate for two former rivals, but
Casey and I could get along for a long weekend.  From what I saw at the
Senior Bowl, he was a decent guy I could respect.  He treated me well last
month when we worked out together.

   Casey and I gathered up Eric, Quinton and Jamal and headed downstairs to
the Combine dining area on the first floor of the hotel.  We had our lunch.
Damian Thompson and Christian Hunsecker joined us just as we finished
eating.  Their flight from State College had landed an hour after mine.  I
introduced my teammates to the rest of the group at our table.  Everyone
hung out together until the whole group finished eating.

   The Scouting Combine had an orientation for us at 1:00 pm.  Today we
would visit the hospital for x-rays and pre-exam before tomorrow's exam by
the league doctors.  We would get outfitted with our combine clothing.  We
would be available to teams for interviews.

   Tomorrow we would be measured, have our medical exams, and do psych
tests.  More teams would interview us during our "down" time.  The briefer
warned us we wouldn't have much down time while we were here.  Sunday was
workout day.  The Combine would ship us home when we finished our workouts
on Sunday.

   The Combine staff would handle scheduling interviews for us.  We were
told to expect to do four to six interviews a day.  The whole interview
process was more organized than the informal process at the Senior Bowl. 
They handed out interview schedules to everyone and warned us that more may
be added as the weekend goes on.

   My sheet showed me interviewing with Baltimore, Atlanta, New England and
Oakland today.  Tomorrow I was to meet with Chicago, Houston, Kansas City
and Miami.  Saturday I would see Seattle, Minnesota, the NY Giants and
Pittsburgh.

   After the orientation everyone headed to another ballroom to get
outfitted for the weekend.  The clothing was provided by Under Armour, same
as the Senior Bowl.  Everything was color coded to help scouts identify
which group you were a part of and who you were.  The front and back of my
shirts were labeled, "WO25" and I was part of Group 5.  Quinton MacElree,
Nick Wilson and Eric Peters were in Group 5 with me.  Damian was in Group 6
with the other running backs.  Christian, Dylan Harris, and Danny Clay were
in Group 4.

   We were instructed to take our new clothes back to our rooms and get
changed into them.  Group 4 was heading to the hospital for the pre-exam
checkup and x-rays.  The rest of us had time for interviews.  I had one
scheduled with the Baltimore Ravens.

   I showed up at the appointed time and place expecting to see Coach John
Harbaugh again.  A tall black man in his late fifties with a shaved head
greeted me with a big smile.

   "Hello, Kyle.  It's pleasure to meet you," the man said softly in a
distinct southern drawl.  "I'm Ozzie Newsome, the general manager for the
Ravens."

   "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr.  Newsome," I replied as we shook
hands. I didn't recognize him when I met him, but I certainly knew about
the Hall of Fame tight end.  He and two others welcomed me to have a seat
at the table in the conference room.  Mr.  Newsome introduced me to Joe
Ortiz, their director of college scouting, and Jim Hostler, their wide
receivers coach.

   Mr.  Newsome asked me about my family.  I talked about them and what it
was like growing up in Lancaster County.  Coach Hostler diagrammed a play
for me.  He asked me to analyze responsibilities for various offensive
players.

   Mr.  Ortiz questioned me about my arrest two years ago.  I supplied the
BAC results showing I was stone cold sober that night.

   "What lessons have you learned from this experience, Kyle?" Mr.  Newsome
asked, a very good question.

   "I need to be more careful about who I choose to be friends with," I
offered.  "The girl I was going steady with liked to party too much.  I
tried to reason with her to cut down on that but she wouldn't.  The friends
I choose directly reflect on me."

   "That is a valuable lesson, but a painful one to learn sometimes," Mr.
Newsome commented.

   "It certainly was for me," I answered.

   "Do you have any concerns along those lines now?" Mr.  Ortiz asked. 
"You mentioned earlier that you are engaged."

   "No, my fiancée is the Rock of Gibraltar," I replied.  "She is a
straight A student.  She's starting veterinary school in the fall.  You
have no worries that she'll embarrass me or your team, if you decide to
draft me."

   We talked about my knee injury in high school.  They asked about any
injuries I may have had during college.  I reported that aside from the
laceration during the Iowa game last season and the normal dings, scrapes
and bruises, I had been injury free through college.

   About fifteen minutes into the interview Coach Hostler asked me to
diagram the play we talked about at the beginning of the interview.  I
reviewed everything he explained to me and then I added some variations
that the team could run out of the same formation.  I continued on, making
the point Max wanted me to get across to the team.  I knew football.  I
didn't achieve what I had on athletic ability alone.

   At first Coach Hostler was bemused but eventually he sat back, smiled
and listened as I expounded on variations of the play.  Coach Hostler asked
to me to describe the Penn State offense.  I gave him a thorough overview
of the high powered offense that Coach Burton had us run.  I didn't spare
the details.

   Finally he held his hand up and said, "That's very good, Kyle.  That's
very detailed." He chuckled.  "Have you ever thought about getting into
coaching after you finish playing football?"

   "Every day for the past seven and a half years," I answered.  "I am
getting a teaching degree so I can earn enough money to live on by
teaching. I plan to volunteer to help coach the football team at whatever
school I end up at."

   "Are you still in school, Kyle, or have you completed your degree?" Mr.
Newsome asked.

   "I am student teaching this semester," I replied.  "I am working at
Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Pa."

   "When will your student teaching be completed?" Mr.  Newsome asked.  "I
wonder if it will interfere with our team's OTAs or mini-camps."

   "I doubt it," I answered.  "The draft is from April 25th-27th.  My last
day of student teaching is either April 29th or 30th, depending on what
happens with the snow storm that is hitting Philly right now.  If CHS
cancels school tomorrow, I will finish teaching that Monday.  Otherwise I
am committed until Tuesday."

   "That doesn't sound like it would interfere with our workouts," Mr. 
Newsome said.  "Do you have any questions, Kyle?"

   "I have a couple," I answered.  "If you draft me, how soon can I get the
playbook and copies of game video?  I want to get in as much studying as I
can before mini-camps and training camp."

   "We should be able to get you one promptly," Mr.  Newsome replied. 
"Most likely you would get the playbook when you visit right after the
draft.  We like our first round draft picks to come to Baltimore
immediately after they're drafted.  They get to meet the coaches, tour our
facilities and meet the media.  Are you available to visit on that Friday?"


   "I will be available after 2:45 pm on Friday," I replied.  "My student
teaching will have a couple days to go before I finish with it.  I would be
available Friday night and over the weekend.  That's assuming I'm drafted
on Thursday night."

   Mr.  Newsome gave me a wink.  "Everyone knows you'll get picked in the
first round, most likely in the top five or ten picks.  We're going to have
to trade up if we decide we want to take a shot at you."

   "I have one other question," I said.  "What parts of Baltimore do most
of your players live in?"

   "Our training facility is in Owings Mills, north and west of downtown
Baltimore," Mr.  Newsome answered.  "Most players live in that general
area."

   "Would it be a problem if I had a place on the Eastern Shore?" I asked,
referring to the part of Maryland on the eastern side of the Chesapeake
Bay. "My soon to be wife and I could live together year round if we had a
place near I-95 half way between Philly and Baltimore."

   "I don't see any problem, Kyle," Mr.  Newsome replied, "...as long as
you show up for team events on time.  Traffic can get pretty intense on
I-95 and on the beltway around the city.  You may have to get up pretty
early to make it on time."

   "I get up at 5:30 in the morning now to get to the school where I
student teach," I said.  "I don't think I'll have any trouble getting up to
come into your facilities, if you draft me."

   Mr.  Newsome, Mr.  Ortiz and Coach Hostler thanked me for sitting down
with them.  I felt really good about the interview.  I could see myself
playing for the Ravens.  Hell, I would have been happy playing for them
even if they weren't geographically desirable for me.  Hopefully they can
find a trading partner near the top of the draft order when the time comes.

   My group headed to the hospital soon after I was done with my interview.
We spent a lot of time waiting our turn and very little time actually being
examined.  It was nice the Scouting Combine told everyone to bring books,
magazines and MP3 players to occupy our time while we waited our turn.

   Eric Peters and I met up with Hal Long and Greg Nowicki at dinner.  Greg
and Hal arrived a day earlier.  They had their medical exams and
psychological tests that day.  Christian and Damian caught up with us. 
Both of them had interviews with teams, their first.

   "Man, my interview with the Falcons was harder than I expected,"
Christian observed.  "Todd did a sample interview with me a couple weeks
ago.  I thought I was prepared.  I was so nervous.  It felt like an
inquisition."

   [Christian had hired Todd Rosenbaum, apparently a few hours after I
interviewed Todd as my agent.  The best my friend and I could figure out,
Todd high tailed it up to Manheim as soon as he finished his interview with
me that Sunday back in January.]

   I leaned in close to Christian and teased, "Nobody expects the SPANISH
INQUISTION!"

   "Oh no!  Not the comfy chair," Damian added without missing a beat. 
"Actually my interview with the Raiders was kind of nerve wracking.  Al
Davis himself sat in on it.  I didn't think I was anybody worthy of his
attention."

   "I've had the pleasure of meeting with Mr.  Davis," I said.  "He talked
with me for almost a half hour during the week before the Senior Bowl. 
Relax when you do these interviews, guys.  You get used to it with a little
practice.  My interview this afternoon with the Ravens went real well."

   "I'm interviewing with them at seven o'clock tonight," Eric Peters said.
"They must really want to get themselves a good wide receiver if they're
hitting you and me, Kyle."

   "Derrick Mason retired last season and Anquan Boldin is getting ready
for his twelfth season," I replied.  "I think the Ravens are due for some
younger blood at our position."

   "That would explain their interest in us," Eric agreed.

   The six of us continued comparing notes.  All of us had three or four
interviews that evening.  The teams were keeping us busy.  I guess the same
was true of them.  They had 330 athletes to consider in five days.  That
didn't leave a lot of time to fool around.

   I had three more interviews that evening.  My first was at 7:00 pm with
the Atlanta Falcons.  I met with Les Snead, their Director of Scouting, and
one of their scouts, Bob Kronenberg.  They asked about my background,
family, my knee injury and my arrest.  We discussed football philosophy a
little.  They covered all the same ground as the Ravens had in the
afternoon, but without significant enthusiasm for my services.  I got the
impression that the scouts were doing their due diligence with me but
weren't expecting that I would be a Falcon come next fall.

   The interview with the New England Patriots was totally different.  Bill
Belichick, Bill O'Brien, their offensive coordinator, and Nick Caserio,
their Director of Player Personnel, interviewed me.

   Coach Belichick questioned me extensively about my football study
habits. He wanted to know how often, how long and who controlled the video
playback when I gathered with teammates to study.  Mr.  Caserio asked a
couple questions about my family background.  We talked a bit about my
arrest two years ago and the resolution of that mess.  We barely talked
football X's and O's at all.

   I left the interview with the impression that they were definitely
interested in me.  The Patriots had compiled an enviable record over the
past decade or so.  Shawn O'Conner talked in glowing terms about playing
for Coach Belichick.  I respected the team for the way they rebuilt
themselves through their continued success rather than riding one group of
core athletes until they wore down or retired.  I could see myself up
there, if they managed to finagle a trade high enough to grab me.  I
certainly didn't expect to be on the board when pick 32 rolled around on
draft day.

   The Raiders evinced just as much interest in me as the Patriots.  Not
that their attention was entirely welcome to me.  The soap opera that had
been Raiders football for most of the past decade did not interest me.  The
Raiders had some problems, especially their starting QB, Elijah Carter.  Ed
Fritz had been Elijah's backup when he was at Florida.  They stayed in
touch after Elijah was drafted.

   I knew from Ed that Elijah Carter's knee injury was an ACL and MCL
rupture.  I didn't see Elijah ready to play football next September, since
he injured his knee early last December.  The Raiders' backup QB was a
fourteen year journeyman that never played significant time as a starter.

   I knew from my ACL rupture how long it took to heal that type of injury.
Elijah might make onto the field next fall, but it was unlikely he would be
100% ready until close to the end of the season.  The Raiders had one of
the most porous offensive lines in the league.  Of course that is how
Elijah came to get beat up and blow out his knee.

   Al Davis was there to personally welcome me to the interview.  Head
coach Hue Jackson was there with offensive coordinator Al Saunders and one
of their scouts, Jon Kingdon.  The interview started off conventionally. 
Mr.  Kingdon asked me about my background and family.  He quizzed me about
my knee injury.

   Al Davis interrupted Mr.  Kingdon's questions about my knee.  "From the
last four years, it appears that your knee healed properly.  What's your
best time in the 40?"

   "I did a 4.27 last fall," I replied.

   "Do you expect to go under 4.3 here, Kyle?" Al asked.  "Will running on
artificial turf affect your time?  I know Penn State plays on natural
turf."

   "I do expect to run it in less than 4.3 seconds," I answered.  "I
haven't run it slower than that since high school.  My team has played on
artificial surfaces too.  I don't think the turf will be a problem."

   "Which college game would you consider your best?" Al asked.

   "I'd probably say my game against Nebraska last season or the bowl game
against Tennessee the year before," I answered.

   "Really?" Al Davis said, clearly perplexed.  "I guessed you would have
mentioned a couple of your games against Michigan, the last one against
Ohio State or that game in LA against Southern Cal when you were a junior."
Al gave me a smile.  "I was scouting a couple players that afternoon.  You
had thirteen catches for 183 yards.  You had another 168 return yards.  How
can you not count a game like that?  You were just about unstoppable."

   "We lost that game," I replied simply.

   "Why Tennessee?" Al asked.  "You had five catches for 111 yards.  That
is subpar for you.  You gained a total of 162 yards against Nebraska.  They
don't seem to be your best."

   Al Davis' ready grasp of my personal statistics was alarming.  His team
held the number five pick in the draft.  He was taking a personal interest
in me.  Obviously he had studied me extensively.  I didn't know my stats
exactly, but Al's numbers sounded about right.

   "I included Tennessee because of how our team reacted when the Vols took
away our deep game," I explained.  "I made key catches when there wasn't a
lot of room for the passing game.  I blocked hard to spring Damian Thompson
free.  His running was the key to our win.  I included Nebraska because we
were getting our butts whooped until my hit on their linebacker.  I had to
set the tone for my team and fire them up.  It worked.  I take great pride
in doing that."

   "You are right about providing inspiration to your team," Al agreed.  "I
believe outstanding performance can provide the proper electricity to a
team too.  Don't underestimate your importance against Southern Cal."

   "But we lost," I replied.  "I didn't do enough to help my team win.  I
can't consider that a good game."

   "Let's talk about football philosophy, Kyle," Al Davis said.  "I've read
some of the interviews you gave and saw what you said on ESPN three weeks
ago before the Biletnikoff dinner.  You like the deep passing game."

   "It's very useful," I conceded.  "It has its place in a balanced
offense. I want the defense to have to cover the whole field." Al gave me a
big smile.

   "Exactly what I want," Al Davis agreed.

   Now I was getting alarmed.  The owner of the team with the fifth draft
choice seemed to like me more than I desired.  The prognosticators thought
the Redskins, the Lions and the Chiefs all needed offensive or defensive
line help.  The Seahawks drafted next.  Everyone knew they needed a QB to
replace Matt Hasselbeck.

   That left Al Davis sitting at number five in the draft.  Everyone knows
he loves speed and he loves the deep passing game.  He has taken a personal
interest in me and has been scouting and studying my every interview... 
AND I DON'T WANT TO PLAY FOR HIM!

   Al Davis continued on about his personal philosophy for football.  How
in the hell do I discourage his interest?  I listened, trying to be polite.
He finished his discourse after a couple minutes.

   "So, what do you think, Kyle?" al Davis asked.  "Does this sound like
your style of football?"

   "Um... yes," I agreed, "...but I don't know if it would work out that
neatly if you draft me.  May I speak frankly?"

   "Yes, go ahead," Al Davis agreed.

   "What you are describing sounds great... in theory," I explained.  "I
don't see how drafting me will get your team where it needs to go.  I've
only watched your team for parts of a couple games, so I may not be well
informed, but I have heard a little from a friend of a friend.  This style
of offense requires a top notch quarterback with the arm to deliver the
ball deep.  I don't see that for this coming season."

   "You're forgetting about Elijah Carter," Al protested.

   "No, I'm not," I retorted.  "I am saying this exactly because I am
thinking about Elijah.  I had an ACL injury and I understand how long and
difficult it is to come back from that.  Normally, doctors say it takes a
full year for recover fully.  I healed fast and was ready to work out for
football after seven months.  Elijah was injured in the middle of December.
Was his surgery in January?"

   "It was January 9th," Al Davis confirmed.

   "If he heals fast the way I did, he MIGHT get into training camp in
August," I countered.  "As we discussed earlier, my injury was just an ACL.
Elijah blew out both his ACL and MCL.  Recovery time has to be longer.  Is
your backup quarterback up to running the kind of offense you and I like?"
Al Davis pursed his lips but didn't answer my question.

   "I don't know your personnel that well, but I'm concerned about the
protection Elijah got last year," I continued.  "Would picking an offensive
lineman with your first round choice be better for the whole team?  I
wonder if my talents would fill your most urgent needs."

   Al Davis stood and stared hard at me as his face flushed.  "Look young
man, you are not choosing a team like you did for college.  This is the
NFL. The team chooses you through the draft and you play football for that
team or you DO NOT play football at all."

   "I understand that Mr.  Davis," I answered as evenly as I could.  "You
need to understand my long term goals.  I want to teach and become a
football coach.  I don't have this childhood dream to play professionally.
I will play in the NFL if that teaches me more about football and helps me
towards my goal of being a successful coach.  My fiancée and soon-to-be
wife is committed to being in Philadelphia for at least the next five
years. She is starting veterinary school in September.

   "Being apart from my wife for at least seven months of the year is a
significant hardship.  I'm willing to do that if I can make contacts that
help me later in my coaching career and that help me learn more about this
game we love.  If I am in the wrong situation when I get drafted, I will be
happy finding a high school around Philly to teach at and then help out
their football program.  I also have a firm job offer already to start
coaching as soon as I finish playing football.  The job offer is definite
and I can start this summer, if I want to."

   "You'd give up millions of dollars to be somebody's glorified errand
boy?" Al Davis snapped.  "That or spend days cooped up with a bunch high
school kids?  Really?"

   "Yes," I answered.  "I have no problem avoiding all the wear and tear on
my body that professional football entails and spending the full year with
my wife.  The money is not that important to me."

   I stood, assuming this exchange effectively ended the interview.  I
wasn't wrong.  Al sat down and glared at me while Mr.  Kingdon, Coach
Jackson and Coach Saunders thanked me for taking time with them.

   I was a little shaky when I got out the hallway.  I just faced down an
NFL owner and hadn't given an inch to him.  I walked down the hallway
towards the elevators.  I checked my cell phone.  I needed to discuss this
interview with Max Solomon.

   I had found a text from Max that afternoon while I was at dinner.  His
flight from New York had been delayed.  He hoped to get into Indianapolis
late this evening.  I found a voice mail from Max when I turned my phone
on. He asked me to meet him in the lounge by the lobby at 9:30 that
evening. That was twenty minutes from now, so I headed down to the lounge
and had an iced tea and relaxed while I waited for Max.

   "Good evening, Kyle," Max said cheerily as he strolled up to my table.
"How has your day gone?"

   "The flight in was easy," I answered.  "The pre-exam at the hospital was
fine.  I met with the Ravens in the afternoon.  Ozzie Newsome ran the
meeting.  I think it went well.  I think the Ravens are seriously
interested in me."

   "And they have a low draft pick," Max commented.  "They would need to do
a serious trade to get in position to take you."

   "Ozzie acknowledged that fact in the interview," I said.  "I think they
may think I'm worth it to their team.  They are geographically desirable to
me.  I could play for Baltimore and live with Penny year round."

   "Who else interviewed you?"

   "The Falcons talked with me this evening," I continued.  "They sent
their director of scouting and another scout to see me.  I got the
impression that the interview was pro forma.  They were doing their
homework on me and weren't particularly interested in me."

   "You don't fill a pressing need for them," Max agreed.

   "I spent half an hour with Bill Belichick and a couple people from the
Patriots," I said.  "They seem seriously interested in me."

   "They may be, but they would need a minor miracle to jump up high enough
to get you," Max replied.  "Did you have any more interviews?"

   "I just finished a meeting with the Raiders," I answered.  Max
stiffened. He knew my thoughts on playing for Al Davis.  "It didn't go real
well.  Max looked around the lounge.  Quite a few players, agents and NFL
people were hanging out the same as us.

   "Why don't we go upstairs to your room to discuss this interview," Max
suggested.  "This probably is a discussion best done in private." The two
of us headed upstairs to my room.  Casey was there but thoughtfully agreed
to hang out downstairs for a while so Max and I could have our chat.

   "How bad is the damage?" Max asked when Casey left.

   "I didn't throttle the idiot," I replied.  Max didn't need amplification
about who the idiot was.  "Al Davis is extremely interested in me."

   "No surprise there," Max said.  "You're a fast wide receiver that likes
to go deep.  We knew that was coming.  Go through the interview question by
question for me." I did.

   Max pondered my description for a moment after I finished.  "That's not
the worst result for a meeting with the Raiders," he said.  "It was the
message I expected that I would have to deliver to them, at some time.  I
hope you were respectful when you talked with them."

   "I was, at least until Al threatened to draft me and force me to play
for his team or sit out the season," I responded.

   "Are you prepared to sit out a season if they draft you?" Max asked. 
"Can you give up the money that you would earn?"

   "Absolutely," I responded.  "It's not about the money.  Sorry about that
Max.  I know 3% of zero won't cover your expenses."

   "Don't worry about that," Max said.  "What is important is that you got
the message to them so it doesn't come down to sitting out a season to
avoid playing for the Raiders.  Now we need to focus on what you will say
WHEN, not if, this leaks to the press."

   Max and I talked for about twenty minutes about how to handle the
inevitable question.  We had a plan by the time Casey returned to our room.
Max bid us good night before he headed to his hotel.  He would be a phone
call away for the rest of the weekend.  He was staying in Indianapolis
until Trevor and Marshon went home on Monday afternoon.

   ---------------------------------------------------

   Friday shaped up to be busy after breakfast.  My group went for our
medical exams first.  We gave urine for a drug test first.  Four different
doctors, of various specialties, examined me.  The orthopedist spent a lot
of time testing my knee's stability, strength and flexibility.  I'd love to
know how the results were from the exams but I can't.  The doctors took
extensive notes but told us nothing.  They worked for the league, not us.

   We did measurements next.  The scene was similar to the meat market at
the Senior Bowl.  One by one we paraded in front of a large crowd of
scouts, owners, coaches and front office personnel.  We wore skin tight
Under Armour shorts that left little to anyone's imagination.  If anyone
wore these out in public, they would get arrested for indecent exposure. 
The guys like me that did the Senior Bowl took this in stride.  Been
there... done that.  The guys who hadn't were nervous and slightly
embarrassed.

   I was 6'4 5/8" that day.  I weighed 212 pounds.  That was probably due
to too many banquets in the last month.  I would need to work those extra
three or four pounds off next week.  My arm span was 34 ¼".  My hand
measured at 10".

   Psychological testing came next.  Max had prepared me well for the most
important of these tests, the Wonderlic intelligence test.  I had twelve
minutes to answer fifty questions testing my verbal, mathematical and
spatial comprehension skills.  Max had me take a couple sample tests before
the combine so I would be familiar with the test.  They were helpful but
hey... I've always been good at tests.

   The question went from simple to complex.  Max counseled me to figure
out the answer to each question independent of the multiple choice answers.
If my answer wasn't there, I was to eliminate the possible answer I knew
were wrong and then guess at the most likely answer to the question.  They
did not lower your score for wrong answers.

   I zoomed through the first couple dozen questions in the first four
minutes.  They got harder as I continued.  I had just finished question #37
when the proctor called time.  He reviewed the test while I waited.  He
smiled and said, "Congratulations, Kyle.  You got a 35."

   I was pleased.  Max had told me the average score was 20 for the
participants at the Combine.  I made the point I wanted the NFL to know.  I
had the brains to be successful in any kind of offense the coaches could
draw up for my team.  I did wonder how the wide receiver from Harvard
managed to finish all fifty questions and get them correct a few years ago.
He was the only person to ever get a perfect score on the Wonderlic.

   I spent the first part of the afternoon meeting with psychologists who
asked me all kinds of questions.  They wanted to find out what made me
tick. How competitive was I?  Did I love football?  What kind of things
motivated me?  I hoped I did well.  The psychologists gave me no feedback.
That was information for the teams to know, not the potential draftees.

   I had another media session later in the afternoon.  Thankfully no
reporter got wind of my discussion with Al Davis yesterday.  The reporters'
questions were routine.  I headed off for an interview with the Chicago
Bears.

   I was a few minutes early for the interview.  Jeremy North stepped out
of the room just before it was time for me to go in."

   "You made it," I said as I gave my friend a slap on the back.

   "Coach, how is it going?" Jeremy said as he returned the greeting. 
"What am I up for tomorrow?"

   "Another cattle call in your underwear like last month," I replied,
"psych tests, the Wonderlic and as a special treat, the doctors poke, probe
and inspect every inch of your body."

   "Fun, I can't wait," Jeremy teased.

   "How did your interview go with the Bears?"

   "It went very well," Jeremy answered.  "Coach Smith was there.  They
seemed interested in me."

   "That's excellent," I responded.  "I'll meet up with you at dinner."

   "Sounds good, Coach," Jeremy agreed.  "Good luck in there too."

   I headed into the conference room.  The familiar visage of Coach Lovie
Smith greeted me with a big smile.  "Welcome.  Come in and have a seat and
get comfortable." The coach introduced me to Tim Ruskell, the Director of
Player Personnel and Andrew Dawson, one of the team's scouts.

   "If you decide to go with defense with your first pick," I said,
gesturing towards the door, "...  you can't do better than Jeremy North. 
He's the best linebacker coming out of college today."

   "And he's a friend of yours?" Coach Smith asked.

   "Since before kindergarten," I confirmed.

   "He certainly is impressive," Coach Smith agreed.  "Let's talk offense.
That's your specialty."

   My fifteen minutes with Coach Smith, Mr.  Ruskell and Mr.  Dawson went
quickly.  They asked about my family and background.  We talked about my
injury in high school.  They asked quite a few questions about my arrest
two years ago.  They seemed satisfied with my explanation and the BAC
results.  Coach Smith diagrammed a couple plays for me and asked me to
break them down.  I think I impressed him with my knowledge of football.

   Dinner times were getting fun.  The Penn State contingent was growing.
The Notre Dame guys, the Michigan guys, Eric and the Florida guys and Hal
Long from Rutgers joined our growing circle.  Drew McCormick and his
friend, an offensive linemen from West Virginia, joined our group.  It was
fun to spend time with old friends and getting to know new ones.  Everyone
scattered after dinner.  It was interview time again.

   My first interview of the evening was with the Houston Texans. 
Immediately after that I headed to another room to meet with the Kansas
City Chiefs.  My last interview of the evening was with the Miami Dolphins.


   Playing for the Dolphins could be interesting.  I wouldn't mind playing
with a fellow Pennsylvanian, Chad Henne.  Henne grew up in Wyomissing, a
small town just west of Reading.  His high school team even played in the
Lancaster-Lebanon League, though in AAAA not AAA.

   I met up with Max Solomon downstairs in the lounge when I finished my
last interview.  Marshon Wilkins was talking with Max when I arrived.  They
motioned for me to join them.  Marshon was telling Max about his last
interview with the Bengals.  He had a very good feeling about their
interest.

   "Come... have a seat," Max said genially.  "Marshon was just telling me
about his day.  We'll order you a drink."

   "An iced tea would be good," I allowed.

   "How did your interviews go, Kyle?" Max asked.

   "The first one with the Bears was fun," I said.  "They seem interested."

   "They may be, but you would be a stretch for them," Max said.  "Everyone
is expecting them to pick a defender with their first pick.  That is their
most pressing need."

   "That explains the big smile on Jeremy North's face as they finished
interviewing him just before they saw me," I replied.

   "North would be an excellent addition to their defense," Max agreed. 
"They have an acute need at linebacker.  Their twenty-eighth pick in the
first round sounds about right for him too.  How did the evening interviews
go?"

   "I didn't get a read on the Texans' feelings," I answered.  "They asked
questions and I answered them.  Kansas City seemed mildly interested."

   "They need offensive line help first," Max said.  "I expect them to go
that direction with the pick they have."

   "Miami seemed pretty interested," I said.  "I wouldn't mind playing with
Chad Henne.  He played in my league in high school too, before I was into
football."

   "The Dolphins would be a good landing spot for you," Max agreed.  "The
catch is that we better hope they trade up in the draft to get you.  I
expect to see you going higher than their number fourteen pick."

   "I hope so too," I agreed.

   "Do not get caught up in analyzing every interview, Kyle," Max said. 
"Teams interview up to sixty players and usually get to draft seven of
them. Answer their questions politely and let them get to know you.  They
will like you when they get to know you.  Everything else will sort itself
out in time."

   "You're the expert, Max," I agreed.

   Max, Marshon and I talked for a bit before Trevor joined us.  He had
finished up an interview with the Buccaneers.  Max filled us in on what to
expect tomorrow.  He wanted us to pay particular attention the briefing we
would get from the NFL Player's Association.  We were pretty sure to be
members soon.  We needed to know what the NFLPA could do to help us and our
careers.

   Trevor and I headed upstairs to our rooms when Max finished with us.  I
gave Penny a call to see how things were going back home.

   "I have some good news for you, honey," she said after greeting me. 
"Your school semester just got a day shorter."

   "I take it Tredyfferin/Easttown canceled school today?" I said.  "How
much snow did you get?"

   "We have six inches," Penny answered.  "Philly is near at a standstill.
Almost all of the schools closed down today.  How is the weather in
Indianapolis?"

   "The temperature is just below freezing," I answered.  "We have had
flurries and light snow most of the day.  It hasn't amounted to anything.
Indianapolis seems much more used to snow than Philly.  Nothing stopped
today."

   "How was your day?" Penny asked.  My lover and I talked for about
fifteen minutes as I related my tests and various interviews to her.  Penny
was intrigued by the idea of me playing in Miami.  She liked the idea of
dropping down for Thanksgiving and Christmas to warm south Florida next
fall.

   ----------------------------------------------------------------------

   My friends and I wished Hal Long and Greg Nowicki luck with their
workout day.  We wouldn't see them again during the Combine.  They were
flying back to State College and Newark respectively after they finished at
the Lucas Oil Stadium.

   All the quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs at the Combine
headed for one of the larger conference rooms after breakfast for an hour
long briefing by NFL Player Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith
and President Kevin Mawae.  The NFLPA was formed to protect the interests
of the current and retired players.

   Each team elected a player representative to the board of the NFLPA. 
Brian Dawkins, Mike Vrabel, Drew Brees, Jeff Saturday, Tony Richardson,
Kevin Carter and retired players Keenan McCardell, Mark Bruener, and
Donovin Darius made up the executive board that governed the association.

   They talked about dealing with the media, living up to the high
expectations the public put on us and dealing with agents and financial
advisors.  The financial advisors were everywhere at the Combine, trolling
for clients.  They had been bothering me for the past two days.  I politely
let them know I was not interested in their services.

   Mr.  Smith told us about the NFL Rookie Symposium that would be held
June 23-27th this year.  I was surprised to learn that attendance was
mandatory for all draft picks.  They had a $50,000 fine for failing to
attend.  You would be fined $10,000 for missing any of the three days of
meetings.  I did not need the threat to get me to the symposium.  Giving
twenty-one and two year olds millions of dollars, freedom from parents and
coaches as well as public acclaim was a dangerous mix.  Any help they could
give me to avoid the potential pitfalls of stardom and fame would be
welcome by me.

   We headed back to do more psychological testing when the NFLPA
presentation was over.  I had more interviews with the Seattle Seahawks,
Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.  I met with Max
again that evening to discuss how my interviews went.

   The Seahawks would be a desirable destination and I was theirs for the
asking.  They had the number four pick in the draft.  I talked with Coach
Bradley Horner, their head coach.  We had a nice talk about how well I knew
Sam Hayes.  I explained his being friends with my brother and our being in
the wedding party together for Zack's wedding.  I doubted I would be
wearing the Seahawk's blue and green uniform come September.  Everyone knew
they desperately needed a quarterback.  Todd Landry, Nick Wilson, Dylan
Harris Quinton MacElree or Vaughn Gilbert were more likely to be out in
Washington than me.

   The interviews with the Vikings and Steelers were interesting, though I
doubted anything would come from either.  The Steelers held the thirtieth
pick and the Vikings the thirty-first.  The Giants seemed mildly
interested.

   They were one of three geographically desirable teams.  Philly was a two
hour drive from the Meadowlands complex.  If Penny and I found a place half
in between, the commute to work or school would be around an hour for each
of us.  They didn't seem interested enough in me to trade up ten or fifteen
slots to get me.  I tried to follow Max's counsel not to put too much stock
in the interviews.

   ------------------------------------------------------------

   Sunday was the big day for us.  Buses hauled the hundred or so of us in
Groups 4, 5 and 6 over to Lucas Oil Stadium for our workouts.  Christian's
Group 4 headed to one end of the field for the 20 and 60 yard shuttle runs.


   The stadium was cavernous.  Large windows rose above the end zone seats
at each end of the boxy stadium.  There were hundreds of coaches, scouts,
and front office personnel on hand to observe us perform that morning. 
Still, they seemed almost lost in the 70,000 seat stadium.

   My group went to do the broad jump and vertical leap first.  With
thirty-six of us in our group, we had quite a wait for our turn.  I did the
broad jump first.

   A lot of the guys in our group did around ten feet, give or take an
inch. I was the eleventh person to jump.  I managed to get a good leap and
to stick the landing.  Most of my foot landed past the eleven foot mark. 
They measured to the back of my back foot and declared my jump 10'-11".  It
was the best so far in our group.  I watched as the rest of our group
continued jumping.  Eric Peters placed second with a jump of 10'-7".

   The vertical jump was much easier to do than what I did in high school
and college.  The Combine had a stand with ¼" thick slats stacked up on a
pole.  They adjusted the height of the stand so the bottom slat was just
out of reach.  When you were ready, you jumped and batted as many slats as
you could reach.

   I was in the middle of the pack again for this test.  When it was my
turn I crouched down and settled myself.  I took a couple deep breaths and
visualized myself flying high up from the ground.  I closed my eyes and
took a last breath before launching myself up.  I rocketed up and took a
mighty swat at the slats.  They went spinning as I dropped to earth again.

   There were some nudges and whispering when the trainer announced that I
had jumped 44 ¼".  "Damn, no wonder you catch so many passes, Kyle," Nick
remarked.  "A d-back doesn't have a prayer of getting a properly thrown
ball."

   Eric Peters and Jamal Wallace came closest to my mark.  Eric did 40 ½"
while Jamal did 40" even.  Our group moved on to the shuttle and cone
drills next.  Some of the guys, mostly quarterbacks were skipping these
drills.  Personally I didn't understand their decision.  I was willing to
do any test I was asked to do.  I was confident in my abilities.

   I did the 20 yard shuttle first.  You run 5 yards to the left, touch the
line, run ten yards to the right, touch the line and then accelerate the
last five yards to the left again.  This tested your lateral quickness and
explosiveness off the line.

   The scouts and trainers running the drills were excellent motivators. 
The lead scout shouted out to our group, "The top time today is a 3.90. 
Push it hard!  I want to see better."

   Nobody in our group matched the time... until it was my turn.  I lined
up in a three point stance and waited for the signal.  I exploded off the
line as the scout chanted, "Push it...push it... push it!" "Down low... get
down low!" he chanted as I crouched and reached down for the line with my
outstretched right hand.  I exploded to the right again.

   "Push it... push it... push it!" they chanted as I headed for the far
line.  I crouched again and touched the far line before turning and dashing
for the finish.  "Go... go... go!  Push it!" the scout yelled as I pushed
past the line.

   I ran an extra ten yards before I slowed to a stop.  "3.85 seconds. 
Good job, Twenty-five!" the timekeeper yelled.  "Good job!" Immediately
attention went to the next person.  I stood and watched succeeding
performers with the other people in our group.

   "We're all competing for second place, aren't we, Kyle?" Casey Kerrigan
asked.

   "I'm just trying to do my best," I answered.

   "...and your best is damn good," Casey confirmed.  I tried to not let
on, but I was proud of myself.  My eight years of working out was paying
off.  I was performing well because I worked my butt off to prepare myself.

   Eric Peters ended up second again.  His time was 3.99 seconds.  I found
out from one of the scouts who in Group 4 did the 3.90 in the 20 yard
shuttle.  It was my explosive teammate, Christian Hunsecker.  That showed
why he was so deadly if you didn't tackle him immediately after the catch.
If you didn't... he was gone.

   We moved on to the 60 yard shuttle.  A little more than half the group
did the 60 yard shuttle.  My time led the group again.  I did it in 10.73
seconds.

   The three cone drill was the last test in this series.  This drill
tested our ability to change direction at high speed.  This test was made
for me.  The wide receivers far outshone the quarterbacks on this test.

   Justin Larken, the diminutive wide receiver from Hawaii, did the best
time so far in our group.  He finished the three cone drill in 6.45
seconds. Quinton MacElree went after Larkin and before me.  He did a
respectable 6.79 seconds, beating out four of the wide receivers that went
ahead of him.

   I lined up in my three point stance and waited for the signal.  I
exploded off the line and ran for the second cone, crouching, touching the
line and accelerating back to the first cone.  I dipped low, touched the
start line and darted back around the second cone.  I weaved around the
third cone, the long part of the "L" shape, accelerating through the turn.
I dipped low as I turned the corner at the second cone and dashed for the
finish line.

   The timer announced 6.43 seconds to the crowd.  "You aren't going to let
us have anything today, are you?" Casey commented when I joined the cluster
of guys who had finished this drill.

   "I feel really good today.  I'm just trying to give my best," I
responded.  I gave Casey an evil grin.  "Consider it payback for that catch
two years ago." Neither of us needed to detail exactly which catch that
was. Casey had caught the tipped Hail Mary pass in the final second of our
game against Ohio State two years ago - the one that robbed Penn State of a
shot at the national championship.

   Casey smiled back.  "Fair enough.  Second place to you at the Combine is
still a pretty good place to be."

   Casey was a pretty decent guy.  I had never gotten to know him until
last month.  With both of us playing on offense, our chances for
interaction were minimal the last four years, unlike Eldon Burkholder and
me.  Eldon and the rest of the defensive backs had arrived yesterday.

   No one else beat my three cone time.  Our group moved to the last group
of tests, the 40 yard dash.  This was the most prominent test of the
Combine.  We headed for the 40 yard course.  A buzz was in the crowd of
participants.  Someone ran a 4.36 second 40 in Group 4.  It took me a
couple minutes to find out whom - Christian Hunsecker.  It didn't surprise
me.  I knew all about his speed.

   "Damn!" Casey commented to Eric Peters and me.  "Your possession
receiver beats the first half of the field here.  What are you going to do,
Kyle?"

   "I'll be faster," I answered simply.

   "4.36 seconds isn't that special," Eric added.  "I can beat it easily."
Casey just shook his head.

   "My best time was a 4.39," Casey said.  "So, are the two of you going to
beat Chris Johnson's record of 4.24 seconds?"

   "I doubt it," I responded.

   "I've never done it that fast," Eric agreed.  "I don't know if anybody
is going to beat Johnson's record.  It's stood for five years.  Even Deion
Sanders wasn't that fast."

   Casey was called up first among the three of us.  I watched as he got
his directions and prepared for his run.  Casey is WO23, so I would be
running immediately after him and Justin Larken.  Casey got off to what
appeared to me to be a slow start.  They announced his splits were 1.62
seconds for the first ten yards and 2.50 for the first twenty yards.  He
matched his personal best 40 time of 4.39 seconds.

   Larken ran in a pretty mediocre 4.52 seconds.  I was up next.  I stepped
up to the starting blocks.  The scout running the event gave me directions,
which thankfully matched what Steve Sanderson had taught me at the
beginning of the month.  I put my feet against the blocks and backed up
with my hands until I was in the unnaturally tight crouch that we were
required to use.

   "Let me know when you're ready for me to turn on the timer Twenty-five
[my jersey number]," the scout said.  "Your time will start on your first
movement."

   I took a deep breath before saying "OK, I'm ready." I took another deep
breath, closed my eyes and visualized myself flying down the field.  I
opened my eyes, looked down the 40 yards and exploded forward.  I pushed as
hard as I could to put my body in motion.

   "FAULT!" the scout yelled as I accelerated down the track.  "You bobbed
your head before you started, Twenty-five." I slowed as I reached the ten
yard mark and turned back.  "We want you to have the best time possible,
son."

   "OK," I agreed as took my position again.  This time after two deep
breaths I closed my eyes and visualized my success.  I opened them again
and stared down the track before saying, "OK, now." I froze for an instant
before burst forward.  I commanded myself, `Push it!  Push it!  Push it!'
as I accelerated down the track.

   My muscles screamed from the effort as I put forth every ounce of energy
I possessed.  I flew past the timer at the ten yard mark, past the second
at the twenty.  I bolted down the field, driving my legs as hard as was
humanly possible.  I muscled through stride after stride, flying towards
the end mark.  I kept my pace up for another five or ten yards past the
final timer before slowing and turning back to see my results.

   The board showed I ran it in 4.25 seconds.  I pumped my fists in
celebration.  That was the best time of my life.  My ten yard split was
1.41 seconds, matching Christian's split from earlier in the morning.  My
20 yard split was 2.42 seconds.  My associates who had run already
congratulated me when I joined their group.

   This was the perfect day for me to give the best performance of my life.
I knew the NFL Network analysts were up in the booth yakking about my time.
Every scout, coach and front office man in the place noticed what I had
done.

   I waited with the others who finished the 40 yard dash while the rest of
our group ran.  Eric Peters did extremely well.  He posted a 4.32 second
time, second best for the Combine, so far.  The defensive backs wouldn't
run this test until Tuesday morning.  I doubted any of tomorrow's
linebackers or defensive linemen would threaten my mark.

   I noticed Group 4 at the other end of the field was doing the gauntlet
drill.  I saw them in time to watch how Christian did on that drill.  The
gauntlet was a drill I was NOT looking forward to.

   You stood on the sideline and caught a pass from a QB in front of you.
You dropped the ball and did an about face, catching another ball from a
second QB.  When you dropped it, you ran at half speed down the 20 yard
line.  You alternately caught a ball from the left, from the right, from
the left, et cetera, until you caught a total of seven balls.  After the
last ball, you cut to the right and sprinted downfield.

   Steve Sanderson taught us to catch the ball away from our body and drop
it to the ground immediately so you could get ready for the next ball. 
This went against everything all my coaches had drilled into Christian and
me on for the past eight years.

   Christian did fine with the first ball.  He turned and caught the second
one crisply and dropped it.  He started across the field and caught the
third ball cleanly, away from his body the way we were taught.  Even thirty
yards away, I could see Christian start to tuck the ball away to protect it
from the hit that normally came after a catch.

   It was only a moment before he tossed the ball away but it put him out
of sync.  He wasn't ready when the next ball came and he missed it.  I know
my friend was frustrated by then.  He bobbled the fifth ball, never
catching it cleanly before moving on.  Christian settled himself and caught
the last two properly, turned and sprinted down the sideline towards me. 
He shook his head in disgust as he slowed to a stop.

   "Sorry, man.  I understand completely," I called out.  "Coach Adams and
Coach Caffrey would have our asses if we dropped all those balls."

   "Good luck, Coach," Christian replied.  "Learn from my foul-up." He
turned and headed back to rejoin his group.  I felt bad for my friend. 
Christian is normally one of the most sure-handed receivers around.  His
draft stock was going to drop precipitously thanks to this gaffe.

   Our group did passing drills next.  We receivers ran short, medium and
deep routes while the quarterbacks displayed their passing ability.  It was
easy for us receivers.  We just needed to be on the right spot on time and
catch the ball.  The QBs had to demonstrate that they could drill the ball,
lob it or throw with touch to the left and right side of the field.

   Nathan Woodruff, the quarterback from TCU, was paired up with me for the
deep route.  I was told to go down field twenty-five yards and look for the
catch over my outside shoulder.  The scout told me not to burn up the
yards. I was to be on the spot in a little less than three seconds.

   I went down field at a little less than my full speed.  I took a look
over my shoulder around the twenty yard mark, to find the ball.  Nathan
overthrew me.  I turned on the jets and tried to get under the ball and
make the catch.  I stretched and managed to make the catch by my
fingertips.

   Woodruff made me look good on the catch though he didn't do himself much
good.  We moved on to the gauntlet.  I used Christian's misstep to make
sure I did the drill correctly.  I got my head together, visualizing the
catches and throw downs.

   I got the first ball cleanly and threw it to the ground.  I spun around
and caught the next ball and put it down immediately.  I ran down the yard
line.  Ball from the right, catch and drop.  Ball from the left, catch and
throw it down.  Right, left, right and then make the cut and sprint down
along the sideline.

   I felt good.  I came through the drill I hated without a mishap.  The
scous could see that I had good concentration and good hands.  I didn't
drop a ball all through the passing drills.  I was pleased with efforts so
far.  One big test remained.  Our group headed inside for the bench press.

   The auditorium had seating for a couple hundred people.  The seats were
filled with scouts, coaches and front office people there to observe us. 
Hopefully this would be my payday for the almost eight years I spent
lifting weights daily.

   This turned into a friendly competition.  Everyone wanted to demonstrate
their manliness on the bench.  The other guys did cheer on whoever was on
the bench even though we were trying to outdo each other.

   Most of the guys were doing between fifteen and twenty reps with the 225
pound weight.  One guy managed only four reps.  He wasn't going to impress
anyone with his work habits.  Another guy had nine.

   I was eighth wide receiver to go.  I was surprised when many of the guys
called out, "Go get'em, Kyle," or "Hit it hard, Coach."

   I lay back on the bench, grabbed the bar and then waited for my
directions.  The trainer standing behind my head reviewed the rules
quickly. I lifted the bar off the rest and got to work.  Steve Sanderson
advised me to pump the reps out as quickly as I could.  The trainer offered
encouragement as I did five, ten, fifteen reps and continued.

   The guys along the sides started cheering for me as I passed twenty
reps. Up and down... up and down... My arms were starting to tire.  The
trainer yelled, "Keep going, Twenty-five!  Keep going!"

   The other guys cheered me on after every rep.  "Twenty-six!"
"Twenty-seven!  Give me more!" the trainer shouted down to me.  My arms
were burning and my pace was slowing.

   "Get'em, Kyle!" the crowd shouted.  "Get'em!" I punched out another
"Twenty-eight!  You got a lot more, Twenty-five!  Give me more!" the
trainer screamed.  "Twenty-nine!" he shouted as I pushed the bar up slowly.


   I lowered it again.  "Give me more!  Give me more!" I dropped the bar
down to my chest and muscled it back up with shaking arms.  "Another one!
You got more." I let the bar down and pushed hard.

   "Thirty-one!" the trainer screamed to me.  His hands were hovering by
the bar, ready to rescue me if my arms gave out.  "YOU GOT MORE!  GIVE ME
ONE MORE, TWENTY-FIVE!"

   I let the bar down and pushed it up shakily.  I got full extension with
the last reserves of my strength.  The trainer grabbed the bar from me and
dropped it on the rest.  "Thirty-two!" he shouted.  "Good job, Twenty-five.
Good job!"

   I hopped off the bench.  My arms were spent but my legs were strong. 
The other receivers cheered and applauded.  I rejoined my fellow receivers
as the next guy stepped for his turn.

   "Damn, Kyle!" Eric said enthusiastically.  "Those are linemen numbers.
Ed said you were a beast in the weight room.  How long you been working out
that way?"

   "Almost eight years," I replied.  "Same as Ed.  We worked out together
every day since before ninth grade."

   "I figured that," Eric said.  "Ed outworks most of the guys on our
team." He slapped me on the back.  "You clinched the top receiver pick in
the draft today.  No question about it."

   Eric did well when his turn came.  He cranked out twenty-six reps,
placing him second in our group.  I found out when we finished that one
person in Group 4 beat Eric's number - Christian Hunsecker with
twenty-seven.  No surprise there.  Christian was just as dedicated to
working out as I was.

   The group grabbed a late lunch at the stadium before getting rides back
to the hotel.  I took a quick shower before checking out of the hotel.  I
grabbed one of the shuttles the league provided for the ride back to the
airport.  Christian and Damian joined me for the ride to the airport.  They
had the same flight to Philly with me before they headed back to State
College.

   Damian did well in the bench press.  He did 34 reps, second best among
the running backs.  His 4.71 second time in the 40 did not catch anyone's
attention.  Damian was satisfied.  He knew he wouldn't be a high draft
pick. He had six interviews with teams.  Most seemed interested in him as a
fullback or as a power tailback.  It fit his skill set well.

   Christian was pleased with most of his effort, except for the gauntlet.
He definitely impressed scouts with his speed and explosiveness.  I
commiserated with him.  One of Christian's best characteristics was his
good hands.  The scouts did not get to see that this weekend.  Hopefully
they could see it when they studied the tapes of our games.

   I spent a good part of the flight reviewing my lesson plans for
tomorrow's two lectures.  Damian and Christian wished me good luck when we
parted at the airport.  We would see each other again in three weeks when I
went back to campus for Penn State's Pro day.  Penny met me at baggage
claim.  I was delighted to be home and to be through with the Combine.

   Chapter 83

   ==========

   Conestoga High School started on time the Monday after I returned from
Indianapolis.  Half a dozen students were clustered at my table around 7:15
am, anxious to hear more about my trip to the Combine.

   "I watched you on TV yesterday, Mr.  Martin," one of the guys commented.
"You are amazing.  You just smoked all the other receivers out there."

   "I saw when ESPN interviewed you," another added.

   "Did you meet anybody famous?" a third asked.

   "Ozzie Newsome from the Ravens, Bill Belichick from the Patriots, uh..."
I began before the first bell rang.  "Take your seats guys.  Football time
is over until after class.  Let Mr.  Waters get class started."

   I reviewed my notes during first period.  More kids came by to talk
about the Combine during home room.  I did not allow the second period kids
to bother me.  I was giving a lecture about Myanmar for the World Cultures
class.  I did talk with the ninth grade draft nuts when the class was over.

   John taught the third period European History class.  John and I had
time to talk about my experiences out in Indianapolis during fourth period.
He seemed to enjoy hearing my firsthand account.  He had the NFL Network on
over the weekend so he could follow my progress.

   "Mike Mayock went nuts when you posted your 4.25 second time for the
40," John commented.  "After you did almost double the normal reps on the
bench press, he predicted you were a lock for being a top five pick in the
draft."

   "That's not happening, John," I explained.  "The Redskins, the Lions and
the Chiefs all need help on their lines.  Everyone knows that Seattle's
number four pick will be one of the quarterbacks that are available. 
They're in desperate need of help there." I chuckled.  "The Raiders have
the fifth pick.  I know they won't be taking me.  Al Davis and I got into
an argument when I interviewed with his team."

   "You got into an argument with Al Davis?" John said laughing.  "What did
you two argue about?"

   "Mostly about whether I wanted to play in that zoo of a team he owns," I
answered.  "Don't tell anyone, but I most certainly do NOT want to play in
Oakland."

   "No black and silver in your future?  OK, who else was interested in
you?" John asked.  I gave him a brief overview of the other teams that
interviewed me over the weekend.

   "On a totally different subject," I said, "how long does it take you to
get to school from your house?  Penny and I are planning to spend her
spring break in Lancaster County.  I'll need to drive here from Paradise
during that week."

   "Why drive?" John responded.  "Why don't you just catch a ride with me?
We could meet at the Wal-Mart or the Wawa on Route 30."

   "Really?  You wouldn't mind doing that?" I responded.  "That would be
great.  Where should I meet you?"

   "That depends," John said.  "Do you want to meet me before or after I
pick up coffee at the Wawa."

   "Let's make it before you stop at the Wawa," I answered.  "I could use
some coffee too."

   "Meet me in the Walmart parking lot," John said.  "Park in the area
closest to Route 30 opposite the McDonalds.  Nobody should care if your car
sits there for the day.  Wawa's parking lot is a little busy for you to
leave your car there all day."

   "OK, that's would be great," I agreed.  "Thanks for the offer.  That
will make things a lot easier."

   John did the Economics lecture fifth period.  The teachers in the lunch
room were just as curious about my trip to Indianapolis as the kids were. I
spent most of lunch time talking about the experience.  I didn't blame
anyone for their interest.  No one from Conestoga High School had ever made
it to the NFL.  That was quite different than my high school.  We had three
make it already and expected three or four to end up there in the next
year.

   After lunch I repeated my Myanmar lecture for our second World Cultures
section.  I did my U.  S.  Government lecture seventh period and then
repeated it for our last class of the day.

   I found out Monday evening that my 4.25 second record in the 40 yard
dash stood up when the defensive backs got their shot at it.  Shawn Byrd
placed the second best time of the Combine, 4.28 seconds.  Eldon Burkholder
was third with 4.32 seconds.  I sent e-mails off to my friends,
congratulating them on their excellent performances.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------

   Professor Buchanan observed my AP European History lecture Wednesday
morning.  He complimented me on my work.  John, Professor Buchanan and I
agreed that my mid-term evaluation would be on next Monday, during fourth
period.

   The guys on the CHS football team were still asking questions about my
trip to the Combine when we gathered Wednesday after school for our weekly
video study session.  The opponent for study that day was Penncrest.  I had
difficulty getting the kids to focus between their interest in me and the
fact that they thrashed Penncrest 35-10.  I did get my point across
eventually that they needed to take EVERY opponent seriously.

   Maxwell Club President, Ron Jaworski, called me Wednesday night to
confirm arrangements for Friday's Maxwell Club Gala down in Atlantic City.
The affair was black tie.  Thank God Jim Edwards was willing to pay the way
so Penny had enough fancy dresses for all these banquets I was dragging her
to.

   I picked up my tux after school on Thursday.  Penny had bought her dress
the previous Saturday while I was out in Indianapolis.  My parents were
attending this banquet.  Dad was a huge fan of Coach Vermeil, Ron Jaworski
and the 70's & early 80's Eagles.  He absolutely couldn't miss the chance
to meet his teenage heroes.

   Mom and Dad took off work on Friday so they could be down to
Philadelphia on time.  I taught, as usual.  Mom and Dad met Penny and me at
our apartment late in the afternoon and changed for the banquet at our
place.  The Maxwell Club had a limousine pick us up at 4:30 pm to take us
down to Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City for their gala.

   The club provided Mom, Dad, Penny and me two rooms for the night.  We
freshened up before going downstairs to the atrium for the pre-banquet
cocktail party.  What an impressive setting.  The lighting was dimmed in
the atrium.  The center piece was a pool that was lit brightly underwater.
Floor after floor of rooms overlooked the scene.  A glass dome covered the
magnificent space.

   The guests were a veritable who's who of football.  The Maxwell Club
President, Ron Jaworski, greeted us as soon as we arrived.  Dad gushed a
bit when he met his boyhood hero.  Ron graciously took Dad over to a
cluster of older men, including Coach Dick Vermeil, who I recognized.

   Mom, Penny and I picked up drinks and circulated.  We bumped into the
Manning brothers and their father Archie.  I enjoyed talking with the first
family of quarterbacks.  Dad motioned for us to join him after we finished
talking the Mannings.

   He introduced us to the cluster of former players he was with.  Coach
Vermeil introduced us to Harold Carmichael, Wilbert Montgomery, Bill Bergey
and Vince Papale.  Harold was a standout wide receiver back in his day.  He
still worked for the Eagles, as their director of player programs.  He
helped their players keep their lives together off the field.

   Bill Bergey played middle linebacker back in the 70's and 80's.  Wilbert
Montgomery was that team's outstanding running back.  Vince Papale was now
the best known of the bunch.

   He was a substitute teacher in his mid-twenties when Coach Vermeil took
over the Eagles.  He won a spot as a wide receiver on the team when Coach
Vermeil gave the general public a chance to try out for the team before his
first season.  Disney made the movie "Invincible" about Papale's
experiences seven years ago.  I watched the movie quite a few times.  It
was great to meet the real man behind the movie.

   Wilbert Montgomery pulled me aside when we finished the conversation
with the former Eagles.  "You really impressed my bosses when they
interviewed you, Kyle."

   "Your bosses?" I asked.

   "I am the running backs coach for the Ravens," Wilbert explained.

   "I enjoyed talking with Mr.  Newsome and Coach Harbaugh," I answered.

   "Good luck when the draft comes," Wilbert said.  "Maybe I'll see you
again."

   Mom, Dad, Penny and I continued circulating.  We met a lot of coaches
and former coaches, including Mike Holmgren, Bill Belichick, Rex Ryan, Tom
Coughlin and Andy Reid.  We met up with retired players like John Elway,
Dan Marino, Chris Carter, Roger Staubach, Phil Simms, Warren Sapp, Chris
Collinsworth and Brian Dawkins.  Dawkins, the former Eagles favorite, took
a Broncos front office position in player relations after he retired a year
ago.

   Congressman Jon Runyon, the retired Eagles tackle, attended.  I met a
lot of current players including Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, Troy
Polamalu, Hines Ward, Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, Asante
Samuel, Nndami Asomugha and Mark Sanchez.

   Brian Dawkins introduced me to his former teammate, Brian Westbrook, who
chuckled as he shook my hand.  "You're the guy who took my college
records."

   "I'm sure someone will beat my records too," I replied.  "It's such an
honor to meet you.  I watched and cheered for you all the time you played
for the Eagles."

   "That's the way of football," Brian Westbrook agreed.  "Good luck when
you get to the NFL."

   Penn State had a good sized contingent at the dinner.  Coach Joe Paterno
was there to present the Paterno College Coach of the Year award to Coach
Burton.  Kerry Collins was hanging out with our coaches.  Antwaan Booker
was there.  Antwaan won the Bert Bell Award as the NFL player of the year.

   Coach Paterno was conversing with an older man in his mid-fifties that I
didn't recognize.  Dad figured out who he was.  Chuck Fusina had been
JoePa's quarterback in the mid-seventies.  Dad remembered him from his days
in the USFL.  Dad said Fusina quarterbacked the Philadelphia and Baltimore
Stars, the best team in the USFL's brief history.

   Mom, Dad, Penny and I joined the circle of Penn Staters.  Antwaan Booker
seemed genuinely delighted to see me.  I introduced Penny and my parents to
my big friend.  Antwaan introduced us to his girlfriend, Sheree Harris.  We
hung out and talked with the Penn Staters until it was time for dinner.

   We bumped into Coach Andy Reid from the Eagles as we were heading into
the ballroom.

   "I understand from Dominic that you are living in Philadelphia this
semester, Kyle," Coach Reid commented.  "I'd like to invite you to come
over to the Novacare Complex some weekend.  Dominic has talked about you in
glowing terms.  I would like you to see our facilities and get a chance to
know you better."

   "I would love that, Coach," I agreed.

   "Here's my card," Coach Reid said.  "Give my secretary a call and we'll
set it up.  My staff is out of town the next three weekends but we could do
it late in the month."

   "We may be able to work that out," I agreed.  Coach Reid and I shook
hands again before we parted.  Could the Eagles actually have an interest
in me?  Could they pull off a trade to get high enough in the draft to pick
me?  I guess I would see when I visited their facilities.

   The big crowd headed for the ballroom.  Coach and Sue Paterno were
seated with a couple of his past quarterbacks, Chuck and Jacquelyn Fusina
and Kerry and Brooke Collins.  Mom, Dad, Penny and I ended up at the table
beside them with Antwaan, Sheree, and William Johnson and William's mom.

   The resort served a nice salad of mixed greens with balsamic-mustard
dressing with pecans and shaved Grana Padano cheese.  We had a choice of
grilled fish, Tuscan chicken or a grilled lamb shoulder ribeye.  I had the
lamb, which was excellent.  Mom and Penny tried the fish.  They said it was
quite good.  Dad had the Tuscan chicken.

   I learned more about Antwaan and Sheree over dinner.  She was a
professional photographer.  They met when she was doing a photo shoot for
Nike before last season.  My big friend popped the question a few weeks
ago. They hadn't set any plans for their wedding.  Most likely it would be
next winter, after the Broncos season was over.

   The resort served rum cake with pastry cream and fresh fruit for
dessert. Chris Collinsworth served as the emcee for the evening.  The
program started off with the professional awards, so Antwaan was up front
immediately.  "Mean" Joe Greene, of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 70's dynasty,
presented the Bert Bell Award to Antwaan Booker.

   The award was named after the founder of the Eagles and later the
commissioner of the NFL prior to Pete Rozelle.  Mean Joe presenting this
award to Antwaan was appropriate.  The best tackle from the 70's was
recognizing the best tackle of our decade.  Antwaan gave a brief thank you
speech before sitting down again.

   Don Shula was the next presenter.  He presented the Earl "Greasy" Neale
Award for the NFL Coach of the Year to Leslie Frazier, the head coach of
the Minnesota Vikings.  Coach Frazier had done an excellent job getting his
team together and taking them to the Super Bowl.  I assume the voters chose
Coach Frazier because they didn't feel Coach Belichick needed the award a
fourth time.

   Chris Collinworth called up two presenters for the Bednarik Award. 
Chuck "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik came up, escorted by Michael Strahan. 
Michael did the talking while Chuck presented the trophy to William
Johnson. William certainly deserved this award.  No one in college football
was more dominating.

   Chuck Fusina took the podium next.  This was my moment.  Chuck had some
kind words to say about Coach Paterno and his time at Penn State.  Chuck
noted that my class of recruits were Joe's final class of recruits and
praised Coach Paterno and Coach Burton for their work to get me and my
classmates prepared for football... and for life.

   Chuck called me up and presented me with my award.  I kept my remarks
brief.  They were based on the thank you remarks I made a few weeks earlier
at the Biletnikoff Dinner.

   The final award of the night was special for me.  The Maxwell Club
presented Coach Burton with the Paterno College Coach of the Year Award. 
Coach Paterno did the presentation himself.

   JoePa joked as he handed the award to Coach Burton, "It took me
thirty-three years to find a worthy successor to me, but I did find him.  I
can relax with my lovely wife, Sue, and all my grandkids and know that the
Nittany Lions football team is in the best hands possible."

   I knew in spite of all his talk of relaxing with Sue and the grandkids,
next year... or even five years from now, God willing, he would be at the
academic center or even out on the practice field passing on his words of
wisdom to another generation of players.  Coach Paterno would coach and
counsel young men to the day he died.

   I stood and applauded, as did a good portion of the room, when Coach
Burton finished his thank you speech.  Mom, Dad, Penny and I offered him
congratulations when he returned to the table.  He certainly deserved this
honor.

   I bumped into Coach Jeff Baldwin after the banquet concluded.  "You
deserved this award, Kyle," the coach said as we shook hands.  "It was a
pleasure coaching you at the Senior Bowl.  I want to wish you the best as
you head into the NFL."

   "Thanks, Coach," I responded.  "I loved playing for you." I would have
liked to talk more with Coach Baldwin but he seemed in a hurry to go.  I
loved playing for him and wouldn't mind at all if the Broncos showed some
interest in me.  I guess that wasn't to be.  The draft gurus expected
Denver to go for a linebacker or a tight end.  I heard from Garrett
Bradford that the Broncos were flying him out to visit their facilities
next weekend.

   Commissioner Roger Goodell found me before my parents, Penny and I could
get to the door.  After congratulating me on the award, the commissioner
moved on to business.

   "The league would like to invite you to attend the first night of the
draft at Madison Square Garden as our guests," Commission Goodell
explained. "Your fiancée and your parents will be welcome too."

   "I will have to pass, Commissioner," I replied.  "I am student teaching
that day.  I don't get out of class until a quarter to three.  I don't see
any way for me to get to New York in time for the draft.  I will be fine
watching from my home in Lancaster County."

   "That's too bad," Commissioner Goodell responded.  "Good luck wherever
you end up, Kyle."

   "Thank you, sir," I answered.  My parents, Penny and I headed upstairs
to our rooms.  The Maxwell Club was putting us up for the night instead of
driving us home after the gala.  The gala hadn't run late.  Penny and I had
plenty of time to make love, twice before going to sleep.

   We met Mom and Dad downstairs around 9:30 Saturday morning for brunch.
We checked out of Harrah's and called for our limo.  It delivered us back
to Philly an hour later.  Mom and Dad headed back home.

   Penn was officially on spring break, so the Courtyard Apartments were
nearly deserted.  Penny and I took our time packing for our week back home
with our parents.  I grabbed some sandwiches, chips and drinks from Stan's
Deli down the street when I picked up my car.  We loaded up my car and
headed west.

   Penny ate her lunch as I drove to King of Prussia on the Schuylkill
Expressway.  We stopped off at the mall so Penny could do a little
shopping. I relaxed in the Court and enjoyed my lunch while my honey
satisfied her shopping urge.  We stopped off in Berwyn on the way home to
drop off my tux from Friday night.  We headed west for Paradise when I was
finished.

   Penny and I set things up with our parents that we would spend four days
with each set of parents.  We would stay with Penny's parents on the
weekends and with my family during the week.  Both of us felt I was less
likely to disturb anyone leaving for school from my basement bedroom with
its own bathroom than from Penny's place where we were on the second floor
near her parents' bedroom.  I needed to get up around 5:15 am to get down
to Parkesburg in time to meet John for the ride in to Berwyn.

   We dropped our things off at Penny's house and then headed over to visit
my family.  Noah, Connor and Hunter were delighted to see their Unka Ky and
Aunt Penny.  We didn't discourage the twins from calling Penny, Aunt Penny.
It would probably be true before they understood why she wasn't their aunt
yet.

   We played with the boys for a while.  The twins proudly showed us how
they were learning their ABC's.  Hunter wasn't interested in that yet.  He
happily drew picture after picture for Penny and me while the twins
practiced the alphabet.

   Penny and I had dinner at her home and then headed to Millersville for a
movie.  We enjoyed having a normal date night for a college couple.  It was
quite a change from the jetting all over the country and going to fancy
dinners that we had done in the past few months.

   ------------------------------------------------------------------

   My Mom and Marilyn Edwards convened a wedding planning conference after
church Sunday afternoon.  Dad, Jim Edwards, Penny and I were required to
attend.  Everyone accepted one inevitable thing about this wedding.  It was
not going to be small.  Both families felt it was important to invite all
the aunts, uncles and cousins.

   Penny wanted her circle of college friends at the wedding.  After some
discussion, the group agreed that I could chose fifteen college friends and
teammates to invite.  I insisted that good form dictated that I save spots
for a couple of my NFL teammates and the head coach, offensive coordinator,
wide receivers coach and special teams coach on whatever team drafted me.
No one questioned my choice to include my college coaches on the invitation
list.

   Penny neatly sidestepped choosing between Kathy Trimble and Tammy Brooks
for her maid of honor by choosing her sister Nikki.  Kathy and Tammy would
be in her wedding party, along with April Chaney.  April was returning from
England in time for graduation in May.

   I took a cue from Penny.  I decided to ask Ed Fritz to be my best man
rather than choosing between Will and Andy.  My brothers would join Jeremy
and Hal as groomsmen.  We decided Trevor, Damian, Dave Hanson and Nikki's
husband Adrian would serve as ushers.

   Dad generously volunteered to shoulder half the wedding expense even
though it traditionally was Jim's responsibility to pay.  I offered to
cover the expenses for the guests from my NFL team, assuming I had an NFL
team by the time of the wedding.  [Sorry Al Davis, no wedding invitation
for you, if you're foolish enough to draft me!]

   We agreed to use an organist at the church and a DJ at the reception. 
No one was real interested in auditioning local bands to play.  Mom and
Marilyn Edwards were going to do more investigating before we chose between
having our reception catered and having the Eden Resort provide the food.
Marilyn and Penny planned a trip this week to start looking at wedding
dresses.

   Penny and I called our friends just before dinner time to confer about
our wedding plans.  Ed, Jeremy, Kathy, Hal, Tammy, Trevor and Stephanie
were down in Panama City Beach, enjoying the sun and sand this week. 
Everyone agreed to their roles for the wedding.

   --------------------------------------------------------------

   I showered and prepared for my school day very quietly Monday morning.
I'm pretty sure I didn't wake Jim and Marilyn.  Penny stirred but didn't
acknowledge me when I dressed in our (her) bedroom.  I left quietly in the
dark, winter morning.  The sky was bright and the moon had set.  Stars
twinkled in front of me as I drove down Route 30 for Parkesburg.  A faint
glow was on the horizon, announcing the sun's arrival.  The constellation
Leo was directly in front of me.  The lion was head down and tail up this
morning.  The three stars of Orion's belt were off to my right over the gap
in the hills as I passed through the village of Gap.  It was a beautiful
morning.  I didn't experience this kind of thing when I drove out from
Philly to school.

   John Waters was waiting for me when I pulled into the Wal-Mart parking
lot.  I hopped into his car and we drove across Route 30 to the Wawa store.
I picked up a breakfast sandwich, a muffin and a big cup of coffee to get
me going.  John filled his oversized Wawa mug with coffee before we headed
for school.

   "Did you enjoy your banquet Friday night, Kyle?" John asked when we were
on the road.  "Did you meet anyone famous?"

   "Are you sure you want to torture yourself listening to me go on about
the guest list?" I asked, grinning.  John glanced to me, gave me a smile
and nodded his agreement.  I regaled him with descriptions of all the
people I met at the gala.  John enjoyed hearing about the famous players
and coaches I met.  Dick Vermeil, Harold Carmichael and Ron Jaworski were
favorites of his back when the team went to its first Super Bowl.

   "I hope you don't mind an old man living vicariously through your
experiences," John commented when I finished talking about the gala.  "I'm
just an unimportant cog in the football world."

   "You're not an old man, John," I countered.  "You certainly are not an
unimportant cog in the football world.  Every famous athlete around started
learning football from a high school coach like you.  You are critical in
the world of football.  None of us would be doing what we do now without
people like you." John chuckled.

   "You're going to do well dealing with media and fans, Kyle," John
replied.  "You are so smooth and flattering."

   "I'm just speaking the truth, John," I replied.

   The commute down the Route 30 Bypass and Route 202 wasn't too bad.  We
pulled into the school parking lot a couple minutes after seven o'clock. 
Professor Buchanan met us in our room.  He was observing my first period
lecture to the AP Comparative Government class.  After the lecture, the two
of us headed to a conference room at the school so we could have some quiet
while Professor Buchanan reviewed my portfolio.  I took the front of the
room again for AP European History third period.

   Professor Buchanan observed my lecture.  I thought I did well.  John and
Professor Buchanan met with me during fourth period for my mid-semester
performance review.  They used my lesson plans, my use of classroom
materials and technology, the tests I prepared and gave the students,
interviews with me and class room observations to grade my work.  I was
scored in four categories.

   Professor Buchanan and John scored me as exemplary in Category I,
Planning and Preparation.  We talked about my management of the classroom
environment, Category II.

   "You have an exceptional grasp for handling your students, Kyle,"
Professor Buchanan commented.  "I have never given a student an exemplary
mid-semester in this category in the past four years."

   "I credit my summers working with Boy Scouts," I answered.  "I had to
learn years ago how to keep order and teach my merit badge classes.  I
never had the luxury of sending students who misbehaved to see the
principal, the way I could do now."

   "You do very well for someone with eight weeks in the classroom," John
added.

   Category III covered my instructional delivery.  My mentor and professor
rated me superior in this category.  We talked about places where I could
improve my lectures and interaction with the students.

   The final category was professionalism.  Professor Buchanan rated me
exemplary.  I scored eleven of a possible twelve points.  I was determined
to improve my classroom presentation so I could get my rating up to
exemplary in all categories.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------

   My cell phone vibrated as I was in the middle of my eighth period
lecture to the AP U.  S.  Government class.  I ignored it until after class
was dismissed.  The number was in the 410 area code, so I suspected it was
a call from someone in the Ravens organization.  I wasn't wrong.

   "Hello, Ozzie Newsome," the voice said when he answered the phone.

   "This is Kyle Martin," I replied.  "You called me half an hour ago, Mr.
Newsome."

   "Thank you for returning my call, Kyle," Mr.  Newsome said.  The name
caught John Waters' attention.  He peered over his half-height reading
glasses and mouthed the word, "Ozzie?" I smiled and nodded yes to my
mentor.

   "I enjoyed talking with you a couple weeks ago, Kyle," Ozzie continued.
"I'd like to invite you to come visit the Ravens facilities.  We would like
to interview you in more depth and show you our training facilities.  We
also would like our team physicians to take a good look at your left knee.
We want to be certain of your physical condition before we invest what it
would take to for us to draft you."

   "I'd like that, Mr.  Newsome," I agreed.

   "When are you available?"

   "I student teach during the school week," I replied.  "It would need to
be over a weekend.  I'm tied up for the weekends of March 16th with Penn
State's Pro Day and March 23rd for a trip to Charlottesville.  Other than
that, my weekends are free this month."

   "Charlottesville?" Mr.  Newsome asked.  "Do you mean Charlotte, North
Carolina to visit the Panthers?"

   "No, Charlottesville, Virginia," I replied.  "My fiancée's sister's baby
is due the week before.  We want to go down to see our new nephew."

   "Take care of family," Mr.  Newsome said.  "That always takes precedence
over work.  Would you like to come down this coming weekend?  We can send a
jet to Philadelphia for you."

   "This weekend would be fine," I agreed.  "You don't need to send a jet.
My fiancée and I are staying at our parents' homes in Lancaster County.  I
can manage to drive down to your facilities.  You're in Owings Mills,
right?"

   "Yes we are," Ozzie agreed.  "Lancaster is about an hour and a half from
our facilities."

   We discussed timing for a minute and agreed that I would arrive at the
facilities at 9:00 am on Saturday, March 9th.  Ozzie expected we would
finish up the interviews, physicals and tour by dinner time.  The team
would take me out for a nice dinner afterward.  He offered to put me up at
a nearby hotel Saturday night so I wouldn't need to drive back home that
evening.  I demurred.  I could handle the drive home that evening.  I
preferred sleeping in my own bed with Penny to staying alone in a strange
hotel on a Saturday night.

   John and I talked about the NFL free agent signing period on the way
home.  It started that Monday morning.  Keon Taylor, the outstanding
Pro-Bowl left tackle from the Jacksonville Jaguars, was the top free agent
available in the draft.  I was pleased he was scheduled to visit Green Bay
tomorrow, after he dropped by the Oakland Raiders.  Zack Hayes could use
someone like Taylor watching his back next season.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I left the eleven o'clock news on Monday evening as we were
getting ready for bed.  Paul Prince, the Channel 8 sport anchor, came on.

   "Big news for Raiders fans," Paul announced.  "Knowledgeable sources at
the Raiders report that Keon Taylor, the top free agent left tackle in the
league, will sign a five year, $57 million dollar offer tomorrow morning.
Reports indicate that this offer includes a $14.2 million signing bonus,
payable in the first two years of the contract."

   "That's a lot of money," Penny commented.  "Do you think you'll ever get
anything like that?"

   "No chance at all," I responded.  "You remember what Max told us.  With
the rookie salary cap, I shouldn't expect more than $10-12 million for my
first four years.  Left tackles are the second highest paid players on a
team.  I doubt I'll ever make anything like what Taylor is getting."

   "I guess we can live on $10 or $12 million," Penny said, grinning.  She
winked and added, "We might have to cut a few corners, but we'll scrimp
by."

   "I feel bad," I added.  "Zack really could have used Keon watching his
blind side.  Hopefully the Packers find someone to give Zack better
protection."

   ------------------------------------------------------------------------

   The Minnesota Vikings called Tuesday morning while I was giving my
lecture to the AP European History class.  I returned Coach Fraziers's call
during my fourth period break.  The Vikings wanted me to come out for a
visit.  I scheduled them for the weekend of April 6th-7th.  My phone rang
again about five minutes before the end of the period.

   "Is this Kyle Martin?" the voice asked when I answered the call.  "This
is Hue Jackson with the Raiders."

   "Hello, Coach Jackson," I replied.

   "I know your conversation with our team a few weeks ago didn't go well,"
Coach replied.  "A little more heat was generated than was necessary.  Your
analysis of our team's needs does not differ significantly from our
internal analysis of those needs.  Have you heard about our signing of Keon
Taylor?"

   "I saw rumors to that effect last night on the news," I confirmed.

   "Keon is going to going to stabilize our offensive line and give our QB
time for the deep game," Coach Jackson said.  "We have a couple other
signings and trades that will significantly improve our ability to run our
deep threat offense.  The team would like you to consider coming out for a
visit and an in depth interview so we can clear the air."

   "Coach, I don't know if that will help," I answered.  "I know Taylor
will help with your protection problems, but the offensive line wasn't the
only concern I had.  I fear Elijah may not be ready to go for the season.
What about quarterback?" There was a long pause before Coach Jackson
replied.

   "I don't know if I can reveal this yet," Coach Jackson finally said. 
"We're not certain that Elijah will be ready on September 8th.  We have a
trade in place with another to team to acquire a good backup QB with a
couple years of experience for McRae."

   Most of the NFL world knew the Raiders planned to move disgruntled
cornerback Ellis McRae as soon as they could.  A trade for an experienced
backup QB did make sense.

   "What do you say, Kyle?" Coach Jackson asked.  "Are you willing to come
out for a visit and explore how you can fit into our family?"

   The Raiders addressing their protection needs and getting another
capable QB did address many of my concerns about playing for Al Davis and
the Raiders.  Still, I hesitated to answer.  Al's team had been a zoo for
nearly a decade.  Was I ready to join them?  Coach Jackson must have sensed
my hesitance.

   "I can't reveal the name of the quarterback yet," Coach said.  "He and
McRae have to pass their physicals before we can finalize the deal.  I can
tell you this much.  He is a quarterback with a couple years in the league
and he comes out of the Big Ten.  You've seen him play."

   I thought back quickly.  Wheeler from Purdue, Goodman from Northwestern
and... Pete Cochrane fit the description.  The very thought of playing with
Pete alarmed me.

   "I hope it's not Pete Cochrane," I exclaimed.

   "I can't confirm the name," Coach Jackson said.  "The trade isn't final
yet.  Would it matter?"

   "I can NOT stand Cochrane," I answered.  "He is the reason I decided
against attending the University of Michigan.  I want no part of anything
involving that man.  He's a poison for whatever team he is on."

   "Um...." Coach Jackson stuttered.

   "We should let the whole question of me visiting drop for now until you
finalize the QB deal," I suggested.  "Please don't waste your draft pick on
me if Pete Cochrane is your backup plan at QB.  I will NEVER play with that
man.  I just will not."

   "Oh... Kay," Coach responded.  "I won't waste more of your time." Coach
Jackson ended the call.

   "Keon Taylor?" John Waters asked.  I nodded yes.  "Was that someone from
the Raiders?"

   "It was," I confirmed.

   "What does Peter Cochrane have to do with the Raiders?" John asked.  "I
thought he plays for..."

   "Past tense," I said.  "From the abrupt way my conversation ended with
Coach Jackson, I suspect they lined up a trade to get Cochrane."

   "What do you have against Cochrane and the Raiders?" John asked.

   "He's an asshole," I replied, with impeccably bad timing.  Colin
Kennedy, a quiet, slightly preppy nerd who had his nose in a book anytime
he had free time, walked in a couple minutes early for the economics class.

   "You didn't hear anything, did you, Colin?" I asked.

   He gave John and me a grin and said, "I heard nothing at all, Mr. 
Martin." Colin took his seat and buried his nose in his book.  I filled
John in quietly about my conversation with Coach Jackson until the rest of
the fifth period students arrived.  I took roll and then went to my table
in the back of the room.  John was doing this lecture.

   I had time to think while John taught.  Had Al Davis spent $57 million
for Keon Taylor just to increase his chances of coaxing me into accepting
his team?  That wasn't my problem, that was Al's.  Adding Keon Taylor was
good for the team.  Adding Pete Cochrane with his toxic personality was
bad. It was best if I continued my determination to avoid the Raiders at
all costs.

   I gave Max Solomon a call after school that afternoon, to keep him
informed of the teams that were arranging on-site interviews with me.  I
caught Max between meetings while he was in Green Bay.  Three of his
clients were testing the free agent market this week.

   ---------------------------------------------------------------

   Thursday the Rams called and asked me to visit.  I informed them that I
was out of weekends.  They prevailed on me to come out during
Tredyfferin/Easttown's Easter vacation.  I would fly out Tuesday evening
after school and return home Thursday.  I warned them that I would have to
cancel if the school had any more snow days.  The original school schedule
had the kids off Monday and Tuesday too.  Those days would make up for the
days we lost in January and February.

  
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Max called Thursday evening to check in with me.  "Have you engaged an
agent to handle endorsements yet, Kyle?" Max asked.

   "My dad and I didn't think I would need one yet," I replied.  "I don't
expect there will be much demand for me until they know where I will be
playing."

   "Things are moving faster than you expected," Max said.  "Nike contacted
me, thinking I was handling endorsements for you, as well as your
professional contract.  I did ask for enough details to determine if they
have something attractive to offer.  Are you sitting down, Kyle?"

   OK," I agreed as I sat down on the corner of my bed.  Max's call had
interrupted my evening workout.

   "Nike is offering $1.2 million for a four year contract," Max said.

   "1.2 million?" I gasped.

   "1.2 million what?" Penny asked.  She was sitting on the opposite side
of her bed reviewing a chapter in her comparative anatomy text.

   "Dollars," I stuttered.  Penny's eyes went wide.

   "Kyle?  Are you still there?" Max asked.

   "Yeah," I answered weakly.  My heart wouldn't stop fluttering.  1.2
million dollars??!?!?  Intellectually I knew I would be worth a lot of
money eventually... but I hadn't even been drafted or played a down yet.

   "I can have Nike get in touch with you directly, if you would like," Max
said.

   "Um... I guess," I stuttered.

   "I know you don't want tied down to a long term endorsement contract
with one agent," Max said.  "I would be willing to help you with this
contract only, to help you and your parents get better organized for future
endorsements."

   "I guess that sounds reasonable," I agreed.  "I'll talk to my dad and
get back to you shortly.  I assume you have a standard agreement that you
start with when you sign someone up for an endorsement.  What sorts of
terms are typical of a contract like this?"

   "My fee is 20% of the gross," Max said.

   "I've heard that figure before," I agreed.

   "A typical endorsement contract will call for you to provide four to six
off-season days for shoots," Max explained.  "Normally you will get about
50% of the first year's pay up front."

   "You mean... like $150,000 right now?" I asked.  Penny's eyes bugged out
a little as she listened to my side of the conversation.

   "Remember what I told you and Penny a couple months ago, Kyle," Max
warned.  "Half of that money will be going to the government.  Don't go out
and plan to buy big, fancy cars, bling or a house.  You won't have that
much money."

   "I understand, Max," I agreed.  "I'm too close to my Mennonite forebears
to squander my money that way.  Assuming Dad agrees with your proposal too,
what is our next step?"

   "Confirm it with your father," Max said.  "I will get a copy of my
standard endorsement contract to you.  Would you prefer that I send it to
your uncle instead?"

   "Let me talk with Dad, Max," I answered.  "I'll get back to you in a few
minutes and let you know."

   "That sounds fine, Kyle," Max agreed.

   "1.2 million dollars for what?" Penny queried as soon as I ended the
call with Max.

   "Nike wants me to endorse their products," I explained.

   "Holy cow!" Penny exclaimed.  "$1.2 million.  Is that for one year?"

   "They want to offer me a four year contract for that amount," I
answered. "I guess the two of us won't have money worries anymore."

   "That is your money, Kyle," Penny said.  "It's too much for me to share
with you.  It's just too much.  Maybe we need to see about a prenuptial
agreement to protect you." "Are you worried that I suspect you had some
devious scheme back in ninth grade to grab me in hopes that I would be a
millionaire someday?" I asked.  "We are not doing a prenuptial agreement.
There is no `mine' and no `yours'.  There will be only `ours'.  I won't
have it any other way."

   "Are you sure, Kyle?" Penny asked.

   "We're going to be partners... for life," I answered.  "I don't see any
other way to truly be partners than to share everything.  Don't you think
your parents will appreciate it if you don't need rent or food money
anymore?"

   "Well... yes," Penny agreed.  "It's just so... much.  I guess I'm not
prepared for all of this so soon."

   "This throws me for a loop too," I agreed.  "I did not expect to have
this much money around until the summer.  It is coming a few months ahead
of schedule."

   "In my head I know you're right," Penny responded.  "It's all so sudden.
I didn't expect to deal with all this money while we're still in college."

   "It's here," I said.  "Let's go upstairs and talk with my parents.  We
need to make decisions about who represents us and who will manage our
money sooner than we expected." I chuckled.  "I guess being rich can take
some work too."

   Penny and I sat down with Mom and Dad and discussed the news.  They
agreed that it made sense to use Max as my commercial agent for now,
especially since he was willing to do the work one endorsement at a time. I
called Max back and let him know to go ahead with negotiations with Nike.
Dad called Uncle Dave and let him know he should expect the agreement from
Max.  Max predicted it would take a week or two to get the agreement done
with Nike.

  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

   I kept my Nike news secret at school on Friday.  I knew I would get
considerable teasing from the faculty when they found out about my
endorsement deal.  I preferred to stay an average, poor student teacher for
a little longer.  I just wanted to learn how to do my job without too many
distractions from outside the classroom.

   I took Penny out to dinner at the Iron Horse Inn in Strasburg on Friday
night to celebrate the Nike deal.  The food was excellent as I had come to
expect from my previous visits.  We called it an early night and headed
back to my place.  We made love twice before we went to sleep.

   I left Penny's place quietly Saturday morning for my trip down to
Baltimore.  Traffic was light on Route 30 heading for York.  I-83 was a
little busier.  It took an hour and forty minutes to get to the Ravens'
training facility in Owings Mills, Maryland.

   Deer Park Road, the road before I arrived at the training facility was
much more rural than I expected.  It was lined with woods and a few houses.
I turned into Winning Drive and drove up the winding driveway to the guard
house.  The guard opened the gate and let me inside after I gave him my
name.  I drove across the nearly empty parking lot towards the training
facility.

   The stone octagonal turret and steeped pitched roof on one end reminded
me of a medieval cathedral or a castle.  The remainder of the building was
clad in brick.  The style could best be described as colonial.  This was
NOT your typical utilitarian sports structure.  I parked in a visitor's
parking space and headed inside.

   The receptionist at the front desk paged Ozzie Newsome.  Mr.  Newsome
came out to meet me a couple moments later.

   "Thank you for taking time to come visit us, Kyle," Mr.  Newsome
remarked as we shook hands.

   "It's my pleasure, Mr.  Newsome," I answered.

   "There is no need to be formal, Kyle," Mr.  Newsome said.  "Call me
Ozzie."

   "I can do that, sir... or Ozzie," I agreed.

   "I would like to take you to the medical facility first," Ozzie said. 
"We want the doctors and trainers to thoroughly examine your left knee.  It
will cost our team significantly to secure your services in the draft, so
we need to be absolutely certain of your ability to perform at a high
level."

   "I understand completely," I responded.  "Your medical people can poke
and prod and do whatever they need to do.  My knee has been sound and
allowed me to do anything I needed over the past five seasons."

   "That's excellent," Ozzie commented as he led me towards the
administrative offices.  We met a youngish man in his late twenties.  "This
is Ian Cunningham.  He will take you down to the trainers and then give you
a tour of our facilities.  When Ian is finished with you, some of the
coaches and I will take you out to lunch.  We'd like to get to know you
better."

   "That sounds fine," I agreed.  I followed Ian, talking as we headed to
the training area.  Ian was friendly and quite knowledgeable about my
performance out in Indianapolis.  The doctor and trainers measured and
weighed me.  They checked me from head to toe.  They tested the strength,
stability and flexibility of my left knee.  They spent about an hour
examining me.  They did not comment to me about any of their findings, just
like at the Combine.

   Ian gave me a complete tour of the training facilities.  The weight room
looked excellent.  They had a large, spacious locker room for the players.
Ian and I ran into Joe Flacco.  Ian introduced us.

   "Ahh... Andrew's older brother," Joe said as we shook hands.  "It's good
to meet you, Kyle." I couldn't help but laugh.

   "I think that's the first time I've ever been recognized as Andy's older
brother," I answered.  "I have to tell Andy that.  He gets so tired of
people referring to him as `Kyle's little brother.' He'll love it that you
know who he is."

   "Of course I do," Joe said.  "Anyone who helps my Blue Hens win a
national championship deserves my attention.  I've tried to meet your
brother a couple times since January when I was visiting campus.  He's
never been there when I stopped by."

   "You probably went over the weekend," I said.  "Andy goes home every
weekend.  He has two small boys back home in Lancaster County.  He doesn't
want them to forget about their father while he is in college."

   "I can understand that," Joe commented.  "Maybe I will drop by Newark
during the week next time I visit."

   "I'll tell Andy you asked about him," I added.  "I know he will get a
kick out of it."

   "I hope the team drafts you, Kyle," Joe said.  "It would be really sweet
to get one of the Martin brothers on our team."

   "I wouldn't mind at all," I agreed.  "It would be great to play for a
team close to home and close to where my fiancée is going to school."

   Ian took me to the team's indoor practice field.  It reminded me of
Holuba Hall, in many ways.  The Ravens have three outdoor grass practice
fields.  He showed me the team auditorium, meeting rooms and film study
areas.  All of the facilities were first class.  When we finished the tour
Ian took me to Ozzie's office.

   Coach John Harbaugh was waiting with Ozzie for my return.  Ozzie paged
Coach Hostler, Coach Cameron and Eric DeCosta, the team's Director of
Player Personnel.  We loaded up in a team van and headed north for the
Owings Mills Mall.  Ozzie proudly took me to Granny's Restaurant for some
real soul food.

   Ozzie recommended the chicken and waffles.  I saw the short ribs on the
menu and had to have them.  Most of the coaches went with the chicken and
waffles.  They gave me a taste of the chicken and waffles when we were
served.  They were excellent, but my short ribs and gravy were to die for.
Granny's had excellent corn bread, one my personal favorites.

   Ozzie, Eric and the coaches spent the leisurely lunch talking with me
about my background and interests.  Ozzie told some stories about playing
with some of the NFL greats from his playing days.  I told the coaches
about growing up with the Hayes brothers.  John Harbaugh knew Sam from his
days at the Eagles.  They enjoyed my JoePa stories.  None of them knew
Coach Paterno well, though most had met him somewhere in the past.

   The coaches were very curious about my work with my high school team. 
They quizzed me extensively about our spring practices and the work I did
as a volunteer coach during our playoff run.  That was a shock.  I didn't
know how they knew about that aspect of my past.  Eventually I found out
how they knew.

   "Did you ask Coach Turner to write the letter to NFL teams for you?"
Ozzie asked.

   "Letter?  I'm not sure what you're talking about," I replied.

   "You didn't know Jason Turner wrote a glowing letter praising your
coaching abilities?" Ozzie asked.  I shook my head no.

   "I had no idea Jason did that," I explained.

   "You call your head coach by his first name?" Coach Harbaugh asked.

   "Umm...  actually Jason has never been my coach," I explained.  "He
started at my high school after I graduated.  I was already established as
a volunteer coach at the school when he came.  We're closer to peers than
coach and player." The coaches smiled and nodded their understanding. 
"When did Jason write this letter?  He never said anything to me about
doing this."

   "Our team received the letter about three weeks ago," Ozzie explained.
"Coach Turner was positively glowing about your coaching abilities.  Are
you planning on going into coaching when you finish playing?"

   "Absolutely," I responded.  "I consider the work Jason and Coach Caffrey
allow me to do to be an apprenticeship for my future career.  Coach Burton
has used me a couple times in the spring scrimmages as a coach too.  I've
learned a lot from all of them."

   The coaches continued asking me questions about my responsibilities
while I was volunteering with the Wolverines.  I told them about how I
assisted with the receivers, the quarterbacks and special teams during the
playoff run.

   We capped our lunch off with some of Granny's sweet potato pie and some
brown sugar lemonade.  We headed back to the Ravens' facility after lunch.
The team asked me to do more psych testing for an hour in the afternoon.

   Coach Cameron and Coach Hostler sat down with me in the film room and
reviewed video of my work at Penn State.  I enjoyed talking about our
system and how and why I ran the routes the way I did.  Both coaches were
surprised to hear how Chip, Brian, Christian and I used sight adjustments
against some of our opponents.  I loved talking X's and O's with these two
coaches.

   Ozzie Newsome stopped by the film room late in the afternoon.  He took
me in to meet Steve Bisciotti, the team owner, and Richard Cass, the team
president.  We talked for half an hour, allowing them to get to know me a
little better.  Mr.  Cass and Mr.  Bisciotti invited me to join them and
Ozzie for dinner.

   They took me out to a local crab house, C.  J.'s Restaurant.  We had
some shrimp cocktail and mini crab cakes for appetizers.  The place was a
crab house, so I went with the deep fried soft shell crabs.  I added in
some sweet potato fries.  The food was quite tasty.

   I answered Mr.  Bisciotti's and Mr.  Cass' questions patiently.  Their
questions were similar to the ones the coaches asked me over lunch.  I
wasn't sure if that was because the team wanted to test my patience or
simply that front office people hadn't coordinated with the coaching staff.

   Mr.  Cass questioned me extensively about my drunk driving arrest and
the lessons I learned from the experience.  They weren't interested in the
BAC proving my innocence.  He wanted to know what steps I had taken to make
sure I didn't put myself in a compromising position again.  He seemed
satisfied with my answers to his questions.

   We headed back to the training complex.  "Thank you so much for coming
down today, Kyle," Ozzie said as we stepped out of the car.  "Your visit
was most informative and enjoyable."

   "Thank you," I agreed.  "I enjoyed the visit too."

   "I wish you the best of luck in the draft," Mr.  Bisciotti added.

   "Thank you, sir," I agreed.  "I hope your team does well in the draft
too."

   I shook hands with my hosts before hopping in my car and heading north
for York and then Lancaster County.  The beltway around Baltimore, I-83 and
the Route 30 Bypass weren't too busy.  I made it home in a little more than
an hour and a half.  I gave Max Solomon a call when I got home, as he
requested.

   "I think the interview went extremely well, Max," I said.  "I think the
Ravens are serious about drafting me."

   "Don't get too excited about one interview, Kyle," Max cautioned.  "The
Ravens may be interested in you but your price to them will be steep.  We
will have to wait and see if they are willing to pay the price in draft
picks to move up to where we expect you to be drafted."

   "I know you're right, Max," I agreed.  "It's just that I would love to
play for the Ravens.  I like the coaching staff, I like the location of the
team and am impressed with their owner and front office people.  It seems
like a perfect place for me to play."

   "You will find the right place, Kyle," Max reassured.  "Concentrate on
your Pro Day next weekend.  Take the whole draft process one step at a
time, Kyle."

   "I'll do my best, Max," I agreed.

   "I'll see you up in State College next weekend," Max added before
finishing the call.

   ---------------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I spent part of Sunday afternoon playing with Noah, Connor and
Hunter.  We stayed for Sunday dinner with my family before heading back to
Philly.  I enjoyed the week at home but it was time to get back to work.

   John Waters gradually increased my lecture load as the semester went on.
I was up to four lectures a day, every day.  I was getting more confident
handling the class and maintaining order and discipline.  John had me
prepare three of the five mid-term tests for our five classes.  He made
extremely minor edits to my tests when he reviewed them before we gave them
to the classes.

   Uncle Dave approved Max Solomon's commercial representation contract for
the Nike deal on Monday afternoon.  He FedExed it to me.  I signed it and
returned it to Max Tuesday.  Max had the deal done by Wednesday afternoon.

   I would receive $1.2 million over four years, as promised at the
beginning.  Max got me a $200,000 advance, payable when I signed the
contract.  Nike wanted to fly me out to Oregon for the contract signing and
a PR session.  Of course I was unable to do that with my teaching schedule.
Nike finally decided to fly a VP and some PR people into Penn State on
Saturday.  We would do the signing and press conference at the Lasch
Building.  That wasn't a problem for the university.  Penn State was a Nike
client too.

   The week flew by.  Penny took the train to the Daylesford station Friday
afternoon when she finished classes.  We got to campus a little before six
o'clock, just in time for the dinner Damian was preparing to celebrate my
return to campus.

   Trevor, Stephanie, Chip, Amanda, Damian, Billy, Brian and Brian's new
girlfriend, Courtney Battle, joined Penny and me at the apartment. 
Damian's dinner wasn't anything fancy, simply spaghetti, garlic bread,
salad and brownies drizzled with a cherry sauce.

   Billy reported that Damian made the spaghetti sauce from scratch using
canned tomatoes, fresh herbs and garlic.  He made the garlic toast from
toasted French bread, roasted garlic and real butter.  The brownies were
made from scratch too.  Damian demonstrated how good food can taste when
made from fresh ingredients.  His meal rivaled anything I had eaten in the
finest restaurants around.

   "I hear through the grapevine you have a press conference with Nike
tomorrow morning," Trevor teased.  "Are they throwing millions at your
feet?"

   "It's singular, just $1.2 million," I replied evenly.

   "Coach, can I get a loan?" Brian teased.

   "That would be an NCAA violation," I countered.  "Anyway, I would NEVER
loan money to a ne'er-do-well like you."

   "How did you end up with this endorsement, Coach?" Chip asked.

   "They contacted Max Solomon," I explained.  "I don't know how they
decided they wanted me to represent them... not that I'm looking a gift
horse in the mouth.  It will be very nice not to be in debt after
tomorrow."

   "They're paying you now?" Brian asked.

   "They are," I answered.  "I get part of the first year's money up front
when I sign the contract in the morning."

   "Coach is definitely buying the beer for tomorrow night's party!" Brian
exclaimed.  "We're getting the good stuff too."

   "I could do that," I agreed.

   "Are you available to help as a quarterback tomorrow?" Chip asked. 
"We're organizing a gauntlet drill for Christian and Tanner and we are
short quarterbacks.  We only have five real quarterbacks on campus.  We
could use your arm."

   "I could do that for Christian and Tanner," I agreed.  "The drill takes
seven quarterbacks.  Who is number six?"

   "Jeff Knox played QB in high school," Chip replied.  "He has a decent
arm. .  Christian and Tanner have been practicing this drill for about two
weeks."

   "Who was the seventh QB?  The one I will be replacing?"

   "Anders filled in," Chip said.

   "I see why you're looking for another," I answered.  Anders had received
considerable ribbing over the years about his rag arm.  Anders never minded
the teasing.  He was a wide receiver and having a good arm was not
important to his job on the team.

   "We're running the drill a couple extra times tomorrow before they open
Holuba Hall to the scouts at ten o'clock," Chip said.  "Are you available
to practice at nine?"

   "Sorry guys, no," I responded.  "My press conference with Nike is at
nine o'clock.  I could do it at 8:00 or 8:30."

   "Why don't we go with 8:30?" Chip suggested.

   "That's cool," I agreed.

   Conversation turned to other topics.  I told everyone about my visit to
the Ravens the previous weekend.  Trevor cut his spring break in Florida
short when the Jets flew him up last weekend to visit their facilities in
New Jersey.  Steph had to drive their car north on her own when break was
over.  Trevor stayed with the Jets Saturday night.  They flew him back to
State College on Sunday.

   Chip, Dave McCall and the other juniors in the leadership group were
preparing everyone for spring practice, which started on Monday.  Even
though the seniors' departure appeared to leave gaping holes in our team,
Chip and Dave were confident last year's backups were ready to take over in
starting roles.  The team leaders decreed that they would finish what we
started last year and win the national championship next January.  I wished
them the best of luck.  It was much easier to say than to do.

   Trevor, Steph, Chip, Amanda, Penny and I decided to go dancing that
evening.  We went down to Indigo, formerly the Player's Club.  We had a
long wait to get in the place.  We had another wait to get drinks at the
bar.  The music was OK but the place had a big dance floor.  Penny and I
enjoyed ourselves, in spite of the crowd.

   My friends and I headed back to the apartment around midnight.  Trevor,
Chip and I needed to be alert and ready to put on a good show Saturday
morning for the scouts and NFL executives who were coming to observe us. 
Penny and I stayed in Damian's room.  Damian stayed over at Billy's
apartment.

   --------------------------------------------------------------

   I grabbed breakfast for Penny and me from the Mix.  I left her a note
and put her sandwich in the refrigerator.  My honey was able to sleep and
relax this morning, unlike me.  Chip, Trevor and I headed over to the Lasch
Building to dress for the morning.  It was very weird going into our locker
room and finding some else's things in my locker.  Devin Kerr had inherited
my locker.  I found out he also inherited my jersey number.  Hopefully that
wouldn't jinx my young friend.

   Chip, Matt Sauder, Jon Stafford, Bob Huber, Trey Connelly, Jeff Knox and
I assembled with Tanner, Christian and Ben Witte.  Tanner, Christian and
Ben were going to demonstrate the gauntlet for the scouts.

   Chip had me start the drill off as the first QB.  Jeff went next,
tossing to the receiver when he turned around after catching my ball.  That
was good planning.  Put the weakest QBs in early so we could hit a
stationary target.  Chip, Matt, Bob, Trey and Jon made the throws to the
moving target.  Christian wanted Chip to make the final throw before he
turned and sprinted down the sideline.  We ran the drill three times for
each guy, without any hitch.

   I hustled back into the Lasch Building for my press conference and
contract signing.  We met in the media room of the building.  The PSU
backdrop with our logo, the swoosh and a Sherwin-Williams logo was our
backdrop.  I was in a blue Penn State Football polo.  Nike's swoosh was
prominently displayed on the shirt.

   Max introduced me to John Alderson, a marketing VP for Nike.  I was a
little surprised at the size of the press contingent.  I guess most of them
were there to cover Penn State's Pro-Day and stopped in to cover this since
they were here already.  The Nike PR guys ran the conference.  One guy
talked about Nike's history of supporting teams and athletes.  A second
reviewed my career stats, emphasizing my charitable works and my top 40
yard dash time at the combine.

   I signed the contract for the cameras.  My.  Alderson handed me the
$200,000 check for the press to watch too.  It was all quite surreal.  My
net worth went from negative to very, very positive in a moment.  The press
had a few questions, but not many.  I assumed they would be saving them for
the press conference after we did our Pro-Day.

   I had to hustle over to the locker room to change into Penn State
workout gear.  Max wanted me to run the 40 again to show scouts that my top
time at the Combine was no fluke.  I would pass on the rest of the tests.

   Denzell Hunt, GJ DeLuca, Wyatt Smith, Wes Kennedy, Ben Witte, Bill
Daugherty, Mike Pollard, Tony King, Brendan Hayden and Tanner Riggs would
do the full workouts the rest of us did at the Combine.  Damian Thompson
and his agent decided it would be good if he repeated his workout too. 
With his short stature, they felt Damian needed to demonstrate strength and
consistency to get a good shot at being drafted.

   Trevor, Shawn Byrd, Josh Bruno, Greg Nowicki, Mitch Jackson and I would
do minimal workouts but would be available for interviews with the scouts
and coaches attending.  The crowd was made up mostly of scouts, with three
exceptions.  Coach Sean Kugler, the offensive line coach from Pittsburgh
was here.  Coach Kugler brought along a familiar face to watch the guys
today - J.  T.  Hill, our former teammate and now the second year starter
at center for the Steelers.  Coach Bobby Johnson, the assistant offensive
line coach for the Bills, came.

   The third coach was the biggest surprise, at least to me.  Coach Marty
Mornhinweg, the Eagles' offensive coordinator was here too.  Marty brought
his son Skyler along.  I knew of Skyler.  He was the quarterback on the St.
Joe's High School team.  Skyler's exploits last fall appeared in the paper
frequently.  Marty was doing double duty - as a dad accompanying his son on
an unofficial visit and to scout us for his team.

   Our team's assistant coaches and trainers ran the Combine style events.
I was one of the first to run the 40 for the assembled viewers.  I was
confident and relaxed as I prepared myself.  I ran flat out, as good as I
could.  I turned in a 4.26 second time, confirming what everyone already
knew.  I was blazing fast.  Max beamed as the time was announced to the
assembled scouts and coaches.  Max predicted I had locked myself in as a
high first round draft pick.  He was delighted.

   Tanner ran his 40 well, posting a 4.40 second time.  That had to open a
few eyes.  I don't know if that would get him drafted, but it would get him
invited to an NFL camp somewhere in the summer.  The receiver group
(Christian, Tanner and Ben) moved on to running patterns.

   The QBs assembled for the gauntlet drill first.  Christian went first. I
drilled the ball to my buddy.  He caught it away from his body and shucked
the ball immediately.  He spun around and caught the ball as Jeff Knox
rifled it his way.  He turned and ran down the twenty yard line, catching
balls from Matt Sauder, Bob Huber, Jon Stafford, Trey Connelly and finally
Chip before cutting and sprinting down the sideline.  My friend executed
the drill perfectly, demonstrating what I always knew.  He has some of the
best hands on our team.

   Ben Witte ran the drill next.  He missed the ball from Trey, but did OK,
otherwise.  Tanner ran the drill last.  Tanner may be small but he is a
good receiver.  He ran the drill flawlessly.  The scouts could see why Penn
State was an offensive powerhouse the past few years.  We had damn good
receivers!

   Christian and I ran some pass patterns for the scouts, catching balls
from Chip.  Tanner and Jon worked together for the same thing.  Tanner had
worked more with Jon in the past year than with Chip.

   For fun Shawn and I went up against each other while Chip tried to get
the ball to me.  I more than held my own.  Shawn made his usual share of
plays.  Coach Mornhinweg called me over when we finished.

   "Were you going all out, Kyle?" the coach asked.  "Byrd seemed to do
unusually well at covering you, compared to what I have seen studying your
film."

   "I'm too competitive to give anything away," I replied.  "I was doing my
best to catch everything." I gave the coach a grin.  "In my four years in
college, Shawn is the best cornerback to cover me."

   "You've improved his play going against him in practice, haven't you?"
Coach Mornhinweg asked.

   "And Shawn has improved my play too," I added.  "Our toughest battles
are in practice rather than on the game field."

   "Interesting... very interesting," Coach said.  Coach Mornhinweg's son
Skyler edged closer to his dad as we talked.  It was obvious he was hoping
for an introduction.  He nudged his father in the ribs.

   "Dad?" he asked politely.

   "Forgive my manners, Kyle," Coach Mornhinweg said.  "I believe my son
Skyler would like an introduction.  Skyler, this is Kyle Martin... a player
of some fame.  Kyle, this is my son, Skyler."

   "It's good to meet you, Kyle," Skyler gushed.  "I've been a fan of yours
for years.  The Philly Inquirer has stories about you nearly every week
during the season."

   "You've made it into the papers a few times too," I replied.  "I've read
about a few of your games.  What do you think of Penn State so far?"

   "I like it," Skyler answered.  "I like it a lot.  Dad and I came up last
night.  We got to meet Coach Paterno and Coach Burton over breakfast this
morning."

   "Did they assign you a guide?" I asked.

   "They did," Skyler answered.  "He's one of the quarterbacks helping out
here.  He's Matt... Matt... uh..."

   "Matt Sauder," I said.  "Matt is a good friend of mine.  We have worked
together in Scouts, football and at our summer job lifeguarding for quite a
few years.  Matt will take good care of you."

   "Lifeguarding?" Skyler asked.  "I heard about that.  You saved a kids
life at the pool where you work."

   "It wasn't as big deal a deal as the news made it to be," I countered.
"The boy knocked himself out diving in shallow water.  Matt and I were on
him seconds later.  We took proper precautions in case of spinal injury."

   "The Matt that is my guide this weekend?" Skyler asked.

   "That Matt and his roommate Josh both helped with the rescue," I
replied. "Have you met Josh yet?  He's Christian's younger brother." I
gestured towards Christian, who was running a route for Chip.

   "I haven't met him yet," Skyler said.

   "I'm sure you will get a chance to meet him," I said.  "Coach, I assume
you are doing dinner with some of the coaches so you can discuss
scholarships, academics, what Penn State has to offer your son."

   "You've done this before," Coach Mornhinweg said, grinning.

   "Matt is going to show you around campus, Skyler," I said.  "He'll take
you downtown for dinner and then give you a chance meet some of the team
members."

   "You've definitely done this before, haven't you, Kyle?" Skyler replied.
"Matt said Chip Brinton is hosting a get together for team members tonight
at his apartment."

   "I'll see you there," I said.  "That was my apartment too until two
months ago.  I live down in Philly now.  I'm student teaching in Berwyn
this semester."

   "I think I remember hearing that you grew up in... Chester County... or
was it Lancaster County?" Coach Mornhinweg said.

   "It's Lancaster County," I answered.

   "That probably makes you a Steelers or an Eagles fan when you were
growing up," Coach remarked.

   "My family has been die hard Eagles fans as long as I remember," I
answered.  "Heck, five or six years ago it would have been a dream come
true for me to play for your team.  Not that it is likely now.  You have
the best receiving corps in the league and I don't see you wasting a first
round draft pick on someone like me... assuming I do get taken in the first
round."

   "I've seen the tape on you," Coach Mornhinweg replied.  "You are getting
taken in the first round - long before we get a chance to pick, if I had to
guess.  Hell... you're a fan.  You ought to come over and visit some
weekend.  I'm sure we can find a way to justify the visit.  What's your
schedule look like?"

   "Actually Coach Reid invited me to drop by sometime later this month," I
explained.  "I just haven't had time to set it up yet.  My weekends are
booked from now until the draft.  I suspect they're booked after the draft
too, but I don't know that yet."

   "They are scheduled out to the nth degree already, Kyle," Coach
Mornhinweg agreed.  "Maybe you could visit some evening after school.  What
do you think?"

   "I'd like that," I agreed.  "I met Brent Celek, Jeremy Maclin, Nate
Allen and Cuch over at Pro Sports when I was preparing for the Combine.  I
wouldn't mind meeting more players and the coaches."

   "Cuch?" Coach Mornhinweg said.  It took him a couple seconds to realize
who I meant.  "Dominic... of course."

   "He's always been Cuch around here and always will be," I said, "...even
though his brother Marco is on the team now.  Marco is Marco and Dominic is
Cuch."

   "Give me a call someday next week after school," Coach Mornhinweg
suggested.  "I think you'd enjoy the visit to Novacare [Training Center]."

   "I would," I agreed.  "I'll give you a call."

   "Keep an eye on my boy tonight," Coach Mornhinweg added.  "College
parties and high school juniors can be a dangerous mix."

   "I'll do that," I agreed.  "I've been the designated kill-joy for
recruits for the last couple years.  I'll make sure Skyler is returned to
your hotel safe and sound." I gave Skyler a wink and a smile to let him
know that I expected he could have some fun during his visit.

   I spent the rest of the morning talking with scouts.  Max Solomon
hovered nearby, available for Trevor or me, if he was needed.  The talks
were easy.  I saw Max relax as the morning wore on.

   Brendan Hayden opened some eyes with his bench press.  He did 37 reps.
He did well on the other drills too.  I expected he would be getting phone
calls the day after the draft, if he didn't get drafted.  Tanner Riggs'
workout looked good to me.  I knew teams were going to be concerned about
his size and durability.  The NFL team that took a chance on him was going
to get a good receiver cheap.

   Christian looked very good on this workout.  Hopefully this would
counteract his flub out in Indianapolis.  None of the other guys at the
workout impressed me that much.  They might get someone to give them a look
at camp, but I doubted any of them would be on an NFL roster next fall.

   Max took Trevor, Steph, Penny and me out to lunch after the workout was
over.  I suggested we head down to the Diner.  We stopped by my bank after
lunch.  I deposited my Nike check in my account and then wrote the largest
check in my life to pay Max - $40,000.  I felt good about finally putting
some money in Max's pocket.  He had done so much for me over the last two
months.

   Trevor, Steph and Penny headed back to the apartment.  I had one other
piece of business to take care of.  I had promised Coach Burton an exit
interview the next time I was on campus.

   Ann Marie, our receptionist, ushered me into Coach Burton's office as
soon as I showed up for my two o'clock appointment.  Coach Adams and Coach
Caffrey were already sitting at the couch in Coach Burton's office, waiting
for my arrival.

   The interview turned into a love fest pretty quickly.  The coaches
praised my technique, work ethic and leadership of the team.  I loved
nearly every minute of my four years at Penn State and wasn't bashful about
letting my coaches know how much I valued their tutelage.

   "I hear you had your first pay day today," Coach Burton commented.  "How
did that feel?"

   "Sweet," I replied, smiling.  "I plan to stop by my home on the way back
to Philly tomorrow afternoon and pay back my parents every cent I borrowed
from them over the last four years.  It will be great to be out of debt,
finally."

   "Be careful with your money," Coach Burton warned.  "Don't go crazy with
your spending, Coach."

   "Don't worry," I replied.  I nodded towards Coach Caffrey.  "Coach
Caffrey will understand.  I'm not many generations removed from my
Mennonite forebears.  I'm not considered cheap, but I am careful with my
oney.  Why do you think I drive that beat up seventeen year old VW?"

   "Coach has been that way as long as I've known him," Coach Caffrey
confirmed.

   "I understand you had some difficulties with Al Davis," Coach Burton
commented.

   "He likes fast receivers," I said.  "I like quarterbacks that can stay
vertical long enough to get the ball to me.  I don't think the Raiders
offensive line can give Carter or Cochrane enough time to get the ball deep
to me."

   "Cochrane?" Coach Adams asked.  "What does he have to do with the
Raiders?  I thought he played for..."

   "They are, or at least were working a trade for him until I told them I
would NEVER play with Pete," I explained.  "I don't know if they are going
to finish that trade now that they know it won't help convince me to play
for them."

   "I see," Coach Adams replied.

   "Coach Burton, is the offer you made me last fall to join the staff
still good?" I asked.

   "Of course it is," Coach Burton replied.  "Whenever you finish playing
football, I will make sure you have a job coaching with me."

   "I appreciate that, Coach," I replied.  "I don't think working at Penn
State will be my next choice after playing in the NFL.  I would probably
prefer to teach high school somewhere around Philly, assuming I can find a
job."

   "I understand," Coach Burton said.  "You'll have a refuge here if you
need it." Coach shook his head.  "Four years has gone by too quickly.  It
isn't going to seem like Penn State without you asking your questions every
couple minutes."

   "I'm sure Matt Sauder and Josh Hunsecker will ask plenty of questions,"
I responded.

   "They have started already," Coach Burton agreed.  Coach Burton stood,
followed by his assistants.  I rose too.  "It's been an absolute pleasure
having you on the team.  Don't be a stranger, Coach.  Come by campus, the
Lasch Building or a game anytime you can.  You will always be welcome, as
long as I am here."

   I thanked Coach Adams and Coach Caffrey for all their help in my career
before I left.  I met Penny back at the apartment.  Damian sent us on a
shopping trip for the evening's party.  We stopped at the beer distributor
too.  I did splurge and get top quality beer for the party.

   Penny and I cleaned up when we got back to the apartment with the food
and beer.  I took my honey downtown to Tarragon, the fancy restaurant in
the Atherton Hotel.  We had some bruschetta and drunken mushrooms for
appetizers.  After a small house salad, I insisted we need to have the best
for our celebration.  The lobster and prime beef Napoleon was excellent. 
We enjoyed some champagne with our meal.  It isn't every day we celebrate
signing a million dollar plus contract.

   We walked back to the apartment hand in hand.  We helped my friends get
things ready for the party.  I enjoyed spending time with my friends and
teammates, but... it had been almost three months since I partied with
them. Somehow it all seemed a little...  juvenile.

   Matt, Josh and Devin spent some time talking with me.  They were very
curious about my experiences at the Combine and my visit to the Ravens last
weekend.  I talked with Skyler Mornhinweg for awhile.  He seemed like a
nice kid.

   The younger guys spent a good part of their evening trying to attract a
girl to take to bed.  Some succeeded, some didn't.  One guy that was having
success shocked me.  Josh Hunsecker was ensconced on one of the chairs with
a very cute freshman on his lap, making out furiously.  Josh never had a
date before starting college.  He seemed to have learned quickly.

   I teased Matt Sauder later that evening.  "Were you the one who
corrupted sweet, innocent Josh?"

   "Me?  No, I didn't," Matt replied.  "It didn't take him long to get into
girls, once one showed an interest in him.  All it took was getting out
from under the thumb of his parents."

   "Dealing with girls can be complicated," I warned.  "Look out for Josh.
He's still pretty innocent of the ways of the world."

   "I know," Matt agreed.  "Josh is my closest friend here.  I would never
let anything bad happen to him, if I can help it."

   "Good, I'm glad to hear that," I answered.

   Skyler Mornhinweg seemed to enjoy the party.  He had one beer, but that
was it.  No one hooked him up with a girl for the evening.  He spent his
time getting to know the younger members of the team.  Dave McCall took him
back to his hotel around 11:30 pm, no worse for wear from his first college
party.

   ----------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I slept in Sunday morning.  Trevor, Steph, Penny and I headed
downtown to the Waffle Shop for brunch.  My honey and I headed back to
Lancaster County after brunch.  We stopped off at my house to settle my
debts with my parents.  I wrote Dad a check for nearly $10,000 to pay off
my tab accumulated over the past four years.

   "Are you sure you can afford this, Kyle?" Dad asked as I handed over the
check.

   "I have $100,000 set aside to cover taxes and have paid Max his 20%
already," I said.  "I have around $50,000 left in the bank.  I think it
should be enough to take care of Penny and me until I get a drafted, sign
my contract and get a signing bonus."

   "I don't know if I will ever get used to the NFL," Dad said.  "When your
mother and I were your age, we didn't have two nickels to rub together.  Be
smart with your money."

   "I plan to be, Dad," I agreed.

   Penny and I spent some time playing with Noah, Connor and Hunter.  All
three boys were into coloring now.  We helped them with a few pictures
before we headed down the street to Penny's house.  We had dinner with Jim
and Marilyn Edwards.  Penny talked with her sister Nikki before we headed
back to Philadelphia.

   Nikki was miserable.  She was more than ready for the baby to come.  The
little one was due on Tuesday, the 19th.  If everything went according to
plan, Penny and I would go down to Charlottesville next weekend to meet our
newest nephew.



   Chapter 84

   ==========

   Everything was quiet in Charlottesville on Monday.  No further word on
the baby arrived on Tuesday.  Penny spent half an hour talking with Nikki
that evening.  Nikki was so ready for the young one to arrive.  Nothing was
happening yet.  I headed off to school Wednesday morning still in the dark
about my soon-to-be nephew.

   My phone vibrated while I was in the middle of my AP European History
lecture on the Franco-Prussian War.  I checked the message after class
finished.  Penny texted: "WKD TRIP ON.  CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR MURRAY 7LB 2OZ
22 IN B.  11:22PM Y-DAY"

   I gave John a big grin.  "Hey, John, I'm an uncle again."

   "This is Penny's sister?" John asked.

   "Yes, Nikki had her baby," I answered.  "It looks like I'm taking a road
trip this coming weekend."

   "When have you ever stayed at home since you started working here?" John
teased.

   "I guess never," I responded.  "My schedule has kept me pretty busy.  It
won't change any either between now and the draft."

   I filled John in on the sketchy details I knew about Christopher.  We
got to work after that grading mid-terms we had given the previous
afternoon.

   The football team's final video study session was that afternoon.  We
reviewed their victory over Haverford Township.  The kids did very well
over the course of the two months I worked with them.  I needed to lead the
way in the beginning.  Now, I sat back and commented occasionally.  They
kids did nearly all the analysis.  They would be ready to handle film study
on their own next season.  The following Wednesday we would meet outside
and I would help them set up their own drills to run in the spring.  The
older guys were proud to be able to claim possession of their football
team.

   ---------------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I packed everything for our trip Thursday night and loaded the
luggage in my car.  Marilyn Edwards warned us we would be sleeping on the
living room floor during our visit.  She and Jim would have the second
bedroom at Nikki and Adrian's condo.  Penny and I would have to rough it.

   I picked Penny up from the Daylesford Station Friday after school.  I
headed over to Eagle and the Pa.  Turnpike.  Google claimed it was faster
to drive down I-95 through Baltimore and Washington.  Going by the
turnpike, through Harrisburg and down I-81 would take us thirteen minutes
longer.  That might be true under normal conditions but certainly wasn't
true when you traveled I-95 through Baltimore and Washington between four
and six o'clock on a Friday afternoon.

   Penny and I grabbed some supper in Chambersburg on our way south.  We
headed down through western Maryland, West Virginia and then south through
Virginia's lovely Shenandoah Valley.  We headed east from Harrisonburg on
I-64.  Adrian and Nikki's condo was in a newer development not too far off
I-64.  It sat on top of a hill overlooking downtown Charlottesville.

   I parked across from their apartment.  Penny carried our bags and
camping gear up the steps to their second floor entrance.  Nikki and Adrian
had a two story townhouse above a ground floor apartment.  Jim Edwards gave
us a big smile as he greeted us.

   "Come on in," Jim said as he gave Penny a hug.  I settled for a
handshake.  "Come in and welcome the newest member of our family."

   We stepped into the condo.  The living room flowed into the dining room.
The kitchen was at the opposite end of the big room.  Nikki was sitting on
the couch with her mother, looking a bit frazzled.  That wasn't surprising,
considering everything she endured over the past few days.

   Adrian popped up, holding his infant son.  Penny, Adrian and I met in
the middle of the room.  Adrian offered Christopher to his aunt first.

   "Make sure you hold him like this," Adrian instructed as he handed his
son over to Penny.  "You have to support his head." Penny accepted the
direction without comment as she cradled her nephew.

   Christopher was the most adorable thing imaginable.  A few tufts of his
father's dark hair crowned his otherwise bald head.  His face was pudgy but
pleasant.  He didn't mind being held by his aunt.  Penny and I cooed and
snuggled with the little cutie.

   "Do you want to hold him, honey?" Penny asked after a couple minutes.  I
accepted the little bundle from my sweetie.

   "Careful," Adrian cautioned.  "Make sure you..."

   "Adrian, relax," I commanded as I cradled Christopher's head as I
accepted him.  "I have two four year old nephews, a two and a half year old
brother and a niece who just turned one.  I know how to handle a baby." I
cuddled the cutie and gave him a big smile.  "Hi Chris, I'm your Uncle
Kyle." I cooed and tutted to get his attention.  I received a smile for my
efforts.

   "You seem to be a natural, Kyle," Marilyn said.  "You look like you're
ready for one of your own."

   "Mother!" Penny teased.  "Don't start.  Kids will wait until AFTER I
finish veterinary school."

   "Of course, sweetie," Marilyn agreed quickly.  "He will make a good
father when the time comes."

   I returned Christopher to his mother after a minute.  It was time for
his feeding before bed.  Jim, Adrian, Marilyn, Penny and I visited while
Nikki fed her son.

   I envied Christopher just a bit.  I had a middle school crush on Nikki
when I was in seventh and eighth grade.  Nikki was a well-built young lady
with big breasts when I was a horny, tongue tied middle schooler.  She was
Will's close friend and spent a lot of time at our house.  In the end I
felt I had won over the prettiest of the Edwards girls in Penny.  Still,
Nikki was a good looking woman, even after giving birth.  Those thoughts
would stay buried - forever!

   Christopher went to bed first.  Adrian and Nikki treated us to some ice
cream before the rest of us retired for the night.  Penny and I put our
Therm-o-rests down together and then spread our sleeping bags over top of
them.  It made a nice, cozy bed for two.

   I'm sure Christopher kept the grown-ups upstairs awake for part of the
night.  Penny and I never heard anything downstairs.  We woke up to the
sound of Adrian getting the newspaper around 8:30 that morning.  I
volunteered to make breakfast for the crew after I took a shower.

   Marilyn and Nikki stayed home Saturday after breakfast.  Adrian took
Jim, Penny and me on a grand Charlottesville tour.  In the morning we
visited Monticello and Ash-Lawn Highlands, James Monroe's home.  We had
lunch at the Michie Tavern and then visited the Blenheim Vineyards.  I
bought a couple nice bottles of wine for Penny and me to enjoy back home.

   Everyone hung out at Adrian's and Nikki's later in the afternoon while
Christopher took a nap.  Marilyn volunteered to watch Christopher while Jim
treated everyone to dinner.  Nikki tried to demur but Marilyn insisted.  I
confirmed Marilyn's determination.  I knew from my mom and Andy's examples
that parents needed the "me" time.

   Adrian suggested we try Maya Restaurant in downtown Charlottesville.  It
was a fairly fancy place featuring southern style cooking.  I saw the baby
back ribs on the menu and had to have them.  Penny decided on the King
salmon.  Adrian swore by the cornmeal crusted catfish.  Jim decided on the
beef tenderloin.  I chose cornbread and red beans and chorizo for my sides.

   Most of our party saw the bourbon pecan pie and ordered it.  I saw an
intriguing item on the dessert menu - hoe cakes with cinnamon sugar with
roasted apples and pears.  The cornbread pancakes with sweet fruit compote
were excellent.

   The five of us headed back to Nikki and Adrian's apartment after dinner.
Penny and I got turns again holding and playing with sweet little
Christopher.  Everyone made an early night of it.  Penny, Jim and I had a
long drive home Sunday.  Penny and I were giving Jim a ride back to
Lancaster County while Marilyn stayed down in Charlottesville for an extra
week to help Nikki.

   We made it back to Lancaster County in time to have lunch at my house.
Penny and I played with the boys for a bit before heading back to our
apartment.  Penny had a term paper due on Tuesday.  I had to finish my
lesson plans for that day too.

   Penny and I had time for a private discussion on our drive back to
Philly.  I asked, "Have you given any thought to our honeymoon?"

   "Not a lot," Penny answered.

   "How does a trip to Germany sound?" I asked.  "I did a little research.
We could do a Rhein cruise, tour some of the castles in southern Germany
and then head over to München [Munich].  What do you think?"

   "I like the idea," Penny replied.  "Do you think we will have enough
time?"

   "We have at least three weeks between the wedding and when I have to
start Training camp.  That should be plenty of time."

   "No, we don't have three weeks," Penny countered.  "Trevor and Steph's
wedding is the weekend after ours."

   "It is?" I said.  "Trevor never said anything to me."

   "Steph told me last weekend," Penny said.  "I can't believe Trevor never
said anything to you.  You're supposed to be in the wedding party."

   "You know us guys," I replied.  "We go where our sweeties tell us to go
and do what we're told to do."

   "We have six days for our honeymoon, at most," Penny said.  "What if we
went back to where all of this started for us?"

   "The kiss?" I asked.  I knew she was referring to our first kiss, back
in Algonquin before we started ninth grade.  "Algonquin would work for me.
It is a long day's drive up and another back home.  That could leave us
four days in the wilderness, just you, me and our canoe."

   "I think it would a perfect way to start our marriage," Penny said.

   "It would be during the black fly season," I added.  "I hear they can
get intense."

   "Do you really expect us to spend much time outside our tent?"

   "Point taken," I agreed.  "I'm good with Algonquin if you are."

   "Let's do it," Penny agreed.

   ----------------------------------------------------------

   I did three lectures on Monday.  Tuesday, the day before Easter
vacation, was a red letter day for me.  John turned the whole day's classes
over to me.  My lectures went well.  The kids were a little rambunctious.
John said that was to be expected the day before a long vacation.

   I headed straight for the airport after class.  The Rams had lined up a
first class ticket for me for my flight out to St.  Louis.  The team's
travel coordinator met me at the airport and took me to my hotel when I got
in Friday evening.  The team put me up in a hotel across the street from
their practice facility.

   John Mancini, the team's Director of College Scouting, took me on a tour
of their facilities Saturday morning after breakfast.  The team trainers
and physicians checked me from head to toe, paying particular attention to
my left knee.  They also expressed concern for how the cut on my left hand
had healed after the Iowa game last fall.  I didn't see what the big deal
was.  I got cut.  It healed.  I played the next weekend.

   Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo, Josh McDaniels, the offensive coordinator,
Tom McMahon, the special teams coach and Nolan Cromwell, the wide receivers
coach, took me to the other side of the Missouri River to a nice little
restaurant for lunch.  We spent a good part of the afternoon back at the
Russell Training Facility, talking and getting to know each other better. I
enjoyed talking X's and O's with them.

   Coach Spagnuolo took me in to meet the owners of the team.  Stan Kroenke
and Chip Rosenbloom shared ownership of the team.  We talked for a bit,
mostly about PR, how to handle the press and my drunken driving arrest.  I
gave them a copy of the clean BAC report, proving I was innocent of the
charges.  They were satisfied with my explanation of the incident.

   It was getting close to dinner time when Mr.  Kroenke asked, "Do you
like barbecue, Kyle?  We have some of the best places here in St.  Louis."

   "Do I like barbecue?" I parroted while I laughed.  "I love barbecue.  I
was hoping you would take me somewhere for a good meal."

   "Excellent," Mr.  Kroenke said.  "Steve, Chip... lets show Kyle what
real barbecue is all about."

   "I can't wait," I agreed as we headed out to the cars.  "We have a
barbecue place in State College, and it is pretty good.  I expect it will
compare to barbecue here like some of the hoagie shops back home in
Lancaster County.  They have something on the menu called an Amish Italian
Hoagie.  If the people in Philly ever heard of such a thing, they'd die
laughing."

   "Amish Italian Hoagie?" Steve agreed, laughing.  "I bet Wawa doesn't
have that on their menu."

   "Wawa?  No they don't carry that," I agreed.  Steve explained to the
others about Wawa convenience stores.  They didn't have anything like them
here in St.  Louis.  Steve coached with the Eagles for a few years.  He was
well versed in Wawas.

   "The Pappy's Smokehouse is downtown, Kyle," Chip said as we climbed into
his car.  "They are rated as the best BBQ place in town.  It's a half hour
drive, but it is worth it."

   The place wasn't fancy.  They put their effort into their meat, not
their décor.  I had a full rack of ribs with some of Sweet Baby Jane's
sauce.  This place did blow Beulah's away.  The meat was so moist, juicy
and full of smoke flavor.  I was delighted the owners took me to a place
where I could get sticky up to my elbows instead of to a fancy restaurant.

   My dinner with the Rams leadership went well.  They returned me to my
hotel after our leisurely dinner.  I felt very positive about their
interest in me.  Sam Bradford was turning into a top notch quarterback.  He
would do well having someone like me to catch his passes.  The Rams had the
seventh pick in the draft, so they had a real shot at getting me, if they
wanted me.

   Mrs.  Winters picked me up Thursday morning and took me over to the
airport.  I was back home in Philly by mid-afternoon.  I had the rest of
Thursday and all of Friday off.  Penny and I went thome to Lancaster County
after she finished classes on Friday.  All I needed to do was grade some
European History term papers.  It felt great to be a lazy bum for once.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------

   I helped the Conestoga Football team organize their unofficial practice
on Wednesday after school.  Dan Werley and John Waters were able to get us
access to equipment and fields.  That was the extent of their involvement.
I concentrated on teaching the juniors and two seniors who agreed to help
out how to run the drills the way my Wolverines learned to do years ago.

   I watched the kids as they worked.  The team had some good athletes.  It
had some less talented but smart players too.  I felt they could compete
with Strath Haven and similar powerhouse teams, with enough study and
practice.  I reminded the kids at the end of practice that hard work and
study were the things that made the Wolverines state champs.  The kids gave
me three cheers for my assistance at the end of practice when I delivered
that verdict on their efforts.

   My evening visit to the Eagles' Novacare complex was Thursday evening
that week.  Bradford Obee, the team's Director of College Scouting, met me
and gave me a tour of the facilities.  A good number of current Eagles
players were at the Novacare Complex.  That didn't surprise me.  Off season
training activities (OTA's) were starting up in a couple weeks.  It was
time for these guys to prepare for the coming season.

   I met Mike Vick, Mike Kafka, Nnamdi Asamugha and Trent Cole, along with
Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, Brent Celek and my former
teammate Domonic "Cuch" Cuchhiella on the tour.  Mr.  Obee took me in to
visit the coaches next.  Coach Reid and Coach Mornhinweg greeted me like an
old friend.

   They invited me to join them for dinner.  After a quick discussion, we
found out we all enjoyed Chickie's and Pete's food.  The restaurant was
convenient to Novacare too.  Coach Mike Zordich popped his head in Andy
Reid's office as we were getting ready to leave.

   Coach Zordich was a Penn Stater like me, but from a few decades earlier.
He was another in a long line of fellow Penn State All-Americans
memorialized in the Lasch Building.  I had met his son Mike a couple times
when I was being recruited.  Mike Junior graduated just before I came to
Penn State.

   Pete Ciarriocchi greeted all of us by name.  Apparently this restaurant
was quite popular with the Eagles coaching staff.  Pete personally escorted
us to a roomy booth for our meal.

   Coach Reid, Coach Mornhinweg and Coach Zordich had all kinds of
questions for me about my experience at Penn State.  Coach Zordich and I
shared some of our JoePa stories over an appetizer.  The coaches quizzed me
about my experiences in college as we enjoyed our dinner.  Surprisingly to
me, they focused on my impressions of the various defensive backs I faced
in college.

   I praised Eldon Burkholder, Terrell Ross and Shawn Byrd.  All three had
done decent jobs containing me.  I praised the Tennessee secondary from the
Capital One Bowl too.  Coach Reid was less interested in them.  I
eventually realized the purpose of my visit.  The coaches wanted my
impression of the defensive backs I faced.  Many of the draft websites
expected the Eagles to go for secondary help.

   Howard Erskine, the pain-in-the ass sports anchor at Channel 17, stopped
by our table while we were eating.

   "Andy, should I read anything into you having dinner with Kyle Martin?"
Erskine asked when we acknowledged him.  "Are the Eagles planning to draft
a wide receiver?"

   "No comment, Howard," Andy replied evenly.  "Sometimes dinner is just
dinner.  I met Kyle last month at a banquet.  We decided it would be nice
to get together some time.  That's all this is."

   "It is more like a Penn State reunion," Coach Mornhinweg added,
gesturing towards Coach Zordich and me.  "I'm gathering intelligence for my
son.  Did you hear Skyler committed to playing at Penn State?"

   "I had," Howard replied.  He asked Coach Reid a couple more questions,
getting "No comment," for answers.  He left us in peace when he saw there
wasn't anything interesting to be gleaned from our meeting.

   "I hadn't heard Skyler committed," I said after Howard Erskine left.  "I
take it that he enjoyed his visit."

   "Skyler fell in love with the campus, the coaches and the stadium,"
Coach Morhinweg replied.  "I think he will do well under Bob Burton's
tutelage."

   "Absolutely," I agreed.  "I can't imagine a better coach to play for in
college than him."

   The coaches and I were stuffed from our appetizers, our sandwiches and
our crab fries.  We passed on dessert.  We headed back to the Novacare
Complex.

   "Coach Reid, do you mind a very direct question?" I asked when we were
in the privacy of the car.

   "I'll listen," Coach answered.

   "You have one of the best receiving corps in the NFL," I said.  "I'm
guessing, but I suspect you aren't likely to draft me.  I also understand
if you can't answer that question, Coach."

   "You are going to be a hell of a pro player, Kyle," Coach Reid answered.
"I know it.  I will probably kick myself for not taking a shot at you when
you burn up the league, but I can't justify the cost to the team to jump up
to where we project you to be taken.  We would have to give up an impact
player and a high draft choice or two.  I can't say we won't pick you.  If
you fall down lower in the draft than we anticipate, we might go after
you."

   "So tonight's dinner was more to help you gather info on defensive
backs?" I asked.

   "That was part of it," Coach Reid agreed.  "Another part of it was I
wanted to get to know you better.  Four or five years from now when you
finish your rookie contract and become a free agent, my receivers will be
getting older.  Maybe you would fit well on our team then.  It never hurts
to keep on good terms with players you may want to sign later."

   "I wouldn't mind being an Eagle someday," I agreed.

   The Eagles didn't do a physical or ask me the usual questions.  I
thanked the coaches for their time before I headed back to my apartment. 
My long held expectation that I wasn't likely to be drafted by the Eagles
was confirmed.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------

   The weeks flew by unbelievably fast.  John had me doing most of the
lectures each day.  I felt more and more like a real teacher, rather than a
college student.  I flew up to Minneapolis the weekend after Easter.  Head
Coach Leslie Frazier and Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave both had
Philly connections.  Coach Musgrave worked in Philly one year as the QB
coach for Ray Rhodes.  Coach Frazier coached the secondary for Andy Reid.

   It was amazing how many Reid assistants had moved up to head coach in
the NFL.  Coach Frazier, John Harbaugh, Steve Spagnuolo, Pat Shumur and Ron
Rivera all worked for Andy Reid at some point in time.  Coach Reid was
almost as prolific with coaching progenies as Mike Holmgren was in the
nineties.

   The weekend with the Vikings was very positive.  I enjoyed meeting with
their coaches and with the Wilf family, who owned the Vikings.  They knew
and I knew it would take a blockbuster trade for me to end up a Viking. 
They had the thirty-first pick in the draft, thanks to their trip to Super
Bowl earlier in the year.

   I expect they invited me to visit so they could investigate whether I
was worth the cost they would pay to move up to the front of the draft to
get me.  The Patriots had shut down the Viking receiving corps in the
second half of the Super Bowl.  This was a team I could help.

   The team's hospitality manager met me at the airport and took me to a
nice hotel a couple miles from the Viking Field House training facility. 
She picked me up after breakfast Saturday morning and delivered me to the
field house.  The Director of College Scouting, Scott Studwell, took me on
a tour of the facilities.  Quite a few members of the team were working out
or studying at the facility.  I was pleased to catch up with Karol Ziska,
my friend from back in State College.

   A good part of the morning was taken up with a thorough physical.  Coach
Frazier and Coach Musgrave took me to lunch.  The coaches interviewed me
after lunch.  There was one unusual wrinkle at this visit - the coaches
invited me to catch some balls with their quarterback, Josh Montgomery.  I
had dinner with Zygi and Mark Wilf, the principal owners of the team.

   The visit was extremely positive.  I wouldn't mind at all if the Vikings
found a way to jump high enough in the draft to pick me.  Max Solomon
cautioned me to not read too much into any of the visits.  Who knows who
might be hiding in the grass, keeping their interest in me a secret?

   ------------------------------------------------------

   I got a call from Coach Burton Monday immediately after school ended.

   "Coach, I understand you are coming up this coming weekend for the Blue
and White game," Coach Burton said when I answered his call.

   "That's the plan, Coach," I responded.

   "I'm in a jam," Coach Burton continued.  "Anders Voight tendered his
resignation as a grad assistant.  He has an opportunity to go on an
expedition with one of his geology professors.  They leave in four days.  I
am shorthanded on coaches for Saturday.  Would you be willing to help out?"

   "I'd be happy to do that, Coach," I agreed, "as long as you don't need
me there before about seven o'clock on Friday night."

   "That is fine," Coach said.  "I can reimburse your for your time.  I
have money in the budget for the grad assistant position."

   "That isn't necessary," I replied.  "I am comfortable now that I
received my advance from Nike.  Consider my help to be an internship."

   "I can do that, Coach," Coach Burton agreed.  "I will ask Coach Adams to
schedule his staff meeting for the Blue team for about 7:30 pm Friday
night. Will that leave you enough time to get dinner before the meeting?"

   "That will work fine, Coach," I replied.  "What do you expect me to be
doing?

   "You will handle the Blue special teams, same as last year," Coach
Burton responded.

   "Cool!  I can do that," I said.  "Thanks for letting me get some
experience coaching."

   "I don't suppose you are interested in the position on a permanent
basis, are you?" Coach asked.

   "I doubt it," I answered.  "I haven't heard a peep from the Raiders in a
month.  Hopefully they gave up on the idea of drafting me."

   "My loss and your gain," Coach responded.  "Thanks for helping us out,
even if it is on a short term basis."

   ----------------------------------------------------------

   John Waters had me giving five or six lectures every day of my next to
last week of student teaching.  The final week I would virtually take over
the class, doing everything while John observed from the rear of the
classroom.

   John made a few observations during the week, but mostly he kept quiet
while I did my job.  I felt totally comfortable in front, handling
lectures, discussions and discipline.  I could do a teacher's job - no
question at all in my mind.

   Anders Voight e-mailed me a Blue Team roster and a list of players that
would be playing special teams for me on Saturday.  He filled me in on the
practice details so I would be up to speed with what the team was doing
before the Blue and White game.

   Coach Burton wanted me to use Brian Henson and Squirrel MacCauley a
couple returns each in the first half of the game.  They were slated to be
our "game changer" return men if our team was down and needed something
special in a hurry.

   Coach Ferguson had the Nittany Lions' primary return men, John Crosby
and Jared Cantrell, on the White Team.  I would use Josh Hunsecker and
Devin Kerr for my return men most of the game.

   Coach Burton set the Blue Team up with the first string offense and the
second string defense.  The very youngest players ended up on the Blue
Team. Matt Sauder backed up Chip.  Bob Huber and Trey Connelly were Jon
Stafford's backups.

   I knew Brian Henson, Squirrel MacCauley and Jared Cantrell, our starting
receivers, were going to be very good.  Charlie Taylor was excellent as
Damian's backup last season.  He was a worthy successor to my roomie.  The
big question mark for our offense was the offensive line.  Would they be up
to the task of taking over from Greg, Elijah, Mahmoud, Joe and Shane?  The
current starters had some time filling in last year but they never started
games together.  I knew that was a key element to making a strong offensive
line - time spent working together.

   ------------------------------------------------------------

   Penny took the train out from Philly after class on Friday.  I picked
her up at the station and headed west for State College.  We picked up
dinner in Clarks Fork, on the way.  I pulled into the parking lot outside
Nittany Apartments around 6:30 pm.  Penny and I met Trevor at the
apartment. Damian graciously allowed us to stay in his room for the
weekend.

   I hustled over to the Lasch Building for my coaching staff meeting. 
Coach Adams convened the Blue Team coaches meeting shortly after I arrived.
Coach Caffrey was serving as the offensive coordinator and working with the
receivers.  Coach Curry worked with the offensive line and tight ends. 
Coach Keller would handle the defensive line and linebackers.  Yasin Clark
would handle the secondary.  I was in charge of special teams.

   Coach Adams reviewed the plans for the game.  Coach reviewed who would
be having playing time in what situations.  We needed to get everyone on
the team on the field for some plays.  The coaches treated me just like
another coach, rather than as a player.  It felt good.

   I headed back to the apartment after my meeting.  Trevor, Steph, Penny
and I watched a movie to kill time that evening.  Damian was over at
Billy's apartment already.  Chip and Brian were at the Lasch Building
studying video and preparing for tomorrow's game.  Chip and Brian returned
as our movie was ending.  Everyone had a bedtime snack and headed to bed.
Penny and I refrained from making love.  Chip and Brian did not need to
listen to us doing that the night before a game.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------

   Trevor and I joined the team at the Training Table Saturday morning. 
Steph and Penny slept later and had breakfast downtown at the Waffle Shop.
I followed the team over to the Lasch Building.  I met with the offensive
Blue Team coaches for an hour, reviewing the game plan a final time.  I
dropped by the locker room and talked with the players again before we
headed for Beaver Stadium.

   My former teammates teased me that I finally was going to earn my
nickname.  The locker room felt familiar and at the same time different. 
We had eleven early-start freshmen dressing now.  I was the only senior in
the room.  As if moving to Philadelphia and student teaching didn't tell
me, this out-of-place feeling in the locker room reminded me I was leaving
the college scene and moving on with my life.  My four years with the
Nittany Lions was very much in the past tense.

   I rode the buses over to Beaver Stadium with the team.  The fans outside
our door were surprised to see me step off the bus.  I shook hands and
talked with the fans as the team filed into our dressing room.  They had
preparations to do.  I was dressed in my Penn State polo, khakis, Penn
State jacket and hat already.  I was ready for action.

   The rain from earlier in the morning had tapered off to a light drizzle.
The weatherman predicted it would stop before our 1:00 pm kickoff.  The
winds were calm.  The temperature was hovering around 50 degrees.  It
wasn't a great day for football, but it wasn't a bad one either.

   The calm day would be good for our inexperienced kickers, Ryan Dillard
and Caleb Fuller.  Caleb was the only punter on the team right now.  Our
other punter recruit wouldn't start classes until August.  Ryan Dillard was
kicking for the White Team, so I didn't need to worry about any of his
pregame jitters.  That was Coach Ferguson's problem.  Jared Gray was
working for me.  He wouldn't have weather or jitters problems.

   The guys seemed loose and ready when they came out on the field to
warm-up.  Beaver Stadium was nearly half full of Nittany Lion fans.  I gave
Penny and Steph a wave when I saw them.  They were sitting with Bev Umble,
Jada Owens and girlfriends of some of the other senior class players.

   Coach Burton gave the seniors sideline passes.  They congregated on the
sidelines and watched with me as the younger team members warmed up for the
game.  I watched my young charges prepare.

   "What do you think?" I asked Josh Hunsecker as he finished warming up.
He stared around the rapidly filling stadium.

   "This is amazing, Coach," Josh agreed.  "It's the biggest crowd I've
ever played in front of and the stadium isn't half full yet."

   "I've dreamed of this for the past four years," Matt Sauder added.  "I
can't believe I'm standing here in a Nittany Lions uniform, getting ready
to play for these fans."

   "Ignore the crowd," I suggested.  "This is just football.  Play like you
know you can.  Don't get too high when you crowd's with you.  Don't get too
low if the crowd is against you.  The Big Ten fans are pretty fanatical. 
You will face some pretty loud and crazy fans in the next four years."

   "Yeah, I know," Matt agreed.  "You're not the first guy to warn us about
that."

   "Go have some fun today," I added.  "Neither of you are trying for
starting spots.  Get a feel for football at this level.  Your job right now
is to get comfortable with college ball and to learn everything you can."

   "I'll try, Coach," Josh agreed.

   I had Josh and Devin shag a few punts for Caleb Fuller.  Both did a
decent job catching the ball.  We would see if things went as well during
the game.  The team headed back into the locker room about half an hour
before kickoff.

   I joined the other coaches as the team completed its pre-game rituals.
The Blue Band heralded the team's return to the field about ten minutes
before kickoff.  I estimated the crowd in the stadium to be around 70,000
by the time we came out again.  The rain had stopped.  It was a good day
for some football.

   The White Team won the coin toss.  I gave my guys last minute
instructions and sent them out to kickoff.  Jared Gray booted ball deep
into the end zone.  John Crosby had no chance to return the ball.  I
noticed Devin Kerr had cut in towards John too soon as he ran downfield. 
If the ball had been returnable, John could have made a lot of yards down
Devin's sideline.  I called my young friend over and reviewed his gap
responsibilities again.  He got my point and promised to make sure John was
funneled into the middle on the next kick.

   I spent more time prepping the younger players for the special teams
roles but I did catch some of the action on field.  Jon Stafford and the
White offense looked OK on their first possession.  Our defense managed to
stop them near midfield.  I sent Brian Henson out to take the first punt.

   Caleb Fuller dropped the ball down around our five yard line.  I had
given Brian Coach Ferguson's standard directions for the return.  Do not
touch the ball if you drop back inside the five.  Brian took a step
backward as he fielded the ball and then started forward.

   White had excellent coverage on Brian.  Troy Davis knocked away the
gunner on the left side as Brian advanced.  Brian veered that direction. 
White's coverage guys were still in their lanes.  I breathed a sigh of
relief when Brian passed the 15 yard line.  He could pick up a few yards
before the cover team took him down.  The play wouldn't be a disaster.

   Joe Radziwill and Grant Turner were blocking directly in front of Brian.
Brian picked that seam and dove in.  I was shocked when he popped out the
other side.  He shot forward, breaking a desperation tackle by Kevin
Giordano.  He dodged Marco Cuchiella's tackle and sprinted ahead.  Brian
stiff armed Caleb Fuller away and motored into the end zone.

   The crowd let out a big cheer for the electrifying return.  The fans
knew everything would be right with our team now that I was gone.  My
protégé had made a great return but I knew he'd also have a discussion on
ball safety next week.

   I hustled the kicking team onto the field for the point after attempt.
Jared Gray nailed it.  No surprise, he was the steadiest of kickers.

   I pulled Brian and Troy Davis over when the PAT was completed.  "Brian,
what were your directions if the ball fell inside the five?"

   "Um... don't field it," Brian answered.  "Troy said, `Go!' I thought
they blew their lane coverage when I started."

   "I said, `Let it go,'" Troy insisted.  "I didn't tell you to return it."

   "Let's use less confusing terms," I suggested.  "How about `Abort!' if
the ball shouldn't be fielded.  That can't be confused with `Return!'" Both
guys agreed.  I let Troy go but pulled Brian aside.

   "Two more things," I said.  "That was a hell of a return.  Expect to get
called into Coach Ferguson's office on Monday to discuss this play.  He's
going to chew you out for poor ball safety.  Second, he probably will
loosen the reins a little, the way he did with me.  He may give you more
freedom to try things than he gives most returners."

   "OK, Coach," Brian agreed.

   "Also, play it straight on your next return," I said.  "Don't dig a
deeper hole with Coach Ferguson."

   "You got it, Coach," Brian agreed.

   There was one drawback with Brian's spectacular play.  Chip and the
offense never got on the field.  Jon and the White Team went on the attack
again.  They managed to get in close enough to allow Ryan Dillard to try a
34 yard field goal.  He made it.

   Bruce MacCauley made a 32 yard return on the kickoff.  Chip and the Blue
offense went to work.  They demonstrated why they were the Ones on our
team. The executed a near flawless nine play drive, capped off by a Bob
Smith TD catch at the goal line.

   Chip was in total command during the drive.  He had a fiery presence
that he was missing his first two years at Penn State and had only
occasionally shown last season.  This was Chip's team now.

   Jon's team answered with a touchdown to narrow the score to 14-10.  Chip
and the Blue Team executed another textbook drive, allowing Charlie Taylor
to stuff the ball in on the tenth play of the drive.  Word came down from
Coach Burton in the press box that the Ones were done for the day.

   Play was more ragged after the Ones were done.  Matt Sauder was
delighted to play five minutes of the first half.  He managed to maneuver
the Blue Team in close enough to give Jared Gray a shot at a 52 yard field
goal.  Jared made it.  The score at half time was 24-17, Blue's favor.

   I sent Devin Kerr out to field the second half kickoff.  He damn near
broke the kickoff for a score.  Ryan Dillard managed to trip him up on
White's 42 yard line, otherwise Devin would have gone all the way.

   "Good work, Devin!" I exclaimed as I gave my young friend a back slap
when he reached the sideline.

   "They aren't going to let me forget the kicker took me down, are they?"
Devin asked.

   "They are going to tease you unmercifully," I answered.  Devin was
nearly six inches taller and twenty-some pounds heavier than the freshman
kicker.  "Still, it was a great kick return.  Don't hang your head when
they tease you.  Look them in the eye and tell them, `Coach told me, good
job!' Some days you get the kickers and other days they get you."

   "I'll do that, Coach," Devin answered.

   Matt started out with a good drive.  It broke down after half a dozen
plays when he overthrew Ian Davis.  Matt was pissed when he came off the
field.

   "Shit, I can't believe I blew that play!" he railed.  "If Ian had gone
deep it would have been a touchdown."

   "That was a Cover-3 defense," I answered.  "Ian was supposed to break
off the route the way he did.  You were lucky that the ball wasn't
intercepted."

   "That wasn't Cover-3," Matt insisted.  "It was..." A look of
bewilderment and then disgust came over my buddy.  "Shit!  It was Cover-3.
I'm never going to get this!  I suck."

   "You don't suck and you will get this," I replied.  "High level college
football is much more complicated than high school football.  It takes time
to learn all this."

   "Chip and Jon don't have this problem," Matt complained.

   "This is Chip's third season as a starter and Jon's third spring
training," I countered.  "You have had fifteen practices total with this
team.  You're trying to learn a playbook that is four inches thick.  Chip
looked dreadful fifteen days into his first training camp.  You are
expected to make mistakes and you are expected to learn from them.  I'll
give you the same advice Zack Hayes gave me.  Tell anyone who asks, `I'm
just here to learn and help out anyway I can.' That got me through some
tough times."

   "I'm just here to learn and help anyway I can," Matt parroted.  "I just
wanted to prove to the coaches that they made the right decision offering
me a scholarship."

   "They made the right decision, Matt," I replied.  "Study hard and learn
as much as you can.  Don't be afraid to make mistakes.  This is your red
shirt year.  No one expects you to contribute on the field now.  Learn from
what goes wrong now and come out strong next season when this is Jon's
team. You can be his backup if you're ready."

   "I'll do better," Matt promised.  "Thanks for the pep talk, Coach."

   Bob Huber QBed the White Team in the third quarter.  Coach Goodwin put
much of the burden on Grant Turner and ET LeBlanc.  They carried the White
Team down the field and stuffed the ball into the end zone to tie the
score.

   Josh Hunsecker, Devin Kerr and Tyler Brody were out with Matt on the
next drive.  Matt performed better, correctly reading the adjustments for
defense.  Josh, Tyler and Devin kept the White defense loose.  Jake Meyer
did some good runs to keep the secondary from playing too deep.  Matt moved
his team down the field and hit Josh for a twenty-two yard TD pass to cap
off the drive.  Score: Blue-31, White-24.

   Mark Markovich made a brilliant play on White's next drive.  He stripped
the ball out of Grant Turner's arms and ran the ball back a dozen yards. 
Matt and his crew were unable to capitalize on the turnover.

   The game degenerated in the fourth quarter as the youngest and least
experienced team members took the field.  Miscues aborted every drive.  I
guess that was to be expected with the younger players.  The final score
stayed Blue Team-31, White Team-24.

   We put on a good show for our fans.  Chip and our first team offense
looked sharp.  They put up twenty-one points.  Jon's crew scored seventeen
points.  Matt Sauder hadn't done too badly.  He scored ten points while at
the helm.  Bob Huber managed a TD.  Trey Connelly hadn't managed a score.
The results reflected our coaches' expectations.  Chip, Jon and Matt were
scholarship players.  Bob and Trey were walk-ons, albeit, preferred
walk-ons.

   The star players on the team drew a crowd of reporters.  No surprise
there.  I drew a crowd too.  I had expected to fly under the radar that
day. No such luck.  Some of the questions the crowd of reporters asked were
about the game.  I answered them easily, praising my former teammates for
their work that afternoon.  Then questions turned to my personal status.

   "Kyle, does your working the sidelines as a coach indicate anything
about your plans for the NFL?" Anthony Edward Brown, the ESPN reporter,
queried.  "Does your presence on the sidelines mean you won't be playing in
the NFL?"

   I knew I needed to be wary.  Anthony Edward Brown was the reporter who
did the hatchet job on me at the Senior Bowl.  He acted like everything
should be normal between us.

   "Don't read too much into this," I answered.  "Our offensive grad
assistant is working on his masters in geology.  He got a chance to go on
an expedition to observe and measure the formation of a new volcanic island
up in Alaska.  The expedition left last Tuesday.  Coach Burton was
shorthanded, so he asked me to help out.

   "Everyone knows I plan to go into coaching when I am done playing
football.  I jumped at the chance to practice my craft today.  What future
coach wouldn't jump at the chance to work as an intern at a major college
when given the chance?"

   "Reports have been circulating for a couple months about the argument
you had with Al Davis," Brown countered.  "Are you sending a message to the
Raiders to avoid you in the draft?"

   "I wouldn't characterize my meeting with Mr.  Davis as an argument," I
replied.  "I think it is more accurate to call it a frank and honest
discussion.  I respect the Raiders organization.  They have made some good
moves this off-season to make their team better."

   "So you are willing to play for Al Davis?" Brown asked.  "Most people in
the know assume you would refuse to play for him."

   "I'm not going to discuss my willingness to play for teams, team by
team," I stated.  "I will say that I fully expect to be wearing a NFL
uniform next September and playing for whichever team drafts me.  I am
looking forward to it."

   "You signed a big endorsement contract with Nike last month," Mike
Montgomery, from the Lancaster Intell/New Era asked.  I'd known Mike since
he first interviewed me in high school when I was in tenth grade.  I wanted
to give him a big kiss for turning the attention away from Brown's pet
topic.  "How does it feel to have some money in your pocket, Coach?  What
did you do with all that money?"

   "The first thing I did after I deposited the check was pay Max Solomon,
my agent," I answered.  "It felt great getting some money in Max's pocket.
He has done so much for me over the past three months.  I set aside half
the money for taxes.  After that I sat down with my parents and repaid them
for everything they paid for during my time in college.  The rest is still
in the bank."

   "No new car?" Mike teased.  "You mean you are still driving that beat up
old car of yours?"

   "I like my VW," I replied.  "It may be seventeen years old but it runs
great.  Why would I get rid of it?" Mike just laughed.

   "I guess there is no Hummer in your future," Mike said.

   "No, there definitely isn't," I confirmed.

   "The Lions looked pretty good today," the Fox Sports reporter asked. 
"Would you care to comment on their ranking?  Do you think the team will be
in the top ten?"

   "Absolutely," I said.

   "You do remember that the team has lost sixteen seniors?" the reporter
asked.

   "You saw how they performed today," I insisted.  "Our second team played
significant minutes last season.  This team is going to be very good."

   "Are they up for a shot at the Big Ten championship and the Rose Bowl?"
the reporter asked.

   "The Nittany Lions have one of the best quarterbacks in college
football," I replied.  "I expect they will do well in the fall.  I'm not in
the prediction business, so time will tell exactly how far this group can
go."

   "Best quarterback in college?" Brown queried.  "Have you had a falling
out with Ed Fritz?  You two used to be tight."

   "No, I haven't had a falling out with Ed," I answered.  "Ed and I are
still best friends.  He is going to be the best man at my wedding this
summer.  I consider Ed to be one of the best quarterbacks in football too."

   "Which quarterback would you prefer..." Brown started.  My cell phone
rang.

   "Sorry guys, I got to run," I interjected.  "I'm sure I'll see most of
you again on draft day.  See you." I hurried off the field as I answered my
phone.

   "Hello, Kyle Martin," I said.

   "Hey, Kyle.  It's John Waters," the voice on the phone replied.  "You
looked good there on the sidelines.  You looked like you belong in the
coaching ranks.  Did you enjoy it?"

   "I loved it, John," I answered.  "Did the TV show me?  I hate when they
do that when I'm not playing.  What is so interesting about me?"

   "I don't know if the TV showed you or not," John said.  "Emily and I
decided to catch the game live."

   "You're here?  In Beaver Stadium?" I exclaimed.

   "What better place to watch the Blue and White game?" John teased. 
"Emily and I wanted to know if you and Penny want to join us for dinner
tonight."

   "Dinner?  That's Cool," I replied.  "Where are you at?"

   "We're still in the stadium," John answered.  "Look at the north side,
about half way up the stands near the Mount Nittany 35 yard line." I looked
and saw two people standing the nearly empty stands waving to me.  I smiled
and waved to my mentor.

   "I'll give Penny a call and confirm the plans, but I don't see why we
won't be able to join the two of you," I said.  "Why don't we meet in front
of the football museum?"

   "Where is that, Kyle?" John asked.

   "It's off University Drive at the Mount Nittany end of the stadium," I
suggested.  "Give me twenty minutes.  I need to stop inside to turn in my
play charts and thank Coach Burton for letting me help out."

   "You got it, Kyle," John agreed.  I gave Penny a call.  She liked the
idea of meeting and having dinner with my mentor teacher and his wife.  I
headed into the locker room and turned in my play charts to Coach Ferguson.
I thanked Coach Burton for the opportunity to coach that afternoon.  I
thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

   John and Mrs.  Waters had found Penny by the time I joined them outside.
John introduced me to his wife.  She was quite striking for a fifty-three
year old lady.  She was slim, dressed stylishly and wore her blond hair
short, reminding me a little of Jamie Curtis, the actress.

   "You know State College far better than us, Kyle," John said when
introductions were done.  "What restaurant do you recommend?"

   "We have loads of choices," I answered.  "What is everyone interested
in? We have diner food, barbecue, Tex-Mex, Austrian, Indian, Thai, Chinese,
fast food, burger places, pizza places, sub shops... just about anything
you can imagine."

   "Don't forget the Cajun place," Penny added.  "I love the food at this
little place on College Avenue."

   "Spats," I agreed.  "It is one of my favorites."

   "The Austrian place sounds unusual," Emily commented.  "What is that
place like?"

   "Herwig's Austrian Bistro," I answered.  "Brandy serves authentic
Austrian fare.  They have various schnitzels, bratens, knödels, wursts,
etc. His food is quite excellent.  The only problem with Herwig's is that
they only seat twenty-four people.  The wait can be long, especially for
dinner on a game day."

   The four of us discussed the options for a couple minutes.  We decided
to walk downtown and check out both Herwig's and Spats.  Both small
restaurants were crowded.  We opted to continue down the street to the Penn
State Diner.  The burgers and fries were very good, as always.  We all
polished off grilled stickies before we departed.

   "Are you ready to take command in the classroom on Monday, Kyle?" John
asked as we left the restaurant.  I was to handle all teaching duties for
my last six days - discipline, taking roll, lectures, tests, and grading. I
was doing everything.

   "I think so, John," I answered.  "I'm looking forward to testing myself
to see how I do."

   "I'm sure you will do well," John said.  "I'll see you Monday."

   "Dinner was a pleasure," I added.  "It was great to meet you Emily."

   "Yes, it was delightful to meet both of you," Penny added.

   John and Emily walked back through campus with us.  They headed for
their car while Penny and I headed back to the apartment.  Penny and I
helped Brian, Chip, Trevor and Damian set things up for the party that
evening.

   The party was the usual mix of team members, girlfriends, girls with
friends on the team and other hangers-on.  The group consumed moderate
amounts of alcohol, enjoyed the snacks and talked up the available girls.
It was the same scene I had been to for the past four years.

   I did get one huge shock that evening.  Josh Hunsecker was with the same
girl I had seen him making out with a month ago when Penny and I were up to
campus for pro day.  The shy guy who didn't date and knew next to nothing
about girls was gone.  Josh introduced me to his girlfriend, Sara Osborne.

   Sara and Josh met in History 20.  She was from across the river from
Lancaster County, from Wrightsville.  She was majoring in Food Sciences. 
This was her second semester on campus, so she had been a grade ahead of
Josh in high school.

   I had to wonder what Christian thought of his brother's girlfriend,
especially after I saw Josh get a couple condoms from Matt and then take
Sara into the back bedroom that used to be mine.  The couple didn't act
like this was unusual either.  It blew my mind.  Sweet, innocent Josh
Hunsecker was in a bedroom screwing a girl's brains out.  Would wonders
never cease?

   Penny and I enjoyed a nice, unhurried lovemaking session after the party
broke up.  Trevor, Steph, Chip, Amanda, Penny and I headed downtown Sunday
for brunch at the Waffle Shop.  Penny and I headed back to Philly after
brunch.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------

   I was excited Monday morning before first period.  I was getting the
final test of everything I had learned in the past four years this week. 
The kids in my classes knew me and respected me, so I didn't have problems
with discipline.  I had no problem with the lectures.  I had no problem
getting class discussions going in each class.  All eight periods went
well.

   One thing I hadn't expected, especially since I was a superbly
conditioned athlete.  Being on your feet for eight hours is damn tiring.  I
was beat when I got back to the apartment after school.  I skipped my
normal workout at Temple so I could rest and recover for the next day. 
John only laughed when I told of my challenge Tuesday morning.

   The first three periods went normally Tuesday morning.  I had dismissed
the AP European History class and was heading back to meet with John during
our "free" period when we heard a loud bang as something was slammed into
the lockers.  John and I hurried out to see what was up.  I was in the lead
since I was only half way to the back of the room when we heard the sound.

   As we reached the door we heard some kids call out, "Get him!  Hit him,
Ryan!" It had to be a fight.

   The students surrounding the fight scattered as soon as John and I
appeared out of the classroom.  A big kid, probably a junior or senior, was
towering over a little kid, most likely a freshman.  The freshman was on
his knees.  We were in time to see the big one, apparently named Ryan,
punch the shorter kid in the face.

   "STOP NOW!" I bellowed as I pushed between Ryan's buddies and separated
the two.  Ryan ignored my command and wound up for another punch.  I
managed to deflect the fist from myself and from the victim.  Ryan balled
his fist and was ready for another punch.

   I grabbed the fist with one hand and grabbed the front of Ryan's shirt
just below his collar and lifted him up in the air.  "Knock it off!" I
screamed in his face.  He tried to kick and punch me with his free hand
briefly before realizing he couldn't hurt me while he dangled a foot off
the floor.

   "Calm down!" I commanded.  I lowered him to the floor when he stopped
struggling.

   "What is going on?" John demanded.  He was beside me with the beating
victim.  Now I recognized the boy as Kevin Stern, a boy in my sixth period
World Culture class.

   "This son of a bitch is trying to steal my girlfriend!" Ryan snarled.

   "I'm not," Kevin insisted.  "Anyway, she isn't your girlfriend anymore.
She dumped you two weeks ago."

   "I ought'a..." Ryan snarled.  I lifted him off the ground so only the
tips of his toes touched.

   "You ought'a what?" I demanded, leaning in close to his face.  "You
ought'a calm down... NOW!"

   I lowered him to the floor again when he stopped struggling.  Both of
you need to go to the principal's office right now," John insisted.  "Let's
go." I let go of Ryan.  John and I escorted them to Mr.  Jarvis' office. 
We reported what we had witnessed.  Mr.  Jarvis kept us around long enough
to learn more about the incident.

   Ryan Nolan had been dating freshman Megan Baker for the past couple
months.  Megan dumped Ryan two weeks ago.  He found out at home room this
morning that Kevin had taken Megan out to the movies last Saturday night.
The beating was payback for messing with his girl.

   John and I escorted Kevin to the nurse's office when he was finished at
the principal's office.  He was going to have a black eye by the time he
got to class sixth period.  He also had a cut on his cheek from the ring
Ryan had been wearing.  We dropped Kevin off and then headed back to our
room.

   "Whatever prompted you to pick up Ryan?" John asked.  "He has to weigh
170 or 175 pounds."

   "I knew I could physically subdue Ryan," I answered.  "I've had it done
to me.  It's surprisingly effective at disabling your opponent."

   "That's got to be an interesting story," John commented.  "There aren't
very many people who could lift someone your size."

   "J.  T.  Hill is more than big enough," I replied.  "Back when I was a
freshman he took exception to me joking around during a lull in practice.
He lifted me up by my jersey collar and screamed at me to let me know
joking around wasn't part of practice."

   "J.  T.  Hill... the center for the Steelers?" John asked.  I nodded
yes. "I guess you give Mr.  Hill a wide berth now."

   "No, J.  T.  is a good friend," I answered.

   "Still, I can't imagine lifting up a kid Ryan's size," John commented.

   "John, I did thirty-two reps with a 225 pound weight at the Combine," I
countered.  "Picking up Ryan was no sweat.  It was the easiest way for me
to disarm him.  You can't throw punches or kicks when you're dangling in
mid-air."

   "True... very true," John agreed.

   The rest of the day went better.  Kevin showed up for sixth period
sporting a big shiner and a large Band-Aid over the cut on his cheek.  He
stopped by to talk with me when class was over.

   "Thanks for saving my ass... uh, butt today, Mr.  Martin," Kevin said. I
gave him a smile.  "He'd have killed me if you hadn't come outside."

   "It's all in a day's work," I answered modestly.  "It's part of my job
to keep order."

   "Thanks anyway," Kevin replied.  "I really appreciate it.  Good luck
with the draft on Thursday.  I hope the Eagles take you."

   "Time will tell, Kevin," I said.  "You better get going for your next
class."

  
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Taylor Mays, the former Pioneer football captain and senior, called the
team together after the informal football practice Wednesday afternoon.  He
presented me with a thank you plaque.

   "You've taught the team so much over the past four months, Mr.  Martin,"
Taylor said as he presented the plaque.  "This isn't much, but it is from
the team's heart.  We all thank you so much for your help."

   "If you really want to say thank you, Taylor," I replied, "...keep after
these guys for the next month.  The best thank you I could get would be
word next fall that all of you beat Strath Haven." The whole team let out a
big cheer.  "Juniors... your job next winter is to train the underclassmen
the way Taylor and I taught you to do this year.  Good things come from
hard work.  My high school has been running these study session and drills
for nine years.  Look where it took us...  three state championships and
the playoffs every year.  Keep this tradition going and you guys can expect
big things too."

   Virtually every member of the Pioneers football team came by to shake my
hand and thank me for the help I gave them while I was with their school. I
appreciated the gesture.  These were really good kids.  I hoped my teaching
helped them on the field next fall.  They deserved it.

   Penny and I packed our bags Wednesday night.  Penny had permission to
skip Friday's classes.  We were going to spend draft night with my family,
her family and our friends back in Paradise.

   Surprisingly I wasn't nervous during the day as I did my lectures.

   "Good luck tonight, Kyle," John said as the last kid disappeared after
eighth period.  "I will be watching on the NFL Network tonight, cheering
for you to go to a good team."

   "You and Emily are welcome to come to my draft party," I offered.  "We'd
love to have you drop by.  My mom and Penny's mom will have lots of food
for the party.  It will be a zoo but it will be fun to have all my friends
there."

   "I don't know, Kyle," John answered.  "Maybe I'll just watch at home."

   "I want ALL my friends there for my special night," I said.  "You count
among my friends."

   "I'll see if I can talk Emily into it," John promised.  I shook his
hand. "Good luck with everything, Kyle."

   I picked Penny up at the train station and headed west down Route 30 for
home.  Two TV trucks were parked on our street when we got home.  I
expected every network and local TV station to park trucks by our house
before the evening ended.  They had done that for Zack's draft.

   Mom had some of the food out for us to snack on when we got home.  We
snacked a little and then played with the boys.  They were excited about
everything that was going on at our house.  Visitors poured in.

   Andy came home from college.  He had classes tomorrow but the first one
wasn't until after ten o'clock.  He would have time to drive back to school
for it.  Uncle Dave and Aunt Linda came.  All my grandparents and Penny's
Grandpa Bill and Grandma Helen came.  Jim and Marilyn Edwards helped Mom
and Dad with refreshments and anything else that was needed.

   Dad set up our biggest TV in the living room and set the channel to the
NFL Network.  The talking heads droned on about all the mock drafts.  They
had me going anywhere between the fifth pick (to the Raiders) up to the
eleventh pick, the Bengals.  Some of them speculated who among the lower
teams that needed receiving help might pick me and what it would cost them
to move up into range to draft me.

   Max already warned me not to put too much attention to all the
speculation.  I was resigned.  Whatever was going to be would be.  Channel
8 did a live interview with me for their six o'clock newscast.

   Jason Turner and his fiancée, Emily Haubert, came.  I teased Jason about
me getting hitched before him.  Jason and Emily weren't getting married
until the fall.  Justin and Sherry Baer came with their sons Billy and
Wesley.  Jon and Amy Miller came with Brian.  Amy was expecting.  Brian
would finally have a little brother in about six months.

   The clock seemed to drag as I awaited the start of the draft.  I
exchanged calls with my friends up in State College.  Damian was catering a
first round draft pick party for Trevor and Shawn.  Both guys were expected
to be drafted shortly after me that evening.  Trevor's and Shawn's parents
made the trip to campus to be with their sons when they learned their
professional destination.

   Eight o'clock finally came and things got started.  The NFL wasted too
much time with introductions.  I wanted to shout, `Just put the Redskins on
the clock already.  Let's get going!'

   About 8:15 Commissioner Goodell announced, "The Redskins are on the
clock." Less than sixty seconds later he stepped up to the podium again and
announced, The Washington Redskins, with the first pick in the 2013 NFL
draft, chose University of Michigan defensive tackle, William Johnson."

   I cheered as my friend Big William became a very rich man.  Nobody
deserved the first pick more than him.  The crawler at the bottom of the
screen showed the time remaining for the Detroit Lions to make their choice
as the anchors praised William and talked about the many awards he had won.

   Most of the Lions' ten minutes were gone when Commissioner Goodell came
out to announce, "With the second pick of the draft, the Detroit Lions
choose the University of Southern California's offensive tackle K.  J. 
Kirkpatrick." That was an excellent pick.  The Lions need protection for
Matthew Stafford and K.  J.  is excellent at pass blocking.

   The Kansas City Chiefs didn't use all their time.  They chose Owen
Wright, the big offensive tackle from Wisconsin.  The anchors speculated
that the Chiefs would probably use him at guard instead.

   Noah, Connor and Hunter were still up, even though it was past their bed
time.  Noah and Connor were juiced from all the people.  Hunter was fading.

   "I'm tired, Kyle," my little brother said.  "Can you hold me?"

   "Sure, big guy," I agreed.  I helped him onto my lap.  Hunter leaned
back against my body and was asleep in seconds.

   The Seahawks wasted no time choosing.  Roger Goodell came to the podium
with seven minutes left on the clock for the Seahawks.  "With the fourth
pick of the 2013 draft, the Seattle Seahawks choose University of Texas
quarterback Todd Landry." Everyone in the world expected that pick.

   The ticker at the bottom of the TV showed the Raiders on the clock. 
Penny slid in close to me and held my hand.  Would Al Davis pull a
bone-headed stunt and draft me?  The anchors filled the time with
speculations about who the Raiders would draft.  Mike Mayock categorically
stated that they would draft me.  He reminded all the viewers how much Al
Davis loves fast wide receivers before reminding everyone that I posted the
best time in a decade at the Combine.

   I wanted to scream, `Don't give Davis any ideas, damn it!' I tensed and
waited to see if all my warnings to their team would be heeded.  Roger
Goodell came to the podium when less than thirty seconds remained.

   "With the fifth pick of the 2013 draft, the Oakland Raiders choose..."
Penny tightened her grip on my hand.  I tensed.  "...the University of
Pittsburgh's offensive tackle, Courtney Devine."

   Our house reverberated with cheers.  I was not going to be a Raider! 
Hallelujah!  The ticker at the bottom of the screen showed the Titans were
now on the clock.  I doubted they had any interest in me.

   We talked as the ticker went by and we waited for Titans' choice.  About
six minutes in Mike Mayock announced, "The Tennessee Titans have traded
their first pick to the Denver Broncos for their first and second picks
this year." The ticker switched over to show the Broncos on the clock.

   Even though I wanted the Broncos to choose me, I knew it wouldn't
happen. They hadn't ever contacted me since the Senior Bowl.  Everyone
expected them to take a linebacker.  Speculation before their trade was
that they would pick Jeremy North with their pick.

   The ticker showed less than a minute to go for the Broncos.  We waited.
Some mock drafts had the Rams picking me.  They went after the Broncos.

   Everyone froze and stared at me when my cell phone rang.  The camera
lights from the four TV crews in our home clicked on too.  I forced down
the lump that formed in my throat.

   "Hello, Kyle Martin," I said.  On TV Roger Goodell walked out to the
podium.

   "Kyle, this is John Elway with the Broncos," the familiar voice said.

   "Hello, John," I stammered.  I mouthed the word `Elway' to the expectant
crowd watching me.

   "How do you feel about becoming a Bronco?" John asked.

   "Fantastic..." I stammered.  "...just fantastic."

   "With sixth pick of 2013 draft, the Denver Broncos choose the
Pennsylvania State University wide receiver Kyle Martin," Commissioner
Goodell announced.  The household erupted in cheers.

   "I guess your family heard that, Kyle," John commented.  "Welcome to our
organization."

   "Thank you, John... thank you," I squeaked.  "I can't believe this.  I
never expected you guys to be interested.  You never talked to me."

   "Coach Baldwin was quite persuasive," John replied.  "He spent a week
watching you study and work harder than any player he's ever seen.  You
dominated in the Senior Bowl.  What else do we need to know?  You're smart,
hardworking and athletically gifted.  That's a trifecta that is hard to
beat."

   "I'm still stunned, John," I replied.  "I'm really looking forward to
working with Coach Baldwin and the rest of your staff."

   "We'll talk more when you come out, Kyle," John said.  "How early can
you get to the airport tomorrow?"

   "I have two more days to student teach," I answered.  "I can be at the
airport after 5:30 tomorrow night."

   "Tomorrow night?" John repeated.  "OK, that will work.  We can do the
press conference Saturday morning.  Someone from my staff will be in touch
later tonight to confirm travel arrangements."

   "I have one more question, John," I said.  "How soon can you get me a
playbook?  If you FedEx it next morning delivery, I will be reading it on
the airplane to Denver tomorrow night.  I already know that the West Coast
offense is complicated.  I want to do well for you."

   "I will see what I can do, Kyle," John said, chuckling.  "Jeff [Coach
Baldwin] warned me you would want to study as soon as possible.  Give me
your address, in case I can pry one loose from the coaching staff." I gave
John the school address.  That was the best place for the playbook to catch
up with me tomorrow.

   "Thanks, John," I said "Thank you for everything."

   Noah and Conner were dancing around the room chanting, "Unka Ky's a
Bwonco!  Unka Ky's a Bwonco!" All the reporters were clamoring for
interviews.  I handed my groggy little brother to Penny.

   Andy handed me a Broncos cap to wear.  "Where in the hell did you get
this?" I asked.

   "A Boy Scout is prepared," Andy answered.

   "But how?" I questioned.

   "Dad had me buy about twenty different NFL hats," Andy explained.  "We
bought one for every team that might have the remotest interest in you. 
You were going to wear the hat for your team tonight."

   "Thanks so much," I replied.  The Rams announced their pick just as Andy
and I finished with the hat.  They took Marcus Pinkston, the excellent
offensive lineman from Mississippi State.  "That's good for Sam.  He needs
the protection more than he needs a fast receiver.  They are going to have
a good team in a couple more years."

   "But without you as a receiver," Andy noted.  "Who knows?  Maybe they'll
take me.  Sam and Andy... that would be a good duo."

   "It would be good," I agreed.  "Not that you should get your hopes up.
You need to get the NFL to notice somebody from a Podunk college like
yours."

   "Podunk?  Get the NFL to notice me?" Andy replied.  "I will have you
know I had lunch with the Ravens' Joe Flacco earlier this week.  He loves
what I am doing with the Blue Hens."

   The reporters were getting restless.  I invited them, the cameramen and
the soundmen out to the back porch so there were could have fewer
distractions.  I praised the Broncos coaching staff during my interviews. I
told everyone how delighted I was to be heading west.  I was looking
forward to the mountains and how beautiful Colorado would be.  It took me
half an hour to get everyone's questions answered.  The TV crews headed
out, leaving me with a house full of guests and family in the mood to
celebrate.

   My phone spent nearly the entire interview time vibrating in my pocket.
I had half a dozen phone calls to return.  Max Solomon came first.

   "Max, what do you think of the Broncos?" I asked.

   "They are an excellent fit for you," Max answered.  "I don't anticipate
any trouble negotiating your contract with them.  They are fair and don't
play games."

   "What is the going rate for the sixth pick?" I asked.

   "It will be over twenty million," Max replied.  "Figure you will get a
fully guaranteed four year contract with a team option for a fifth year. 
That fifth year will probably cost them another twelve million."

   "That sounds pretty good, Max," I said.

   "What sounds good?" Penny asked.

   "Max says my contract should be over twenty million dollars, fully
guaranteed," I replied.

   "Ka-ching!" Penny teased.  "I think I will enjoy being the wife of an
NFL star."

   "An NFL draftee," I countered.  "I haven't played a down and I certainly
am not a star."

   "We won't have money worries," Penny said.  "That will be nice."

   "As long as I don't get run over by a bus between now and training
camp," I agreed.

   I returned calls from Trevor, Shawn, Jeremy and Ed Fritz.  Everyone
congratulated me and said they thought the Broncos were a great fit for me.


   "What do you think of Eric's spot?" Ed asked as we talked.

   "I lost track of what is happening in the draft after they picked me," I
replied.  "Who is Eric going to play for?"

   "The Ravens," Ed said.

   "He'll like it there," I said.  "They interviewed me twice.  They are a
quality organization.  He will like working with Joe Flacco." Ed and I
finished our call.  My phone rang immediately after I hung up with Ed.

   "Hello, Kyle Martin," I said.

   "Welcome to the Broncos, Kyle," a familiar voice said.

   "Brady?  Is that you?" I asked.

   "It is," Brady Rasmussen confirmed.  "It took me five years, but I
finally got you on my team.  We're going to make great partners."

   "I'm looking forward to it."

   "I have another old acquaintance of yours that wants to say hi," Brady
said.

   "Hey kid, how's it going?" a gruff voice asked.

   "Antwaan?  Is that you?" I asked, excitedly.

   "Hell yeah," my big former and now current teammate confirmed.  "It's
great to have you with us.  You and Brady need to score us some points. 
I'm tired of losing 13-10 games."

   "I'll do my best, Antwaan," I agreed.

   "Brady again," Brady said.  "What's the deal with the playbook?"

   "I asked John Elway if our team could FedEx a playbook to me so I could
start studying on the plane out to Denver tomorrow night." Brady broke out
laughing when I told him.

   "The coaching staff went ape-shit when they heard that," Brady
explained. "You won Coach Baldwin a $10 bet.  He's the only one who
expected you to want a playbook before you got out here."

   "Who bet against me?" I asked.

   "Coach Salas [the Broncos defensive coordinator]," Brady answered.  "He
figured you would wait until Saturday before you asked for the playbook. 
What time are you getting out here tomorrow?  Maybe we can go out to dinner
together."

   "I can't leave Philly before 5:30 pm," I answered.

   "OK, maybe we get together for breakfast Saturday," Brady said.  "I'm
really looking forward to working with you, Kyle."

   "I'm looking forward to it too," I agreed.  We finished the call.  I had
a lot of guests to talk with.  It was after ten o'clock and they were
getting ready to depart.  When most of the guests left I managed to catch
more of the draft order that I had missed:

   Pick 8 - Cleveland Browns - Eldon Burkholder, cornerback, Ohio State

   Pick 9 - Jacksonville Jaguars - DeMarcus Van Dyke, defensive end,
Arizona

   Pick 10 -Buffalo Bills - Dylan Harris, quarterback, Notre Dame

   Pick 11 - Cincinnati Bengals - Marshon Wilkins DT, USC

   Pick 12 - Denver Broncos swapped the pick to Tennessee, Tennessee Titans
- Danny Clay, quarterback, Stanford

   Pick 13 -Dallas Cowboys - Da'Rel Etherridge offensive tackle, Boston
College

   Pick 14 -Miami swaps to Baltimore for 1st & 4th picks, Baltimore Ravens
- Eric Peters, wide receiver, Florida

   I met John and Emily Waters near the door as they prepared to leave. 
"Thanks for inviting us, Kyle," John said.  "It was exciting and fun."

   "I'm glad the two of you were able to come," I replied.  "I'll see you
in class tomorrow morning."

   "Be prepared for chaos, Kyle," John said.

   "It won't be that bad," I answered.  "Our kids are well behaved."

   "This is the biggest thing to happen to someone at our school in
decades," John answered.  "Be prepared."

   "It will be fine, John," I insisted.  "I'll see you in the morning."

   The last of the guests were clearing out when the next draftee of
significance to me was announced.  The New York Jets took Trevor.  I knew
my buddy was delighted.  He loved the creative ways Rex Ryan had for
applying pressure to quarterbacks.  He was going to be in heaven playing
for the Jets.  I called him before Penny and I went downstairs to bed.

   We left the NFL Network on while we prepared for bed.  The next friend
to go went with pick #28.  The Chicago Bears chose Jeremy North.  We had to
interrupt preparations for bed to call Jeremy and Kathy and offer our
congratulations.  The next pick caught our attention too.  My Eagles chose
Shawn Byrd.  The purpose of my meeting with Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg
became clearer.  They really had wanted to pick my brain for info about
defensive backs.  I don't know if my opinion carried any weight, but Shawn
was the cornerback I recommended to them.  I called Shawn before getting in
bed.

   Penny and I were keyed up from all the excitement that evening.  We
decided lovemaking would burn off some of the nervous energy and help us
sleep.

   "OK, my stud bronco," Penny declared as we hugged our naked bodies
together.  "Show me how a wild horse takes his mare."

   "You want it?  I teased as I kissed a trail down her neck and latched my
mouth on her breast.  "You really want it?"

   "Take me, my great big stallion," Penny gushed as I suckled.  I rubbed
my hard cock up and down her slot.  My sweetie was getting wet quickly.  I
rubbed my boner hard up and down her slot, bumping her clitoris each time.

   "Bad girl," I grunted as I kissed down towards her navel.  "You've been
a really bad girl.  I'm going to pound you with my filly tamer." I kissed
on down her belly and lapped my tongue up and down my lover's labia.  She
was juicy and close to ready for breeding.

   "Is my mare in heat?" I teased before I swirled my tongue around Penny's
clitoris.  Penny gasped and managed to stifle a groan.  My parents were
still in the kitchen and didn't need to hear us.

   "I'm so hot," Penny groaned as I continued assaulting her clitoris. 
"Breed me stallion.  Give me your big cock and fill me up!"

   I continued my oral explorations while I wormed two fingers into Penny's
pussy.  "Are you in heat?" I teased as I crooked two fingers and felt for
my lover's G-spot.

   Penny gasped "oooOOOhhh..." as I found it.  I continued massaging the
bundle of nerves as I licked and sucked at her clitoris.  I sniffed at her
pussy

   "You are in heat, mare," I grunted.  "Are you ready for a foal?" I
didn't get a coherent response from Penny.  My fingers as well as my
suckling at her clit were too much.  Penny shuddered, groaned and let out a
banshee shriek.  Her pussy spasmed and clenched onto my fingers.  I pulled
them out as she went orgasmic.

   Penny wasn't sated when she came down from her climax.  "Damn, stud! 
Fill me with big horse cock of yours right NOW!  This mare needs your
spunk." Penny spread her legs wide and pulled her knees up to her
shoulders. My lover did want to be dominated tonight.

   I scooted up the bed between her legs and pushed against the back of her
knees, forcing her into a tighter curl.  "You've been a bad little mare," I
growled as I notched my cock at her opening.  "You want this big horse cock
to fill you?"

   "Punish me, stallion," Penny demanded.  "Give me that big horse cock. 
Breed me and make me yours!" I forced Penny into a tighter ball and shoved
my cock hard into my sweetie.

   "OOooooohhhhh..." Penny groaned as my seven inches banged home and
slammed my cockhead into her cervix.  "Mmmmm..." my lover added as it
slammed home.  "DO me... do me...."

   I pulled part way out and slammed in again.  "Do me stallion... do me
hard..." Penny begged as I thrust and banged away.  Penny was hot and
excited.  This stallion and mare role-playing was going to be a keeper.  I
could see the two of us enjoying it again sometime.  I pounded and thrust
hard.  It seemed to be what Penny wanted.  Slow and gentle could come
later. Right now we were two animals rutting and mating.  That was what we
wanted and needed.

   I might have lasted five minutes of the hard thrusting and banging. 
Penny was excited too.  She reached climax moments before I did.  She
wrapped her legs around my butt and forced my cock even deeper into her
belly.

   "Sperm me, stallion and make yours for life," Penny declared before
coming.  "Aaaeeiiii... fill meeeee..." she shrieked before losing
coherence. Her pussy clenched and spasmed around my primed cock.

   "Take my seed, you bad little mare," I growled.  My balls pulled tight.
I slammed my cock hard into my lover's clasping pussy.  "My sperm makes you
mine for life, little mare." I planted my hard cock deep in her belly and
sprayed my mare's insides "Aarrrghhhh..." I groaned as I drained a huge
load of sperm into my little filly.

   I could feel her pussy throb and her cervix frantically suck up my sperm
as I painted her insides with blast after blast of my seed.  It felt like I
pumped a gallon into my little mare.  She loved every bit of it.  We
clasped each other as we lapsed into incoherence.  This role-playing was a
good one!  Thank God Penny was on birth control.  If she wasn't... well, we
would be parents ten times over, if intensity of feeling had anything to do
with having babies.

   Eventually we rolled onto our sides and my semi-hard cock plopped out of
my lover.  A little cum dribbled out, but not nearly as much as I would
have expected.  Penny leaned over and gave me a big kiss.

   "That was amazing, Kyle," she declared.  "I was so horny tonight.  I
don't know why.  I just had to have you like that."

   "It was fun," I agreed.  "We'll have to do this role-playing again.  Did
I satisfy my mare's needs?"

   "You satisfied the mare in me," Penny answered.  "The human being in me
wouldn't mind going again tonight, but as Kyle and Penny.  My stud stallion
was a little rough."

   "I'm sorry, I thought that was what you wanted," I replied.  "I'm
sorry."

   "It was what I wanted," Penny said.  "Now I need my sweet Kyle to make
love to me slowly and gently."

   "I can do that," I agreed.  Our second lovemaking session was just as
spectacular as the first, only stretched out.  Penny and I managed to time
our climaxes again fifteen minutes later.  I poured another big load of
sperm into my lover.  Thank God for birth control.

   We cuddled together in the afterglow and kissed.  "I love you so much,"
Penny said.

   "I love you too," I agreed.  We stretched out and soon fell asleep
cuddled together.



   Chapter 85

   ==========

   My first period class the morning after the first round draft was pure
chaos.  John Waters sat in the back, smiling and observing while I tried to
get the kids to focus on our review of the Swiss republican system of
government.  Instead of a discussion about the cantons and how they were
governed I got questions about Denver, the Broncos and what my future held.

   "People!  Stop!" I finally said in exasperation.  "I know you're
interested in my draft status.  I will give you five minutes to get ALL
your football questions asked.  After that, it is back to Switzerland and
the Alps.  Is that a deal?" I got head nods from most of the class.  I held
my arm out and stared at my watch.  "Your time starts NOW!"

   The kids peppered me with questions about the Broncos, how much money I
would be making and my new team's prospects for the season.  I let them ask
question right up to my watch hit the five minute mark.

   "OK, that's it!" I insisted.  "No more football until 8:03." Derek, a
sweet kid and sports fanatic, was still waving his hand for my attention. I
gave him the cold stare I learned from Mom.  "Is this question about
Switzerland?" I stared hard.  Derek wilted and put his hand down.  "Ask me
at 8:03, Derek."

   "OK, Mr.  Martin," Derek agreed.  "Sorry." I proceeded to give my
lecture on the Swiss system of government.  The kids managed to behave
through the rest of the class.  Derek and the other sports fanatics hit me
with more questions at the end of the period.  I had to shoo them off to
home room.

   Home room was similarly chaotic, but shorter.  I allowed no questions at
all.  I took roll and had the kids do the pledge and listen to the morning
announcements, as usual.  I had to shoo them out the door again when the
next bell rang.

   John came forward as the kids were leaving.  I held my hands up and
said, "You don't need to say it.  You told me so.  I don't know why I ever
doubted you."

   "You handled that about as well as is possible," John said.  "The kids
are not used to their teacher suddenly getting twenty million dollars and
moving to Colorado.  That is bound to be disruptive."

   "I plan to handle the rest of the classes the same way I did this one,"
I replied.  "I will take roll and then give them five minutes for football
questions.  After that it is strictly studying until the bell."

   "That's a plan, Kyle," John agreed.

   The strategy allowed me to keep a modicum of control over my classroom
during the day.  I had one student in fifth period that just would not take
the hint.  After four times of asking inappropriate questions after
football time, I was out of patience.  When his hand went up again I gave
him a hard stare.

   "Bill, if the words football, Colorado or Broncos appear anywhere in
your next question, you will be visiting Mr.  Jarvis," I declared.  He put
his hand down and kept quiet for the last fifteen minutes of economics.

   The teachers in the lunch room were as bad as the kids with all their
questions.  I barely got to eat my Wawa hoagie during our break.  I stopped
by the office before sixth period.  Pat Green handed me a big box from
Denver.  I took it back to the room before I unwrapped it.

   "What is that?" John asked as he saw me pull the immense notebook out of
the box.

   "It's the Broncos playbook," I said as I stared at the volume.  It had
to be eight inches thick.  I had to learn this thing by the end of July.  I
was going to be studying my ass off!

   "You're joking," John said.  I held the book up so he could see the
cover.  "Confidential - Playbook - Property of the Denver Broncos"

   "I'm glad you have to learn that, and not me," John commented.  "I think
Dan's playbook is too big." He just shook his head.  The kids were coming
in so I left the tome on the desk up front.  John retreated to the back to
observe.

   One of the first kids to arrive was Dean O'Connell, a linebacker for the
Pioneers and one of the key guys in organizing the study sessions and
drills.  "Congrats, Mr.  M," Dean said with a smile.  "You're going to
really help out the Broncos.  I think they will be a good team with you
there."

   Dean spotted the playbook.  "Holy shi... Holy crap, is that a real
playbook?"

   "It is," I confirmed.

   "That's like... ten times bigger than ours," Dean exclaimed.  "How do
you learn all that?  It took me a month to learn everything in ours."

   "One page at a time, Dean," I answered.  "I may be finishing college
next Tuesday morning but I have a lot of studying to do between now and
training camp."

   "I guess so," Dean agreed.  "Good luck with that, Mr.  M." He headed
back to his seat.

   I followed the same strategy with the last three classes that I followed
earlier in the day.  I managed to keep the classes on track without wasting
too much time talking football with the students.  John wished me luck out
in Denver over the weekend.  I promised to get him some autographs while I
was out there.

   Traffic wasn't too brutal on the way to the airport.  I checked into U.
S.  Airways a little after four o'clock.  The ticket was ready for me.  I
was pleased when I saw the seat assignment, 3B.  The Broncos were flying me
first class.  All right!

   It was cool to get to board the plane first.  I found a middle aged
woman struggling to get a large carry-on in the overhead.  She was nicely
dressed in a conservative business suit.

   "I can help you ma'am," I offered.  I easily stuffed the big suitcase
into the luggage rack.

   "Thank you so much," the lady said as she sat down in seat 3A, the
window seat beside mine.  I grabbed my MP3 player from my backpack and
threw the backpack into the overhead rack.  I wanted to unwind and relax a
little from a stressful day teaching before I dove into the playbook.

   I sat down in my seat.  It was great to have enough room for a person my
size.  Back in economy class my knees always hit the seat in front of me.
Here I had plenty of space.  The lady beside noticed.

   "Do you fly often?" she asked.

   "I have been flying a lot the last few months," I replied.  "This is my
first time in first class.  I fit better here."

   "I guess this is nice for someone your size," the lady said.  "Are you
treating yourself to first class?"

   "Actually, it's my new employer that is treating me," I replied.  "It is
very generous of them."

   "How long have your worked for your new company?" she asked.

   "I got a call from my new boss last night," I began.  I chuckled. 
"Actually he's my boss's boss's boss's boss."

   "Ahh... a new job," she said.  "Will you be moving to Denver?"

   "I will be," I agreed.

   "You will love the city," she said.  "I've lived there for seventeen
years.  I wouldn't live anywhere else."

   "I'm looking forward to seeing Denver," I said.  "I've heard so many
good things about it.  Were you in Philadelphia for business or pleasure?"

   "Very definitely business," the lady said.  "I had a three day tax
seminar.  I'm a tax attorney.  What line of work are you in?"

   "I'm still a college student, until next Tuesday," I said.  "I have
another day of student teaching on Monday and then a performance review
Tuesday morning and then I'm done with college."

   "A school is flying you first class to Denver?" she asked.

   "No, I play football," I said.  "My employer is the Denver Broncos."

   "I don't know much about football myself," the lady said.  "My husband
is the football fan.  He is crazy about the Broncos.  What do you do for
them?"

   "I play wide receiver," I answered.  She didn't quite seem to
comprehend. "I catch the ball when the quarterback throws it downfield to
me."

   "That's nice," she said.  "I'm Madelyn Hanford."

   "Kyle Martin," I replied as we shook hands.  Mrs.  Handford took out a
magazine and settled in to read while the other passengers boarded.  I
tried to relax and listen to a little music while we waited for takeoff.  I
didn't get the chance.

   At least half a dozen men boarding the plane recognized me.  I'd get the
double take first then they would gush.  "You're Kyle Martin!" "I'm so glad
the Broncos took you." "Can you get us to the playoffs?"

   I greeted each of the fans politely, shook hands and did autographs if
asked.  Mrs.  Handford leaned over to me and asked, "Are you famous, Kyle?"

   "Semi," I answered.  "Frankly, it's all a little overblown."

   "I was talking with my husband last night," Mrs.  Hanford said.  "He was
going on about this man the Broncos drafted and how great a player he is.
Is that you?"

   "That would be me," I confirmed.

   "Would you do my husband a favor?" she asked.  "Would you be willing to
do an autograph for him?"

   "I'd be honored," I said.  I took a piece of paper from my backpack. 
"What is your husband's name?"

   "Bill," Mrs.  Hanford.

   I scribbled out this note: "Bill: I enjoyed chatting with your wife on
the flight to Denver.  You are a truly lucky man to have such a lovely
spouse.  Best of luck.  Kyle D.  Martin"

   Mrs.  Hanford looked it over before saying, "That is a very sweet thing
to say, Kyle.  You are truly a gentleman."

   "Thank you," I answered.  "I try to do my best."

   Mrs.  Hanford settled in to read.  I zoned out with my music until the
captain was ready to pull back from our gate.  I waited until we were in
the air before retrieving my playbook.

   The Broncos used different terminology from my high school and college.
Thankfully, what they taught us in Mobile at the Senior Bowl was standard
Broncos terminology.  I would have half a step head start in learning
things over some of the other guys drafted this weekend.  I barely put a
dent in the big binder during the four hour flight out to Denver.  I was
going to be studying this thing for every free moment for the foreseeable
future.

   The Broncos included a copy of the mini-camp and off-season training
activity (OTA) schedule.  I would have a rookie mini-camp from Friday,
April 26th to Sunday, April 29th.  The next OTA was Monday, May 20th to
Wednesday, May 22nd.  The next OTA was Monday, May 27th through Thursday,
May 30th.  The OTA after that was Wednesday, Jun 5th through Wednesday,
June 12th.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday of that OTA were considered a
mini-camp and we would be on the field in helmets and pads.  The NFL Rookie
Symposium was scheduled for Sunday, June 23rd to Wednesday June 26th. 
Attendance to the Rookie Symposium was mandatory.

   My schedule for the week and a half was going to be tight.  I was
required to be at the rookie mini-camp until 5:00 pm on Sunday.  I'd need
to catch a red eye flight back to meet my parents and Penny on Monday in
State College.  The College of Education's commencement was at 9:00 am on
Tuesday morning.  Thankfully Penny's commencement wasn't until May 13th.

   The captain came on the intercom immediately after he throttled the
engines down.  "We are beginning our descent into Denver now.  Please
buckle up and return your seats to their upright position.  The weather in
Denver is 36 degrees and snowing."

   `Snowing?' I thought.  It had been eighty-two degrees when I got to the
airport in Philly.

   "We would like to extend a big U.  S.  Airways welcome to one of our
passengers to Denver.  You football fans will recognize him.  The newest
Bronco, wide receiver Kyle Martin is flying with us today.  Welcome to your
new home, Kyle.  Go Broncos!" the captain said.  The rear of the plane
greeted me with cheers.

   Mrs.  Hanford leaned over and whispered, "Semi-famous?" and laughed. 
All I could do is shrug my shoulders.

   More passengers welcomed me to Denver as we debarked from the plane.  As
we were walking down towards the trams, I saw a TV tuned to the ESPN.  It
listed some of the second round draft picks from that evening.  Two of my
former teammates were listed.  The Texans took Josh Bruno.  The Chiefs
selected Christian Hunsecker.

   Christian and I were back to being rivals again.  Division rivals, no
less.  Hopefully it would be a long and friendly rivalry.  I followed the
crowd to the trams and then on to baggage claim.  A twenty-something guy in
a Broncos jacket was holding a sign "Kyle Martin."

   I walked up to him and said, "I'm Kyle."

   "I should know that," the gentleman said.  "Welcome to Denver, Kyle. 
I'm Mark Taylor, an assistant to Head Coach Jeff Baldwin.  Let's get your
bags and get you down to your hotel."

   "Is it really snowing outside?" I asked as we waited for my bags to come
off the baggage conveyor.

   "A little bit," Mark confirmed.

   "That's a complete change for me from Philly," I said.  "It was
eighty-two degrees when I left tonight."

   "Oh?  Really?" Mark said.  "Did you bring a coat?"

   "The last twenty-four hours have been a whirl," I answered.  "I never
thought about it."

   "We can stop somewhere and get you a coat on the way to your hotel,"
Mark said.  "Colorado weather can be cold in late April.  The snow tonight
is not that unusual."

   "I guess I'm learning that," I replied.

   "We'll stop somewhere on the way to the hotel and get you a sweatshirt,"
Mark said.  We waited until my bags appeared.  Mark helped me hustle my
things out to his car.  It was damn cold for the end of April!

   We headed south from the airport.  I took a look back.  I had seen
pictures of DIA before but real life was much cooler.  The multiple peaks
of the tent roof of the terminal were striking.  Penny and I were going to
be seeing quite a bit of that airport in the next four or five years.

   Mark drove fifteen or twenty minutes through bare prairie land before we
hit the outskirts of Denver.  He stopped off at a Target store.  I bought a
cheap Broncos sweatshirt.  It would be enough until I had time to get a
decent coat for out here.

   "You a big Broncos fan?" the clerk asked as I present my new sweatshirt
at checkout.  "What do you think of this new receiver they picked up last
night?  Cool, isn't it?"

   "I'm excited," I agreed amiably.  He had no idea who I was.  What would
his reaction be if he saw me on TV tomorrow when I did the press
conference? Would he realize it was me?

   The drive from the airport to my hotel took about forty minutes, almost
entirely on a couple interstates.  I had no idea where I was since it was
dark.  I would figure that out in the morning when I could see the
mountains.

   Mark filled me in on the team's plans for me for the weekend.  "We're
putting you up in the Staybridge Suites.  It's about a mile from the Bowlen
Centre."

   "The Bowlen Centre?" I asked.  I did know Pat Bowlen owned the Broncos
and was my new boss.

   "The Paul Bowlen Football Centre," Mark answered.  "It's named after
Pat's father.  Pat Bowlen is the team owner."

   "I did know that," I said.

   "You can get breakfast at the hotel," Mark said.  "That is part of the
package with them.  I'll pick you up around 9:00 am and take you over to
the Bowlen Centre to meet everyone."

   "Actually, Brady Rasmussen said he would take me out for breakfast
tomorrow," I said.  "He gave me a call last night after you guys drafted
me."

   "You know Brady already?" Mark asked.  "I didn't know that."

   "Brady was my guide when USC was recruiting me to go to college there,"
I explained.  "We've stayed in touch over the years.  He's a pretty nice
guy."

   "He is," Mark agreed.  "Especially for a franchise QB.  Why don't you
give Brady a call and arrange your breakfast.  He'll probably bring you
over to the Bowlen Centre.  That will save me a trip over for you."

   "That's cool," I agreed.  I gave Brady a call and made arrangements for
breakfast.  My friend was happy to drive me over to the Bowlen Centre.  He
was planning to go over there anyway after breakfast.

   The Staybridge Suites was a fairly nice looking, newer hotel.  Mark
dropped me off and made sure everything went through properly at check-in.
Mark helped me carry my things up to my room.  It was a very nice suite
with a king sized bed, a full kitchen, a flat screen TV and DVD player.

   "You realize that you're an honored guest this weekend, Kyle?" Mark
commented.  "Next weekend for mini-camp you will be an employee.  You'll
have to take care of your own accommodations, meals and transportation."

   "I didn't figure that the Broncos would include that in my contract," I
replied.  "Will I have time this weekend to do some touring so I can figure
those things out?"

   "You are scheduled to tour the area with Brian tomorrow," Mark answered.
He quickly added, "Brian Dawkins.  He's our Director of Player Relations."

   "That's cool," I commented.  "I loved watching him play when he was in
Philly.  He was a hell of a football player.  What exactly does the
Director of Player Relations do?"

   "He's like our good will ambassador to the players," Mark explained. 
"He helps new players get settled in Denver.  He helps players when they
have problems.  His job is to make sure the details of life don't get you
down, so that you can focus your attention on football."

   "I like that idea," I said.  "Thanks for everything, Mark."

   "I'll see you over at the Bowlen Centre tomorrow morning," Mark said. 
We exchanged cell phone numbers so we could get in touch if anything came
up.  He took off, leaving me alone in my room.  It was almost 11:00 pm.  I
decided to give Penny a good night call.  She usually is up this time of
night."

   "Heelllloooo?" was the groggy response from my honey when she finally
answered the phone.

   "This is Kyle," I said.  "I'm sorry.  I forgot about the time change.  I
didn't mean to wake you."

   "It's OK," I drawled.  "What's up?"

   "I just called to let you know I arrived safely in Denver," I said.  "I
love you."

   "I love you too..." Penny answered, "...but in the morning."

   I was tired from a full day on my feet teaching and all the time I spent
traveling that day.  I cleaned up and went straight to bed.

   ----------------------------------------------------------------

   The alarm woke me Saturday morning at 7:00 am.  I showered and dressed.
I wasn't sure what the appropriate attire would be for the press
conference. I decided a suit would look fine, in case the rest of the
Broncos brass were dressed up.  I checked on-line before heading
downstairs. I was curious if any more of my Penn State teammates were taken
in the third round.  I found Greg Nowicki was now an Atlanta Falcon.

   I was down in the lobby a few minutes before 7:45, so I wouldn't make
Brady wait.

   "Wow!  Look at you," Brady teased when we met.  "All duded up.  It looks
like you're trying to impress the new bosses."

   "I'd normally wear a Penn State polo for a press conference rather than
this," I countered.  "A Penn State polo wouldn't do and the only decent
thing I had was this." I chuckled.  "I've been a little busy in the last
couple days."

   "I'm sure we can outfit you properly today, if John and Mr.  Bowlen
don't want you in a suit for the press conference," Brady said.  "Let's get
some grub.  I know of a nice breakfast place on the other side of I-25."

   "You're the boss," I said.  We headed outside.  I finally got to see the
mountains.  It was on the other side of the interstate.  I looked to the
northwest and saw the high rises that undoubtedly marked downtown Denver.

   "North is that way," I said pointing.  "That's downtown and we are
southeast of Denver."

   "You got it, buddy," Brady agreed.

   "I arrived in the dark and had no idea where I was last night," I
explained as we hopped in Brady's car.  My quarterback had a sweet ride. 
It was a Lexus LX570 SUV.

   "I know of a good breakfast place that's nearby," Brady said as he
pulled onto the street.  We pulled into a strip mall on the other side of
I-25 a couple minutes later.  The place was a chain restaurant that
specialized in breakfasts and lunches.  We headed inside.

   The waitress seated us and handed us menus.  It was immense.  I counted
over sixty options for breakfast.  "Any suggestions, Brady?" I asked as I
pondered the choices.

   "Have the Huevos Rancheros," he responded immediately.

   "Tortilla, refried beans and eggs with salsa, sour cream and green
onions," I read.  "I don't know.  I like spicy things but I don't think I'm
ready for salsa for breakfast."

   "Suit yourself," Brady said.  "I have plenty of time to turn you into a
westerner."

   I decided the Cordon Bleu Skillet sounded nice.  It was diced ham, Swiss
cheese, hollandaise sauce and eggs over ranch seasoned potatoes.  Brady
talked about the Broncos' last season.  My impressions from afar weren't
far off from the story Brady told.

   Brady ascribed their offensive problems to the receivers not being a
deep threat.  Nearly every opponent kept their defense in short zones. 
Brady tried deep routes but the receivers rarely got open.  The plan was to
use my speed to loosen up the opposing defenses.

   Brady praised Simeon Thomas, the starting tailback who did exceptionally
well as a rookie last season.  He was a shifty runner who also was very
good catching passes out of the backfield.  Hopefully I would be able to
help free Simeon up and force defenses to cover the whole field.

   "Who did our team draft last night?" I asked.  "I forgot to look after I
got to my room."

   "Christian Powell from Stanford," Brady answered.  "Do you know him?"

   "I played with him at the Senior Bowl," I replied.  "He's pretty good."

   "That's good," Brady said.  "We can use more safeties."

   My breakfast skillet was tasty.  I didn't understand how Brady could eat
salsa over eggs for breakfast, but he seemed to enjoy them.  I guess it's a
western thing.  Brady graciously paid for my breakfast, teasing I could
pick up the tab next time.

   Brady headed out of the shopping mall and went east on East Arapahoe
Boulevard and under the interstate.  We continued east through a few
intersections to South Peoria Road.  Brady turned south.  The road turned
into East Broncos Boulevard as we passed the regional airport.  He turned
left into a long parking lot and drove to the other end.

   "The practice fields are on the other side of these trees," Brady
commented as he pointed to his left.  He pulled in near the building. 
About eighteen or twenty cars were in the parking lot.  A big sign out
front showed a Broncos helmet.  I followed Brady up to the front of the two
story, glass and steel building.  The Broncos' logo and name were above the
front door.

   "Look what I found," Brady teased as we walked inside.  "Chrissie, I
found a first round draft pick wandering around outside.  Any idea what we
should do with him?"

   "I'll let Mr.  Elway and Mr.  Bowlen know he's here," the receptionist
said.  She paged them.

   "Chrissie, this is my friend Kyle Martin," Brady said in introduction.
"This is Christina Hudak, the team's very pretty face out front."

   "It's very nice to meet you, Christina," I said as I shook her hand.

   "You've made quite an impact already, Kyle," Christina said as she let
go of my hand.  "The ticket office was booming yesterday.  The fans like us
picking you in the draft.  We sold a couple dozen season tickets in the
day."

   "I'll do my best to live up to the fans' hopes," I said.

   "I'm sure you will, Kyle," Chrissie said.  "Brady, could you take Kyle
up to John's office?  Mr.  Bowlen is with him."

   "No problem, Chrissie" Brady agreed.  I followed him to the second
floor, where the team had offices for the front office personnel.  He
knocked at the closed door marked, "John A.  Elway, Jr., Executive Vice
President for Football Operations."

   "I'm going to work out," Brady said.  "I'm sure we'll bump into each
other again today."

   "Thanks for taking me out to breakfast," I said.

   "Come on in, Kyle," John Elway called from inside.  I stepped into the
office.  Two older gentlemen stood from the conference table where they had
been sitting.  Both men looked to be in their late fifties or early
sixties. "It's a pleasure to have you here."

   "I'm looking forward to playing for this team," I replied as we shook
hands.  "Kyle, this is Joe Ellis, the team president." I shook hands with
the tall man with graying hair.

   "It is a pleasure Kyle," Joe said.  "Welcome to the Broncos family."

   "I'm glad to be here," I replied.  John motioned towards the other
gentlemen.

   "Kyle this is the team owner, Pat Bowlen," John said.

   "Mr.  Bowlen, it is very nice to meet you," I said politely.  I noticed
as we shook hands that Mr.  Bowlen was older than I initially estimated. 
His hair had very little gray in it.  The wrinkles on his hands told the
story.  He was pushing seventy.

   "I'm happy you are joining our team," Mr.  Bowlen said.  "The coaches
have told me many good things about you."

   "I hope I can live up to everyone's expectations," I said.  "I am
looking forward to this opportunity."

   The four of us sat down.  John briefed me on the general outlines of the
Broncos organization.  He was in charge of all football operations.  The
general manager, Brian Xanders, reported to him.  Mr.  Xanders handled
player personnel and scouting.  Coach Baldwin also reported to John.  Mr.
Ellis took charge of the business aspects of the team.

   "I hope you didn't feel I was blowing you off back at the Maxwell
Dinner, Kyle," John said as he finished his overview of the team
organization.  "After we decided to go after you in the draft, our team had
a strict hands-off policy for all contacts with you."

   "I didn't have that feeling, John," I replied.  "You didn't talk to me
any more or less than many of the established NFL stars did that night."

   "We needed to keep the rest of the NFL from realizing how much we wanted
a receiver of your caliber on our team," John added, "...especially by our
rivals out on the bay in Oakland.  Your running disagreement with Al Davis
this winter and spring has been great.  That fact alone will bring you fans
here in Denver.  There is no love lost between the Broncos and the
Raiders... not ever."

   "I understand," I said.  "I can't say I disagree with your fans."

   "How did you manage to convince Al Davis not to draft you?" John asked.
"What did you say in that `frank and honest' discussion to dissuade a man
who covets the fastest wide receivers around to skip you in the draft?"

   "Frank and honest?" I asked laughingly.  "You caught that interview?"
John, Mr.  Ellis and Mr.  Bowlen smiled and admitted they had.  I was
surprised and a bit humbled to find that the team had watched me that
carefully.  "I was very straight forward with Mr.  Davis.  I told him I
would be a poor fit with his team's needs and that I wouldn't play for him.
I want to be a football coach eventually.  I told him I had an offer to
start coaching immediately after I graduate from school.  Which, I do."

   "Was your appearance coaching on the sideline last weekend at your
college team's spring scrimmage part of a strategy to reinforce that threat
to the Raiders?" John asked.

   "No, my agent and I didn't plan that," I replied.  "Coach Burton called
me the week before last.  He was shorthanded.  His offensive grad assistant
had to leave suddenly.  The grad assistant is studying for his masters in
geology.  He was offered an opportunity to go out in the field to help
observe and monitor a new volcano off of Alaska this spring.  Coach Burton
had me help out coaching last year's Blue and White game too.  Then it was
to keep me from getting injured.  Last week I was really coaching."

   "What words of wisdom did you give the punt returner who ran in the TD?"
John asked.

   "Nothing before the return," I answered.  "I didn't have anything
special going on that return.  I pulled him aside after the punt and warned
him that he was going to get chewed out by the regular special teams coach
on Monday.  Did you see him drop back a couple steps when he caught the
punt?"

   "I did," John confirmed.

   "He had orders to let the ball go if he had to retreat from the 5 yard
line," I explained.  "I also told him Coach Ferguson probably would change
his standing return orders the way he did for me.  The Nittany Lions gave
me a little extra freedom on returns."

   "Your stats indicate that it was an excellent idea," John said.  He
glanced at his watch.  "We are scheduled for a 10:00 am press conference.
Are you ready, Kyle?"

   "I've been doing this for a few years," I answered.  "I'm ready.  Let's
do this."

   I followed John, Mr.  Bowlen and Mr.  Ellis down the hall to a
conference room.  John introduced me to Erich Schubert, the team's media
relations coordinator.

   "We got a full house, boss," Erich commented.  "All the Denver print
media, SI, the local TV stations and the networks.  It's standing room
only."

   "Excellent," John said with a smile.  "It's show time." John led the way
into the front of the conference room.  John and Mr.  Ellis walked to the
podium.  Mr.  Bowlen stayed along the side of the room.  Erich had me wait
there too.

   "Welcome to the press conference everyone," John said as he stepped up
to the podium.  "Today is a great day for the Broncos organization.  We are
excited to welcome the newest Bronco to the team.  We had the opportunity
to trade up in the draft and get the top collegiate wide receiver and
return man today.

   "This young man set an amazing number of records in college - most
career receiving yards in the FBS, most receiving touchdowns, most 100 yard
games receiving, both career and in a season, most points scored by a
non-"kicker, most all-purpose yards, most yards returning kickoffs and
highest career and season average for kickoff returns.  Without further
fuss, I want to introduce the Broncos' 2013 first round draft pick, Kyle
Martin."

   Erich stepped up to the podium with me.  "Kyle has a brief statement to
make and then he will take questions."

   "Wow, it's great to be here," I announced when it was my turn to speak.
"I had the privilege of working with Coach Baldwin and the rest of the
Broncos coaching staff at the Senior Bowl this winter.  I loved the
experience and look forward to learning as much as I can from them. 
Contrary to what John may have indicated, I do not walk on water.  My
college records sound great but they are history.  I start out with no
catches for no yards and no touchdowns in the NFL.

   "I received a copy of my playbook last night.  I'm glad I have been
dedicated to working out.  I wouldn't be able to lift the book otherwise. I
have a tremendous amount to learn so I can be effective here.  I promise
you I will work my tail off learning everything I can.  I will do my best
to help out the Broncos any way I can.  I guess I'll take questions now."

   Hands shot up all across the room.  Erich pointed to one of the
reporters.  "How would you evaluate the Broncos team, Kyle?"

   "I've been a Bronco for all of thirty-six hours," I responded.  "I
haven't really met many of my teammates yet.  I can tell you what Antwaan
Booker told me after I was picked.  Antwaan said, `Kid, you and Brady need
to score us some points.' Brady and I talked when he took me to breakfast
today and filled me in a little more on the team.  I'm excited to be here
and expect we will do what Antwaan wants."

   "A little get-to-know-you meeting," the reporter commented.  "That's a
good thing for a new receiver.  Did you and Brady hit it off?  How's the
connection?"

   "Actually Brady and I have been friends for five years," I replied.  "He
was my guide when I visited USC on my official visit.  We hit it off then
and have stayed in touch over the years."

   "Why did you decide to go to Penn State instead of joining your friend
in California?" another reporter queried.

   "Zack Hayes was at Penn State and is a close friend too," I explained.
"The main reason I choose Penn State over USC was that my girlfriend at the
time was attending the University of Pennsylvania.  Three thousand miles
was too much separation from my girlfriend."

   "Would you do anything differently, Kyle?" the same reporter asked. 
"Was it worth it staying with the girl?"

   "Completely," I responded.  "I got to play with Zack for two years.  I
get to play with Brady now.  That girlfriend is now my fiancée.  We're
getting married July 6th.  Sorry, I can't invite all of you.  I'm in
trouble with my future father-in-law already for inviting too many guests."
I drew a polite laugh from the crowd.

   Erich pointed out another reporter.  "Tell us about your background,
Kyle.  The bio says you grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Is
there some Amish in your ancestry?"

   "The only hint of Amish in my background is the Amish farm behind the
house where I grew up," I said.  "My ancestors were Mennonites, not Amish.
They share a common theological background but the Mennonites are a little
more worldly.  Other than the unusual neighbors, my childhood was quite
conventional.  I grew up in Paradise... literally.  My hometown is
Paradise, Pennsylvania.  It's a partly suburban, partly rural area.  I have
three brothers and a sister, as well as two nephews and a niece.  My oldest
brother teaches physics at Princeton.

   "I'm the second oldest in our family.  The next brother is finishing his
sophomore year at the University of Delaware.  He is a wide receiver too.
Some of you might have caught his last game, the FCS Championship.  He was
the one catching the winning touchdown.

   "My sister is starting as an undergrad at Princeton this fall.  My
youngest brother will be starting pre-school in September.  He will be
three soon.  My upbringing was pretty conventional.

   "I will be getting my degree from Penn State in a couple weeks," I
continued.  "I have one more day of student teaching on Monday, a
performance review Tuesday morning and then I'm entirely at the disposal of
the Broncos... and my fiancée.  You guys all know how that is." This drew
another laugh.

   "Kyle, the bio the team handed out says you are active in charities,"
one of the TV reporters asked.  "You support Boy Scouts, lifeguard and help
raise money for cancer research.  Any ideas if you will be active in
charities here in Denver and which ones you might support?"

   "My fiancée, Penny Edwards, and I have not had any time to discuss
this," I replied.  "I am sure we will be supporting charities.  Both of us
believe strongly that we have an obligation to help out the community.  She
is studying to become a veterinarian, so animal welfare might be an option
for us.  I am getting a degree in education, so literacy or tutoring might
be another interest for us.  I we will be involved in charity work in some
way.  People like us who have been blessed with opportunities owe this to
the greater community.  That is how we try to live our lives."

   "Will you stay active raising money for the cancer charity you've been
involved in?" another reporter asked.

   "The Penn State Thon, a fundraising dance-a-thon for cancer research and
care, is entirely student run," I explained.  "I won't be a student
anymore, so I can't participate or raise funds for Thon.  If I did my job
correctly when I was in charge of the football team's Thon committee, I
will be getting a call from one of the team members asking for money for
Thon.  I will contribute happily, just as Antwaan has the past three years
when I asked him for help."

   "Any idea where you will live, Kyle?" another reporter asked.

   "I have no idea," I said.  "I hope to settle all that in the next few
weeks.  I need a place to live, a car to drive and furniture for our place.
Penny and I will be working all that out soon, after we graduate from
college."

   "That's it everyone, Erich announced.  "John and Joe need to get to the
draft war room.  We have four more rounds to go today.  Kyle has a long
list of things he needs to accomplish today.  Thank you for attending.  The
next scheduled conference will be at 1:00 pm tomorrow.  We expect Christian
Powell to be available then.  We hope to get the remainder of our draft
picks here by 5:00 pm tomorrow for the TV people.  We will do another meet
and greet conference Monday morning for the press."

   I followed Erich, John, Mr.  Ellis and Mr.  Bowlen out of the room. 
"You did very well, Kyle," John said as we walked down the hall.  "You were
eager, engaging and humble.  That will play well with the fans here."

   "I'm glad I did OK," I said.

   "Why don't you come with Joe and me when we head over to the draft war
room," John said.  "You can say hi to the coaches before we get started on
rounds four through seven of the draft.  Mark Taylor will take care of you
while we're busy."

   "That's fine, John," I agreed.  We went down the hall to a conference
room.  Coach Holt and Coach Franks were huddled together with some of the
offensive coaches.  Coach Baldwin was huddled with Coach Salas and the
other defensive coaches.  Coach Baldwin spotted me immediately and came
over.

   "It's great to have you here, Kyle," he exclaimed as he enthusiastically
shook my hand.  "Welcome to Denver."

   "It's great to be here, Coach," I agreed.  "I'm looking forward to
learning and playing for you."

   "You have your playbook?" Coach asked.

   "I do," I answered.  "I started reading it on the flight out last
night."

   "I'm delighted you've started into it," Coach said.  He gave me a wink.
"I had a bet with Bill over there.  Your studiousness won me a lunch."

   "Glad to help, Coach," I replied.

   "I've got to focus on the draft picks," Coach Baldwin said.  "We'll talk
a lot more next Friday."

   "I'll be there bright and early, Coach," I answered.  "Pick some good
teammates for me."

   "We'll do that, Kyle," Coach Baldwin promised.

   Erich took me down the hall and hooked me up with Mark.  Mark showed me
some of the building as he took me to the cafeteria for lunch.  We grabbed
some food and looked for a table.  A couple players were seated at one end
of the cafeteria.

   "It's time for you to start meeting the guys," Mark suggested as I
followed him over to join the players.  "This is Montel Anderson and
LaVelle Barnett." He indicated the large black guy first.  He was probably
about my height and had to weigh over 300 pounds.  "Montel is our starting
right guard.  LaVelle is our fullback." LaVelle, also black, was around
6'-2" and maybe 240 pounds.  "This is Kyle Martin, our newest team member."

   "It's a pleasure to meet you," I said.  We shook hands.  Mark and I had
a seat with my new teammates.  It didn't take Montel long to ask a
question.

   "You're Andy's brother, aren't you?" he asked nonchalantly.

   "Jesus, how do you know Andy?" I blurted.  "He is my younger brother."

   "I'm a Blue Hen," Montel answered, "...or at least was until the Broncos
drafted me last April."

   "It's a small world," I said.  "If you were drafted last year, I guess I
got to see you play a game.  I watched the Blue Hens play two Novembers
ago, the Saturday before Thanksgiving."

   "Our game against Villanova," Montel said.  "We pulled that one out in
the end.  I believe your brother's big play set up the winning touchdown.
Tell your brother I said hi when see him next time."

   "I'll do that Montel," I agreed.  "Where did you play ball, LaVelle?"

   "I played at Florida State," LaVelle answered.  The three of us talked,
getting to know each other better.  One drawback from my fame was that they
knew a lot more about me and my career than I knew about theirs.  We were
part way done with lunch when Brady showed up with two other players.  They
grabbed some food and joined us.

   "I see you're starting to meet the guys, Kyle," Brady said.  "I guess
you met Montel and LaVelle already.  Let me introduce you to these guys. 
This is Lucas Madson, our starting tight end."

   "Good to meet you Lucas," I replied as we shook hands.

   "We're almost neighbors," Lucas replied.  "I'm from across the river...
Red Lion." Red Lion was a small town on the York side of the Susquehanna
River.

   "Who'd you play ball for in college?" I asked.

   "Maryland Terrapins," Lucas answered.

   "This other guy you will get to know quite well," Brady said.  "Kyle,
this is Omar Harris.  Omar has been our starting split end for the past two
seasons."

   "It's good to meet you, Omar," I said pleasantly as I extended a hand to
him.

   "I still remember what your team did to my Ducks a couple years ago in
the Rose Bowl," Omar grumbled.  He did not shake my hand.  I pulled it back
in.  My Lions had beaten the Oregon Ducks 62-20 at the Rose Bowl a couple
years ago in Zack Hayes' final game.  The game hadn't been as close as the
score indicated.

   "That's ancient history," I offered.  "We're team mates now and we're
going to be working together to make our team winners."

   Lucas, Brady, Montel, LaVelle and I talked about the team and our
experiences.  Omar kept to himself.  Brady tried to draw him into the
conversation.  I got the impression he was still holding a grudge against
me and my college team from twenty-seven months ago.  We weren't going to
be buddies.

   After lunch Mark took me to the training room to see head trainer, Steve
Antonopulos, and head team physician, Dr.  Fine.  They spent an hour
checking me out, testing me and finally certifying me to play football for
the Broncos.

   Mark Taylor met me when I finished with the doctors.  He gave me the
ground tour of the Bowlen Centre, including the indoor practice field, the
racquetball courts for team and staff use and the team store.

   "Let's stop in here," I suggested to Mark.  "All I have for the Broncos
is the crappy sweat shirt we picked up at Target last night.  I'd like to
get some things that look better so I can represent the team well."

   "That's an excellent idea, Kyle," Mark agreed.  I picked up a couple
button down dress shirts, a couple polos, a couple mesh shorts, T-shirts
and a nice hoodie.  Mark took me over to the locker room next.  I changed
into one of the dress shirts and left my coat and tie with Jason, one of
the team equipment managers.

   "I have to take off, Kyle," Mark said as I finished changing.  "Chris
Powell should be arriving at the airport in about an hour.  I will leave
you with Brian Dawkins."

   "That's cool, Mark," I responded.  "I'm dying to meet Brian.  I cheered
for him the whole time I was growing up, back when he played for the
Eagles."

   "We were lucky to snag him when he became a free agent," Mark said. 
"John Elway is one of the few players who have gotten more love from our
fans than Brian.  We are lucky he agreed to work for the team when he
retired."

   "I can remember from the time I was a little kid cheering for him when
he played for the Eagles," I said.  "I was sorry when they let him get
away. All of Philadelphia was sorry."

   "I understand," Mark said.  "We are grateful he is with us now." Mark
leaned in close.  "By the way, don't say anything about how you used to
watch him play when you were a kid.  Brian hits the big 4... 0... this
October.  It still bothers him that he had to quit playing."

   "I'll watch my tongue," I agreed.  "I know how my dad was when he hit
forty." We continued down the hallway to Brian's office.

   "Brian, I brought you your 2:30 appointment," Mark announced as we
walked into the office.  I recognized the Philly hero immediately - his
chin hair and pencil thin mustache.  The only trace of age was the hint of
gray at the edges of his otherwise jet black hair.  He gave me that
patented Dawkins smile.

   "Kyle Martin!" he said.  I wasn't surprised by his soft voice.  I knew
from back in Philly that Brian as noted for being soft spoken and gentle
off the field.  He also was a ferocious hitter on the field.  "It's really
great to meet you." Brian's sincere delight was showing as he shook my hand
vigorously.

   "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mr.  Dawkins," I replied.  "I loved
watching you play when you were with the Eagles." Brian pretended to look
around the room.

   "My dad's not here," he protested.  "I'm Brian.  May I call you Kyle?"

   "Of course," I agreed.

   "Thank you for bringing Kyle by, Mark," Brian said.  "I will take my
charge and show him the delights of our part of Denver." He waved for me to
follow him.  "Let's show off this beautiful city.  You are going to love
living in Denver."

   We headed out to the parking lot and hopped in a large, black, late
model SUV.  Brian gave me a smile.  "Kids," he remarked.  "I'm guessing
you're still single."

   "For another ten weeks," I replied.

   "Ahhh... soon to be married," Brian said as he pulled out of the parking
lot.  "You'll understand about kids soon enough.  They come to dominate
your life completely.  I have four.  My sports car days are long gone."

   "Penny and I aren't in a hurry to start a family," I responded.  "She is
starting veterinary school in the fall.  Having kids right now would
complicate things."

   "I understand," Brian said as he turned right and headed by the regional
airport.  "Do you know what a Director of Player Personnel does?"

   "I think so," I answered.  "Harold Carmichael filled me in last month."

   "You did a visit to the Eagles," Brian commented.

   "Sort of," I responded.  "I knew and Coach Reid knew he wasn't going to
draft me.  I'm in Philly now and so is he.  He invited me to get a tour of
the Novacare Complex and then Coach Reid, Coach Mornhinweg and Coach
Zordich took me out for dinner."

   "Mike?" Brian said with a big smile.  "How's Mike doing?"

   "Doing well, from what I saw," I answered.

   "Mike mentored me when I started in the league," Brian said.  "He's a
good man."

   "I got that impression," I agreed.

   "What did Harold tell you about my role on the team?" Brian asked.

   "You help us get settled in," I said.  "You help us out if we need it.
You act as a surrogate big brother for us."

   "Exactly right," Brian said.  "Today I want to help you get settled with
the material things you will need to live in a new city.  When you have
those things settled, you can concentrate on football.  After all, that is
why the team drafted you."

   "That makes snse," I agreed.  "I thought I could reserve a suite at
Staybridge for the mini-camp next weekend."

   "That will work short term," Brian agreed.  "You don't want to make that
your long term solution.  That will get too expensive.  I suggest the
rookies look into getting apartments or condos.  The lower round draft
picks and rookie free agents should rent apartments.  Their status with the
team is going to be tenuous.

   "You're a first round draft pick.  You're going to be here at least four
years," Brian said.  "You might want to consider buying rather than
renting."

   "My agent has suggested we rent, at least for the first year or two," I
responded.  "He recommends that we be thrifty with our money.  It won't go
as far as we might think."

   "Your agent is a wise man," Brian said.  "Who is he?"

   "Max Solomon," I answered.

   "Max is one of the good guys," Brian said.  "Normally I'd agree with his
advice, but there is a case to be made for owning your home.  If you rent,
you pay the owner's cost for having the property, you pay overhead for
building management and you pay so the owner makes a profit.  You also
don't get the benefit of the tax deduction for a mortgage.  The tax game is
stacked in favor of homeowners.  Why not take advantage?"

   "That makes sense, I guess," I admitted.  "I'm not ready to look at
houses yet.  I figure Penny and I will do that in a couple weeks, after she
graduates and before the next OTA starts."

   "That's a plan," Brian agreed.  "Transportation is the next basic need.
I assume you aren't planning on driving a car out here from Pennsylvania,
so you'll need to look at cars."

   "No, I'm not planning on driving my car out here," I agreed.  "Anyway,
that would just leave me with no car in Pennsylvania.  I will be making
trips back there regularly until camp this year and living there during off
season.  My faithful seventeen year old VW Golf stays in Pennsylvania."

   "We could stop by one of John Elway's dealerships," Brian suggested. 
"I'm sure they could work out a good deal for you."

   "What brand of car does John sell?" I asked.

   "Chevys, Chryslers, Jeeps and Dodges," Brian said.

   "I've had such good luck with my VW, I'm leaning that way," I said.  "My
father has preached to me to look for a good used car rather than buy a new
one.  Why lose all that money on the first year's depreciation if you buy
new?"

   "Ahh... the Koy Detmer strategy," Brian said.  "You're a Pennsylvanian.
Do you remember my old teammate?"

   "Sure, I remember him," I agreed.  "My friend Zack's older brother Sam
replaced Koy when the Eagles let Koy go."

   "The Hayes connection," Brian commented.  "I forgot you know the Hayes
brothers.  Anyway, Koy was notorious for driving this ancient junker
around. That... and for how he packed for trips.  `Yeah, I've got my
toothbrush in my pocket.  I'm packed.'"

   "I remember that story," I responded.  "I was in sixth..." I stopped
abruptly, remembering Mark's comment about Brian being sensitive about his
age.  "It was the year Donavan broke his leg, Koy and then A.  J.  Feely
took over at QB."

   "Sixth grade... I know, I'm ancient," Brian said.  "My son, Brian Jr.,
is sixteen.  He reminds me of that constantly."

   "I remember from the news a few years ago that you have young daughters
that had some troubles," I said.  "Are they doing OK now?"

   "Chionni and Cionni are doing great," Brian said.  "We celebrated their
sixth birthday last night with a big party."

   "That's cool," I said.  "I love the delight the little kids take in
their birthdays.  I have twin nephews who will be four in two and a half
weeks."

   "You have an older brother?" Brian asked.

   "I do," I responded.  "My older brother is a physics instructor at
Princeton.  The twins are from my younger brother Andrew's misspent youth.
Andy is a sophomore at Delaware now.  I also have a sister who finishes
high school in a few weeks and a baby brother starting pre-school in the
fall."

   "You're from a big family," Brian commented.  "Connie and I are blessed
to have our four children."

   "Penny and I are planning a good sized family too," I responded.  "I'm
looking forward to being a father someday.  It will be awhile.  Penny and I
plan to wait until after she finishes veterinary school."

   Brian pointed out some of the local landmarks as he drove west on
Arapahoe Road.  We passed under I-25 and were in the commercial area that
ran along the interstate.  Brian pulled into a parking lot and stopped.

   "Let's see if we can find you some wheels," he remarked.  He pulled out
his smartphone.  "Are you settled on VW?  I know there are some dealers in
the area."

   "My Golf has been great for me," I said.  "Do you think a front wheel
drive vehicle will do here in Denver?  How bad do the winters get?"

   "The winters are much worse than in Philadelphia," Brian confirmed.  "We
average around sixty inches of snow here.  I give the Colorado DOT credit.
They do a great job of keeping roads cleared.  It isn't anything like
Philly.  The city can get five or ten inches of snow overnight and
everything keeps moving.  Philly would shut down for a week if they had a
snow like that."

   "Tell me about it," I agreed.  "The Philly drivers are crazy when it
snows.  I wanted to scream when I was out on the road.  I'm used to State
College winters.  We get between 45 and 50 inches of snow each year there.
The people know how to drive in snow too."

   "That's the key, Kyle," Brian said.  "If your VW did OK at college, one
of them should be fine here in Denver."

   Brian browsed on his smartphone and found three dealers within a few
miles of where we were.  "Let's hit the one in Littleton first.  We can
check out Glendale and then Highland Park," Brian suggested.

   "You're the boss," I agreed.  "Let's do it."

   The Littleton dealer had a variety of used VWs available - everything
from a $35,000 two year old Taurig to $3,500 ten year old Golf with 90,000
miles on it.  The four to six year old Golfs were higher priced than
similar Jettas.  He had a nice silver 2008 Jetta with 45,000 miles listed
at $14,300.  Brian and I told the salesman that we might be back later.

   The place in Glendale had a similar selection to choose from.  It looked
like a four seat Jetta was a more economical choice than getting another
Golf or GTI.  I'd have more trunk space that way too.  That wouldn't hurt.
This dealer had a blue 2009 Jetta that he for $14,100.  The car had close
to 65,000 miles on it.  I couldn't talk him down to a lower price.  Brian
and I left.

   The Highland Park dealer was about a dozen miles from the Glendale
dealer.  Brian and I walked into the quiet showroom.  Two salesmen were
over watching a TV in the waiting area.  It was set to the NFL Network.

   "Gabe Reed," one remarked.  "I guess we can use another tight end."

   "Yeah, probably," the other agreed.  "Madson hasn't set the world on
fire."

   "It's not as big a deal as the first pick Thursday night," the first
commented.  "That kid from Penn State is going to be phenomenal.  The team
got that pick right."

   "They still show the hit he put on the Nebraska linebacker on ESPN," the
second said.  "The kid has speed, he can catch and most important, he has
the right attitude.  That's what the Broncos need - attitude."

   I almost spoke then but Brian put his finger up to his mouth to quiet
me.

   "What do you think of this new safety the Broncos got?" one salesman
asked.

   "He's supposed to be pretty good," the second replied.

   I couldn't help it any longer.  "Chris is an excellent safety," I said.
The two salesmen spun around.  "I played with him at the Senior Bowl.  He
is an excellent addition to our team." The salesmen's eyes bugged out of
their heads.

   "You're... you're..." one stuttered.  "You!" the other gasped before
both men spotted my companion.  "Brian Dawkins!" they gasped almost
simultaneously.

   "My friend here is new to Denver," Brian responded coolly.  "He likes
VWs and is looking for a good used car.  Can you help him out?"

   Needless to say, the two salesmen were happy to help after we finished
with formal introductions and signed autographs for them.  They showed me
some 2009 & 2010 Jettas with 30,000 to 35,000 miles on them.  All of them
were priced in the $18,500 to $21,000 range.  That was more than I wanted
to spend.  They showed me a few older ones down in $13,500-14,000 range.

   None were quite what I was looking for.  I'd be better off with the
Jetta from the first dealership.  I didn't place that high a value on
having a three year old car over a five year old car.  The salesmen sensed
my reluctance.

   "I do have one more car I can show you," John, the first salesman, said.
"This Jetta came in yesterday afternoon.  It hasn't been cleaned and isn't
ready to go on display.  Keep that in mind if I show it to you."

   "I will," I agreed.  Brian and I followed John and Rick to the back end
of the lot.  They showed me a white 2010 Jetta with black leather
upholstery.  I wouldn't have known they hadn't detailed the car if they
hadn't told me.  The previous owner kept the car in excellent condition. 
It had a CD and MP3 player built in.  Rick asked me to sit behind the
wheel.

   I adjusted the seat backward to get my long legs into the car.  It felt
great.  I liked the look and feel.  I also noticed the odometer - 11,977
miles!  I might not pay five grand to get a car that was three years old
instead of five years old, but I would pay that much to get a car with
33,000 miles less on it.

   "How much is this car?" I asked John and Rick.  It didn't have a sticker
yet.

   "Let me check with the GM," Rick said.  He stepped away and called the
office on his cell phone.  He talked for a minute before coming back to us.
"We can let it go for $19,985."

   "This has possibilities," I responded.  "Could I take it out for a quick
test drive?"

   "Absolutely," John agreed.  He came back with the keys.  John and Rick
took seats in the back.  They let Brian ride up front.  I started the car
up and pulled out onto the side street beside the dealer.  I headed east a
couple blocks, turned south, turned west at the next block and circled
around to the street the dealership was on again.

   The car handled well.  The engine sounded good.  Shifting was smooth.  I
did my best to conceal my delight.  This car was perfect for my needs.  I
knew Penny would like it too.  I parked it in back again.  All of us
climbed out and stood beside the Jetta.

   "This one has possibilities," I said.  "$20 grand is more than I had
planned to pay for a second car to use when I'm here in Denver.  Is there
anything you can do?" I had paid close attention when father negotiated for
new cars.

   "You guys may not realize but football players get paid by the game,"
Brian added.  "Kyle doesn't get his first regular paycheck until September
15th."

   "Let's go inside and talk," Rick suggested.  We dickered in Rick's
office for about five minutes.  I managed to talk him down $400.  I
continued playing hard-to-get, throwing up concerns about why I should go
back to Littleton for the other Jetta.

   "Let me talk with our GM, Kyle," John suggested.  "Maybe we can work out
some kind of quid pro quo for you." He came back a couple minutes later. 
"The GM will go down to $18,985 if you will do a photo with our staff."

   "Will the photo be displayed on site or will it be used in an
advertisement?" I asked.  "You have a deal if it is hung on the wall here
at the dealership.  I'll even autograph the photo.  If it gets used in
advertising, I have to defer to my agent.  He handles those kinds of
requests."

   "I understand," John agreed.  "I will be back in a minute."

   Another older man returned with John.  "Hi, I'm Al Wilder.  We will
display the picture here at the dealership.  I am interested in discussing
the possibility of using you in ads in the future.  Can you get me contact
info for your agent?"

   "I'd be happy to do that," I agreed.  I gave them Max's name, address
and phone number so they could contact him.

   "This will be excellent," Al said.  "I can see the ad now.  You and your
wife are standing beside your new car and announce, `The first thing I did
when I got Denver this year was go to Highland Park VW and buy this car. 
The staff treated us great and I love this baby.' What do you think, Kyle?"

   "I could do that," I agreed.  "Contact Max and make the arrangements."

   "Rick will take care of the paperwork for you," Al said.  "Enjoy your
new Jetta.  It's a great car."

   Rick spent about ten minutes on the paperwork.  "Do you need to arrange
financing, Kyle?" he asked when he got to that section.  "No, I will be
paying cash." He didn't blink an eye even though Brian and I were
protesting that I didn't get a paycheck until September.  While Rick was
doing the paperwork, I called Dad.

   "What's up, Kyle?" Dad asked when he answered.

   "Can you handle insurance for a car in Colorado?" I asked.  "Brian
Dawkins took me around to arrange transportation for when I'm out here.  I
found a great deal on a Jetta.  I need to arrange insurance for it before I
take it off the lot."

   "I can arrange it," Dad replied.  "You aren't rushing into this, are
you? I can do it, but I can't have it ready today."

   "That's fine, Dad," I answered.  "The car won't be ready to drive off
the lot.  I expect to pick it up on Thursday when I come back here before
my first mini-camp."

   "Are you sure you're getting a good deal, Kyle?" Dad questioned.  "This
seems awfully sudden."

   "I need a car to get around in Denver," I said.  "Brian took me to three
different dealers this afternoon.  We price shopped at three dealers.  We
test drove this car.  He haggled for the best price.  It's a 2010 Jetta
with a little under 12,000 miles for $18,985.  I won't find a better price
in this end of Denver."

   "12,000 miles?  Three years old?" Dad mused.  "That does sound like a
good deal.  OK, I'll set things up for the insurance."

   "Great, Dad!" I responded.  "Thanks for the help."

   "We'll talk about why Brian Dawkins is car shopping with you when you
get home," Dad said.

   "I'll get Brian to send an autograph home with me," I promised.  "I'll
talk to you tomorrow night when I get back to Philly." My Dad had always
been a huge Brian Dawkins fan.  It was a black day in our family when Brian
signed his free agent contract here in Denver.

   "My dad is a huge fan of yours," I explained to Brian after I ended the
call.  "He has been since you set foot on Veteran's Stadium back when you
started playing."

   "I can get you an autographed photo," Brian agreed.

   "Insurance will be taken care of, Rick," I said.  "What else do you
need?"

   "Signatures and a check," Rick responded.  "You can deliver the check
when you pick up your car.  Is Monday afternoon suitable?  We can have it
ready by then."

   "I fly back to Pennsylvania tomorrow morning," I explained.  "I have one
more day of student teaching.  Could I pick it up Thursday when I fly back
to Denver?"

   "How are you getting here from the airport?" Rick asked.

   "A taxi, I guess," I answered.

   "Give us your flight information and we'll send a courtesy van for you,"
Rick said.  "Anyway, you owe us a picture too.  We can have the staff ready
for it when you get here."

   "It sounds like a deal," I said.  Rick and I shook hands.  I signed my
name in the ten places Rick indicated.  I was now the proud owner of a
three year old VW Jetta.  That was quite a step up from my old Golf.

   Brian called Mark Taylor before we left the dealership.  Mark was on the
way back from the airport with Christian Powell.  The two of them decided
we would meet and have dinner together before going back to the Bowlen
Centre.  Brian and I met Christian and Mark at Sam's No.  3 Restaurant, a
diner in Aurora.  It was in unusual looking place.  Red and white stripes
were painted on the roof.

   "Coach, my man!" Christian said when he stepped out of Mark's car. 
"It's great to see you again and it's great to call you my teammate again."

   "It's good to see you too, Chris," I agreed.  "Don't use the `Coach'
nickname here.  I haven't earned it.  I wasn't crazy about my high school
and college teammates calling me that at the Senior Bowl.  I certainly
don't want any trouble with our coaching staff or the veteran players with
me taking undue credit or putting on airs.  Please call me Kyle."

   "You got it, Kyle," Chris agreed.  The four of us headed inside.  Mark
and Brian both recommended trying the chili.  Both the Red No.  3 Chili and
the Green Pork Chili were excellent.  I ended up ordering the Red No.  3
Chiliburger.  It came with a side dish of Red No.  3 Chili.  It was spicier
than I was used to but it was good.

   Mark and Christian headed back to the Bowlen Centre.  Brian started
following them back there too.

   "I can give you a ride back to your hotel after you pick up your things
at the Bowlen Centre," Brian suggested.  "Dinner wraps up what I had
planned for your orientation today."

   "Could we stop by my hotel first?" I asked.  "If the team doesn't have
anything for me tonight, I'm going to study the playbook.  I'd like to
study it at the Bowlen Centre in the video room.  I found in college that I
learn faster when I can see video of our team running the play at the same
time I study it in the playbook.  Is that possible on Saturday night?"

   "You want to come in and study film on your first night with the team?"
Brian responded, laughing.  "I'm sure we can find someone to get you set
up, Kyle."

   Brian called ahead to make sure things were set up for me while we went
back to my hotel room to get playbook.  Things were ready for me when we
got back to the Bowlen Centre.  One of the IT techs on duty for the evening
helped me get to work.

   I found out more about our draft picks when Mark and Christian stopped
by on his tour of the facilities.  The team had completed the fifth round
and had a couple hour wait for the sixth round pick.  Brian and I learned
who our team picked up this afternoon.

   The Broncos picked Ryan Jones, the linebacker from Auburn with the 12th
pick in the Fourth Round.  The team also had the 25th pick in the Fourth
Round, thanks to a trade last year with the Falcons.  They took Gabe Reed,
the tight end from Arkansas.  A few minutes earlier the team chose Devon
Ford, the excellent running back from Boise State with their Fifth Round
pick.  I didn't know much about these three guys.  None of them played at
the Senior Bowl.

   I spent a couple hours studying the team's base plays on paper and
video. I barely scratched the surface of the playbook, but it was a start.
Mark took Christian and me back to our hotel.

   I left a 4 am wakeup call with the front desk.  I also made reservations
for a suite for next Thursday night through Sunday morning.  I sent Penny
an e-mail to update her about my day.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------

   4:00 am came much too early.  I stumbled through a shower, dressed and
packed.  Poor Mark Taylor was delegated to drive me to the airport.  We
arrived a little after five o'clock.  I had no problems with check-in or
security.  I was at my gate with an hour to spare before my 7:05 am
takeoff. I walked down the terminal and grabbed some breakfast and a
newspaper.
The banner above the Denver Post masthead reported, `Amish Lightning
Arrives, 1st Rnd WR Kyle Martin, See Sport C-1 for Broncos Draft Coverage.'
All I could do was laugh.  I'd never been called that before.  I sat down

to read the paper while I waited to board my flight.

   Half a dozen Broncos fans recognized me from the photo of John Elway and
me in the sports section and came by to talk while I waited.  I obliged
them with autographs and conversation while we waited for our plane.  I
finally got to read my paper when I took my seat on the plane.

   I got to see the rest of our draft picks from last night.  Our sixth
Round pick was Michael Woods, the offensive lineman from UCLA.  The team
took Zane Bell, a defensive end from Georgia Tech with the final pick.

   The Bears took Damian with their fifth round pick.  They would be a good
fit for my roomie.  Jeremy was going to enjoy being a teammate with Damian.

   I spotted good news for my buddy Zack Hayes.  The Packers took offensive
lineman Ross McCarthy with their first round pick.  They also picked Rodney
Hart from Slippery Rock State with their third round pick.  Rodney was a
D-II offensive lineman that played well in the Senior Bowl.  Hopefully my
buddy was finally going to get some protection.

   My plane got into Philly a little after 12:30 that afternoon, a couple
minutes behind schedule.  I picked up my car from the long term parking lot
and headed back to the apartment.  Penny hadn't arrived from Paradise yet.
Jim Edwards brought Penny down mid-afternoon.  I filled Penny in on my trip
west and we talked about our plans for the coming weeks.

   We decided to fly out to Denver after Penny's graduation ceremony on May
13th.  We wanted two or three free days together to look for a place to
live, buy furniture and get other household needs.  We had already put a
deposit down to retain the apartment here in Philly for another year.  We
wouldn't need to move our things back to Paradise for the summer.  This
apartment building was a popular place for college students to stay, so if
our plans changed, we didn't anticipate any problems subletting the
apartment and being stuck with the lease.

   After dinner Penny and I brought out an Algonquin map to plan out our
honeymoon route.  It was past time to get our reservations in for our
honeymoon trip.  We were part way through our deliberations when my cell
phone rang.

   "Hey, Coach.  It's Brendan," the voice announced when I answered the
call.

   "Hey, Brendan.  What's up?" I asked.  I hadn't expected to hear from
Brendan Hayden, my Penn State teammate and our starting strong side
linebacker last season.

   "I just called to let you know we're teammates," Brendan replied.

   "Brendan, we've been teammates for the last four years," I replied.

   "Well, we're going to be teammates a little longer," Brendan said,
"...especially if I the make the 53 man squad."

   "You signed with the Broncos?" I exclaimed.  "Congratulations.  That's
great.  Are you going to be at the mini-camp next weekend?"

   "I am," Brendan responded.  "Coach, I know you.  I assume you were out
in Denver this weekend.  You probably can give me some recommendations
about where to stay, how to get around and where in the hell the Broncos
practice."

   "I can fill you in," I agreed.  "Hell... if you want to save some money,
we could share the room I have reserved.  What do you think?"

   "That would be great," Brendan said, "... if it isn't too much trouble,
Coach.  My finances are pretty tight."

   "That's why I offered," I replied.  "I can switch the reservations so we
have two queen beds instead of a king."

   "That's great, Coach," Brendan said.  "I really appreciate your help. 
Have you figured out transportation yet?  Do we need to rent cars?"

   "No, I bought a car yesterday," I said.  "I'll give you a ride, if your
flight isn't too far behind mine."

   "You?  A new car?" Brendan chortled.  "That's hard to believe."

   "It's a used VW Jetta," I explained.  "It isn't anything fancy."

   "That's the Coach I know," Brendan said.  "Give me your flight
information.  Maybe I'll drive down and fly out of Philly on the same
flight as you to Denver.  That way it we arrive at the same time."

   "That sounds like a plan," I agreed.  "Get me your travel info so we can
coordinate things, Brendan."

   "Sure thing, Coach," Brendan agreed.  "I really appreciate your help."

   "One more thing, Brendan," I said.  "Don't call me `Coach' now.  I don't
want the veterans on the team thinking I'm putting on airs.  Call me Kyle
from now on."

   "I can do that, Coach... er, Kyle," Brendan agreed.  "See you Thursday."

   "See you, Brendan," I said before clicking my phone off.

   Penny and I went back to our Algonquin planning.  Penny rejected
spending time on Opeongo Lake.  "I am not spending my honeymoon listening
to motorboats zoom by our campsite," Penny declared.  I didn't disagree
with my sweetie.  Opeongo was one of the few lakes where motorboats were
allowed in the park.

   We ended up deciding we'd leave Paradise on Sunday morning, the day
after our wedding.  We could stay at a hotel half way to Algonquin Sunday
night.  Monday we would show up at the Opeongo Store, get outfitted and
take a water taxi to the north end of the North Arm.  Proulx Lake was a ¾
mile portage from there.  We could be away from the motorboats before we
set up camp.

   We decided to canoe up to Big Crow Lake on Tuesday.  We'd use the
campsite on Big Crow as our base camp.  We could explore from there.  The
southern end of Lake Hogan was supposed to have good fishing.  We could
hike up to the fire tower.  It was a great overlook.  Thursday morning we
would get up early and paddle down to Opeongo again.  The water taxi would
take us back to the store.  That evening we could stay at a hotel halfway
home.  That would leave us enough time to get to Trevor and Stephanie's
wedding rehearsal on Friday night in Bucks County.

   We liked our plan.  I would line up all the reservations Tuesday
afternoon or Wednesday, after I was finished with my student teaching. 
Penny had finals that week and wouldn't have time.

   Penny studied for an hour or so for tomorrow's history final.  The two
of us retired to bed.  We made love before falling asleep.  It was great.

   [I must give credit where credit is due.  Real life Penn State wide
receiver Graham Zug was given the `Amish Lightning' nickname by David
Jones, a reporter for the Harrisburg Patriot-News.  Zug played for Manheim
Central's Barons in high school.  It's too good a nickname not to "loan" to
Kyle for this story.]

   Chapter 86

   ==========

   My final day of student teaching with John Waters was bittersweet.  I'd
gotten close to John over the last four months of working together.  I knew
from Friday's classes, that I would have to address my trip out to Denver
in some way if I wanted the class to focus on my final lecture.  I began
first period with a one minute "football update" before I started the
lecture.  The kids were smart enough not to ask any more football questions
during the lecture.

   I kept a close eye on the clock during the lecture.  I had one more
thing to say to the class and didn't want to be hurried by the bell.

   "Today is my final day with all of you," I said a minute before
dismissal.  "I've loved working with all of you this semester.  You've made
my student teaching experience a pleasure.  Make sure you get ready for the
next month's final for the class.  I know Mr.  Waters is planning a doozy.

   "Work and study hard, everyone.  I'm living proof that it pays off.  One
more thing before I dismiss you... I want someone to let me know when your
football team beats Strath Haven next season.  I know you guys can do it!"

   The class cheered and clapped that pronouncement.  The bell rang during
their cheers.  "Class dismissed!"

   "Well done, Kyle," John said as I headed to the back of the room as the
kids filed out.  "You're going to make a heck of a teacher when you finish
with football."

   "This is going to be an emotional day," I commented.

   "You handled it perfectly," John replied.  Kids in our homeroom were
streaming in, so I headed to the front again.

   I repeated my speeches to start and end class through each class period.
Kids stopped by my desk at the end of class each period to thank me and
tell me how much they were going to miss me.  I was going to miss them too.
Who knows?  Maybe next winter and spring I could substitute teach after
football is over.  I would have the proper credentials.

   The teachers at the lunchroom had all kinds of questions for me about
John Elway, Brian Dawkins, Antwaan Booker and Brady Rasmussen, the most
recognizable faces on the Broncos team.  I filled them in on my weekend and
my plans for the future.

   The day flew by.  I felt the lectures went well.  I would find out
Tuesday fourth period when I sat down with Professor Buchanan and John for
my final evaluation.  John came to the front of the room after I dismissed
the eighth period class.

   "I've had a dozen student teachers over the years," John commented. 
"This is always the hard part.  It's been a pleasure watching you develop
and turn into a teacher, Kyle." He shook my hand.  I pulled him into a hug.
A handshake didn't begin to express the emotions I was feeling.

   "John, I couldn't have had a better mentor than you," I managed to choke
out.  "Thank you for everything." We held the hug for a few more moments
before letting go.  I blinked a few times to try to clear my watery eyes.
"Keep me updated this fall on the football team.  I want to hear how they
do."

   "I know they will do well," John answered.  "I'll send you e-mails every
Saturday and let you know how the team played." John gave me a forced
smile. His eyes were watery too.  "Now get out of here!  Go make us proud
in Denver."

   "I'll do my best," I promised.

   I was still a little emotional as I drove down the Schuylkill Expressway
to Edberg-Olson Hall.  I hadn't worked out since last Wednesday and I
needed work desperately.  I needed to be in shape.  Training started on
Friday for me.

   ------------------------------------------------------

   Two more of my high school teammates reported signings Monday.  Hal Long
was signed by the Carolina Panthers.  He would be competing with Olindo
Mare, the Panthers kicker of the last two years.  Mare was in his
seventeenth season in the NFL but was very accurate.  Hal was going to face
an uphill battle to get a job with the Panthers.

   Drew McCormick was picked up by the Buffalo Bills.  The Bills' top
tailback was pretty good, but they weren't deep at running back.  Maybe
Drew would be able to break in as a special teams player.  That might give
him a shot someday at being their feature back.

   Tuesday morning was nice.  I got to sleep later than normal.  I strolled
down the street to pick up a newspaper.  I made a nice breakfast for Penny
and me before she headed off for her anthropology final.  I headed west for
school after breakfast.  The drive to the high school wasn't nearly as bad
at 9:30 in the morning compared to my normal, rush hour drive.  I hung out
in the faculty parking lot for a few minutes.  Fourth period started at
9:57 pm but my appointment wasn't until 10:10 am.

   John and Professor Buchanan were seated in the back at my... well, the
table in the back of the room.  The performance evaluation didn't take
long. John and I managed to keep our emotions in check and kept things
professional.  Professor Buchanan and John rated me as exemplary on all
four categories - planning and preparation, classroom environment,
instructional delivery and professionalism.

   I scored twelve out of a possible twelve.  Professor Buchanan assured me
that would give me an A+ for this semester.  My streak on the Dean's List
that went back to my freshman spring would stay intact.  I thanked John and
Professor Buchanan for all their help this semester before I left.

   I stopped off at the office to drop off my Conestoga Senior High School
Teacher's ID.  Dr.  Cooper overheard me talking with Pat Green, the
secretary at the front desk.

   "It's been a real pleasure having you work here, Kyle," Dr.  Cooper said
when he appeared at the counter.  "I wish there was a way we could keep
you. You've done an excellent job for us."

   "Obviously I am busy next fall," I replied.  "Who do I talk to about
getting on the substitute teacher list?  I wouldn't mind keeping my hand in
the classroom a little during the offseason."

   "Talk to the district office," Dr.  Cooper said.  "They will need a
recommendation from me, since you have experience at our school already."
He chuckled.  "The recommendation won't be ANY problem.  Good luck out in
Denver, Kyle."

   "Yes, good luck, Kyle," Pat added.

   I headed to Temple for a workout before going home.  The weight room was
pretty empty.  The Temple football players had finals this week and late
morning wasn't prime work out time.  I headed back to the apartment and had
a late lunch.

   I took care of adjusting my hotel reservations from a single king bed to
two queens at the Staybridge Suites.  I made my airline reservations next.
I hoped I could fly into State College directly from Denver next Monday.  I
was meeting Penny and my parents in State College that day.  I couldn't
find any flights that would get me to State College before mid-morning
Monday.

   I booked a return flight that left 7:50 pm from Denver and would have me
in Philly by 1:24 am Monday morning.  I could crash a few hours and then
Penny and I could drive to State College together and meet my parents.

   I had a choice of a 7:50 am or an 11:19 am departure on Thursday.  I
choose the later flight.  Hopefully that would give Brendan enough time to
get down to Philly before the flight left.

   I called Brendan next and passed on the flight info I had.  He had a
light course load this semester since he had done two summer semesters
during his time at State.  His last final was Wednesday afternoon.  I
invited him to come down Wednesday night and spend the night at our
apartment.  Penny's couch folded out into a bed.  He was welcome to use it.

   I checked in with Jim at the VW dealership.  I gave them my flight info.
Someone would be at the airport around 2:00 pm to pick me up and take me
back to the dealership to complete the paperwork for my new car.

   I called Algonquin Provincial Park and made reservations for our trip. I
called the outfitters too and set things up with them.  Our honeymoon was
set.

   I did dinner that evening.  Penny was studying for Wednesday's final in
comparative anatomy.  The class was strictly memorization.  It was critical
for Penny to do well on the final.  It was a comprehensive final, so she
would need to know everything she had learned since January.  I spent my
evening quietly studying my playbook.  It was critical that I master it
too.

   I went over to Edberg-Olson Hall after breakfast for my final workout at
Temple.  I stopped in and thanked Coach Golden for letting me use the
facilities this winter.  Coach wished me luck out in Denver.  I spent the
remainder of the day studying the playbook.

   Penny came back from her comparative anatomy final around 2:30 pm, burnt
out but relieved.  She felt she had done well on the exam.  We went out to
the White Dog Café that evening to celebrate.  Penny still had her animal
behavior final Friday morning, but she didn't anticipate it being too
difficult.  She had all of Thursday to study, so she felt she would do well
on the exam.

   Brendan arrived at our apartment around 9:30 that evening.  Penny and I
helped him bed down for the night.  I don't know how comfortable the pull
out bed was, but the price was right for a soon to graduate college student
- free.

   Brendan and I got up around 7:30 on Thursday morning.  Penny was sweet,
she made breakfast for us before we headed to the airport.  Brendan
followed me there, parking beside me in Philly's long term parking lot.  We
had no trouble getting checked in or through security.

   Brendan did a double take when I boarded when they called for the first
class passengers.  I was settled in my aisle seat when Brendan boarded ten
minutes later.  He paused briefly in front of me.

   "I see how it is, Coach," Brendan teased.  "I guess the Broncos are
picking up your tab."

   "No, I'm paying my way," I replied.  "I can afford this seat, thanks to
my Nike advance."

   "It must be nice," Brendan added as he followed the line of passengers
back to economy class.  I felt a little bad for Brendan, a two hundred
fifty pounder jammed into economy class, but not bad enough to offer to
swap seats with him.  The Broncos gave him a $2,000 signing bonus.  That
had to hold him until games started.

   I spent the trip studying the playbook.  I wore a Broncos polo.  I'm
sure that contributed to all the fans who recognized me.  I politely shook
hands and talked with the fans as they stopped by my seat.

   I waited for Brendan at the gate after I debarked.  He came off the ramp
from the plane stiff and sore from being squeezed on the plane for four
hours.  I called Wilder VW to confirm arrangements for our pickup.  Rick,
the salesman who sold me my new car, said our ride was on the way to the
airport.  The driver would meet us at baggage claim.

   Brendan and I were still waiting for our luggage when I felt someone tap
me on the shoulder.  "Kyle Martin?" the kid asked politely.

   "I am," I acknowledged.

   "Good, I thought I recognized you," the kid said.  He looked to be
eighteen or nineteen.  "I'm Joey from Highland Park VW." His employer was
fairly obvious.  He was wearing a Highland Park VW jacket.  Brendan and I
talked with Joey while we waited for our luggage to arrive.  We found out
he just finished his sophomore year in college last weekend.  He was the
owner's son and helped out wherever needed at the dealership during the
summers.

   Our luggage popped out of the chute around fifty minutes after we
touched down in Denver.  We followed Joey out to the parking lot.  He led
us to a very nice, white 2010 Jetta with black upholstery - mine.

   "This is great," I commented as we loaded our luggage into the spacious
trunk.  "I didn't expect you would come in my new car."

   "Why not?" Joey asked as he tossed me the keys.  "My dad figured you
would enjoy driving your new car, so here it is."

   "I don't know my way around Denver yet," I retorted.  "Maybe you better
drive."

   "No, you drive," Joey said.  "I can talk you through the directions to
Highland Park.  It's not hard."

   I agreed.  Joey volunteered to sit in the back so Brendan had more
space. VW's don't leave much leg room in the back seats.  I followed Joey's
directions out of the airport and headed south.  It took a little more than
a half hour to get back to the dealership.

   It didn't take Rick and me long to finish the paperwork and for me to
turn over the check for my new car.  Al Wilder and Joe Tynan, the owner,
and the rest of the staff gathered for the photo by my new car.  I invited
Brendan to join us wearing a spare Broncos shirt of mine.  The dealership
got two Broncos for the price one.

   The Google Map directions got Brendan and me over to the Staybridge
Suites.  We checked in, dropped off our luggage and headed for the Dove
Valley.  The place was busier than last weekend.  Thirty or forty cars were
in the parking lot when we got to the Bowlen Centre.  I took Brendan
inside.

   "Good afternoon, Christina," said cheerily.  "I brought a free agent
with me from Pennsylvania.  Brendan, this is Christina Hudak, our team's
receptionist."

   Brendan greeted Christina.  "Christina, this is Brendan Hayden, late of
the Penn State University."

   "Welcome to Denver, Brendan," Christina said.  "Mark was expecting you.
I will let him know you're here." Looking back at me, she asked, "Do you
remember how to get to the training room, Kyle?"

   "I think I do," I answered.

   "Do you mind taking Brendan back there?" Christina asked.  "You should
check with Mark too, Kyle, and see if he needs you to do anything before
tomorrow morning."

   "Got it," I agreed.  "Let's go, Brendan.  See you later, Christina."

   I took Brendan back to the training room and introduced him to Mark
Taylor.  Mark sent Brendan for his physical.  He sent me to the locker room
to draw equipment and clothing.  The locker room had changed substantially
since last weekend.  The big center aisle was filled with temporary metal
lockers.  Undoubtedly they would be assigned to the free agents.  Most of
those guys would be here for a few months and then get cut before the
regular season started.

   I met Chris Valenti, the team equipment manager, there.  He issued me
the things I would need for the weekend and showed me my locker.  I put my
things in my permanent locker along the wall and went back to see Chris.

   "We need to get you jerseys, Kyle," Chris said when I returned.  "Do you
have a preference in number?"

   "I'd like 87 if it's available," I answered.

   "Sorry, that one is taken," Chris replied.  "You could ask the player
who has it if he would trade." He smiled and chuckled.

   "Is that likely?" I asked.

   "It's not impossible," Chris allowed.

   "Who has 87 now?" I asked.

   "That would be Omar Harris," Chris answered.  "He might trade if the
price was right."

   "Price?  No, I don't think so," I said, shaking my head.  I had no
interest in negotiating with Omar.  I remembered his attitude toward me at
lunch last Saturday.  "Is 85 or 82 available?"

   "No, they're not," Chris answered.  "Most of the 80's numbers are taken.
We have spots in the teens."

   "18?" I asked.

   "That's available," Chris confirmed.

   "Put me down for 18," I said.

   I thanked Chris for his assistance and went back to organize my locker.
I thought I knew what Chris' chuckle meant.  He thought Omar would demand a
high price for my college number, if I wanted to get it.

   Omar was the top receiver on the team last year.  The same team that
used their two top draft picks to get a receiver this year.  That was a
direct slap at his ability to get the job done for the team.  Brady told me
his evaluation of Omar at breakfast last Saturday.  He considered Omar a
good #2 receiver.  He had good hands and did well catching the ball
outside. He got lost in traffic over the middle.  He didn't have the speed
to get separation on deep routes.

   I was going to need to tread lightly.  Brady's description of Omar's
personality was, "prickly." The `I'm just here to help out any way I can'
mantra Zack taught years ago was going to be used extensively as I worked
my way into the good graces of my teammates.

   I headed over to the film room to study the playbook and watch video of
the Broncos running the plays.  Around six o'clock I headed over to the
cafeteria to see if they were serving.  I didn't know the schedule.  I saw
Christian Powell seated with three other guys.  I grabbed some food and
joined them.

   "Hey, Chris," I said as I took a seat across the table from my fellow
rookie.

   "Good to see you again, Kyle," Chris replied.  "Have you met these other
guys?" I indicated I hadn't.  "This is Gabe, Zane and Mike.  Guys, this is
Kyle Martin."

   Gabe Reed, the tight end from Arkansas, Zane Bell, the tall defensive
end from Georgia Tech and Mike Woods, the linebacker from UCLA, greeted me.

   "When did you guys get here?" I asked as I settled into my seat.

   "Last Saturday," Chris said.  "Sunday," the others confirmed.

   "You've been here all week?" I asked.  "Have you finished up finals
already?"

   It turns out it is common for football team members at their
universities to red-shirt their freshman year and stay on campus over
summers.  All of them graduated last December.  They spent the last four
months working at a sport training centers to get ready for the combine and
draft.

   "Anybody see Ryan Jones or Devon Ford?" I asked.

   "Ryan flew in from Auburn last Sunday for the day," Gabe said.

   "He has a final tomorrow," Chris explained.  "He won't be back until
tomorrow night."

   "Nobody's seen Ford since he was drafted," Zane commented.

   "I overheard Coach Reilly [David Reilly, tight ends coach] and Coach
Quinn [Mike Quinn, running backs coach] talking," Gabe added.  "Devon has
classes this week and finals next week.  He's not allowed to participate in
any OTAs until he finishes school."

   Mark Taylor led Brendan Hayden and three other guys into the cafeteria
as the others talked about their experiences here in Dove Valley this week.
I waved for Brendan and the others with him to join us at our table.

   "I'm guessing you're rookies like Brendan," I commented as the three sat
down with us.  They were.

   "Us rookies need to stick together," Chris commented as everyone took
seats.  He chuckled.  "Some of my college teammates warned me about the
reception the veterans will give us." Brendan introduced us to the others.
The big, very dark skinned man was Dontae Southerland, a rookie free agent
defensive lineman from Florida.

   "Fritz sends his regards," he said when Dontae and I shook hands.

   "Fritz?" Gabe asked.

   "Ed Fritz, the QB at Florida, is friends with Kyle from high school,"
Dontae explained.  I nodded my agreement.  "You must have had a hell of a
high school football team with the two of you on it."

   "It was more than those two," Chris said.  "Jeremy North played there
too... and that kicker... uh..."

   "Hal Long, from Rutgers" I inserted.

   "Don't forget Jake Kring," the slender white guy beside Brendan added. I
gave him a funny look.  He gave me a smile and extended his hand.  "Dustin
Brooke, wide receiver from Syracuse."

   "Good to meet you, Dustin," I replied as we shook hands.

   "As I said, you must have had a hell of a high school team," Dontae
said. "What'd you guys win?  Three or so state championships?"

   "Just one," I said.  "We lost in the quarter finals twice and in the
semis once."

   "How about you, Daquan?" Brendan asked.  "You run into any of Kyle's
Paradise mafia?"

   "Not really," the other muscular black guy answered.  "Closest thing I
came to Kyle's associates was my team's tight end coach.  He was a grad
assistant at Penn State." I did a second look at him before I recognized
him.

   "Daquan Thornhill, right?" I asked.  He was a linebacker from Kentucky.

   "That's me," Daquan confirmed as he gave us a wink and turned to show
his back.  "Still got the scorch marks on my back from your first touchdown
against my team last fall to prove it too.  Never put a linebacker in short
zone when Kyle runs a slant."

   "Been there... done that... in practice," Brendan confirmed, laughing.

   Chris, Gabe, Zane and I spent the rest of dinner time getting to know
Brendan, Daquan, Dustin and Dontae better.  They seemed like decent guys.
Brendan, Daquan, Dustin and Dontae joined Mark after dinner.  They had more
things to do to get them ready for tomorrow's practice.  Zane, Chris and
Gabe headed off to find a quiet area to work on the playbook.  I went to
the film room to review my playbook and watch film of the Broncos running
the plays.

   Coach Kovacevic found me there later that evening.  "Hard at work,
Kyle?" Coach teased when he spotted me.

   "Studying the playbook, Coach," I answered.

   "Are you looking at the special teams plays?" Coach asked.  "You may
need to know the return plays."

   "I'll do that, Coach," I responded.  "Should I look at coverage plays
too?  Do I need to know them this weekend?"

   "You don't need them this weekend," Coach Kovacevic replied.  "I'd love
to use you on kick coverage, but I know that isn't happening.  Concentrate
on the returns.  I expect the team will practice that on the first full
team OTA in a few weeks."

   "I'll be ready, Coach," I promised.

   "Don't stay too late, Kyle," Coach added before he left.  "You got work
to do tomorrow."

   "I'll be ready to go, Coach," I agreed.  I went back to studying. 
Brendan found me around nine o'clock that evening.  We headed back to the
hotel.  Daquan, Dustin and Dontae followed us back in their rental cars. 
The five of us agreed to meet downstairs and go out for breakfast before
practice in the morning.

   Brendan and I bumped into a couple guys, one white and one black, moving
into the suite beside ours as we headed to our room.  They were our age and
looked too fit to be anyone other than football players.

   "You guys here for the rookie OTA tomorrow?" I asked politely.  I did a
double take when the black guy turned to look at me.  "Rashad?"

   "Oh....  hey, Kyle.  How's it going?" Rashad Jones replied.  We knew
each other from the Big Ten.  He played wide receiver for Michigan State.
"Hey, Brendan.  What's up?"

   "Not much," Brendan answered.

   "Things are good with me," I added.

   "The Broncos signed me on Monday and told me to be on the field Friday
morning," Rashad said.  "Being a draft pick, you've had time to figure out
the situation around here."

   "A little," I agreed.  "I come out last weekend for my introduction. 
Brian Dawkins helped me get a car.  I had to fly home to finish my student
teaching.  Brendan and I got in this afternoon and dropped by Dove Valley.
Did you just get to Denver?"

   "Yeah, Ryan and I got in about an hour and a half ago," Rashad answered.
"This is Ryan Williamson, by the way." Brendan and I shook Ryan's hand.

   "What school did you play for?" Brendan asked.  "I don't remember
chasing you around the field when we played Michigan State."

   "University of Cincinnati," Ryan answered.  "I played for the Bearcats.
Were you with Penn State too?"

   "Yep... I was Kyle's teammate," Brendan confirmed.

   "Some of the other rookies and us are getting together for breakfast at
a quarter to seven tomorrow morning," I said.  "You guys are welcome to
join us.  We're meeting down in the lobby."

   "I thought the hotel did a free breakfast," Ryan said.

   "They do, but it isn't enough to feed a football player for a day of
practice," I said.  "I saw what it was last weekend.  A muffin and a bowl
of cereal won't do it."

   "OK, we'll probably catch up to you in the morning," Ryan said.  Ryan
and Rashad headed for their room.  Brendan and I settled into ours.

   "Do you remember Ryan from two years ago?" Brendan asked as we settled
into bed.

   "Not really," I answered.  "I remember we played his team at the start
of our junior season and blew them out.  It wasn't a close game."

   "The first half wasn't," Brendan agreed.  "The second half was
different. Cincinnati's o-line had trouble protecting Ryan the first half.
He did better against our Twos.  He outscored Jay 21-13 in the second half.
If I can't have Jay or Chip here on this team today, I'm comfortable with
him as one of our backups."

   "Ryan's short for a professional quarterback," I countered.  I was four
or five inches taller and fifteen or twenty pounds heavier than him.

   "I'm not nominating him to be our starter," Brendan replied.  "All I'm
saying is there are worse quarterbacks that could be tossing you the ball."

   "I don't remember much about how he played two years ago," I said. 
"I'll reserve judgment until I see him throw."

   "You'll see, Coach... er, Kyle," Brendan said.  "I studied him more when
we played him.  He's smart and he's got a good arm." I didn't argue with
Brendan.  I had my doubts about someone barely six feet tall seeing over
professional linemen but I'd find that out this weekend on my own.

   -----------------------------------------------------------

   Nine guys met in the hotel lobby for breakfast Friday morning.  "How
about stopping at the IHOP?" Daquan suggested.  "I saw it up the street
from here."

   "You don't want to do that," Christian warned.  "I ate breakfast there
on Tuesday.  The service is slow as molasses.  We will be late for practice
if we go there.  There are some other places closer to Arapahoe [Road]."

   "Brady Rasmussen took me to a nice place on the other side of I-25," I
suggested.  "The food was good and the service was quick." We discussed it
a bit and agreed.  I gave everyone directions to get to the place.  We
decided to carpool rather than driving seven cars over.  Chris, Zane and I
were delegated to drive since we had the most time on the ground in Denver.
Rashad and Ryan hopped in the back seat behind Brendan and me.

   "What's Rasmussen like?" Ryan asked after we pulled out of the hotel
parking lot.  "Did the team delegate him to greet you when you came out
last weekend?"

   "He's a really nice guy," I responded.  "I've known him since he was my
guide when I was on an official visit to USC five years ago.  We stayed in
touch over the years.  You'll like him."

   "I'm looking forward to learning from him," Ryan answered.  I led our
caravan of cars out to East Arapahoe Road and under I-25 to the restaurant.
The restaurant did good business, selling a lot of omelets and skillet
breakfasts to us football players.  I led the caravan of cars over to the
Dove Valley.

   "Hey Chrissie," Chris Powell chimed as we walked past the front desk.

   "Morning, Christina," I added as we trooped by.

   Mark Taylor was waiting out front as we came in.  "Ryan Williamson and
Rashad Jones, the two of you need to come with me." They hadn't been to
Dove Valley yet.  I'm sure Mark had some orientation they needed to do. 
The rest of us headed for the locker room to change and get ready for the
day's work.

   Brady Rasmussen walked in as I was changing.  "I didn't expect to see
you here for rookie OTAs," I commented.

   "Coach needs an extra QB today," Brady replied.  "The rookie QB couldn't
show up until this morning.  He'll be tied up with orientation and a
physical most of the day.  Somebody has to line up behind center for you
newbies, so I volunteered."

   "That's cool," I said.  Brady gave me a wink.

   "Anyway, I want to see if we wasted our first two draft picks on that
hot shot receiver we got," Brady teased.  He gave me another smile.  "It'll
be good to air a few out and see what we can do together."

   "I'm looking forward to it," I replied.  I finished dressing before
Brady.

   "I'll see you on the field later," Brady commented as I stood up to head
over to the team meeting room.  "Coach isn't making me sit through the
orientation lecture.  I'll see you in an hour or so."

   "See you, Brady," I agreed.  I headed down the hall to the meeting room.
I was the first one in the room.  I was about twenty minutes ahead of the
scheduled 8:30 start.  I studied the playbook while I waited for things to
start.  More guys arrived and found seats soon after me.

   We ended up with twenty-three guys by the time Coach Baldwin and the
rest of the coaching staff came into the room.  I had time to look the
group over while they conferred up front.  Most of the guys looked to be
twenty-one or two like me, except two.

   One was a tall, solidly built black guy who had to be close to thirty
years old.  He was almost as tall as me and probably carried more pounds
than I did.  The second guy was slight.  I assumed he was a kicker.  He
looked to be at least twenty-five or six.  I assumed they were free agents
new to the team, but not rookies in the NFL.

   I met the last of the four rookie wide receivers, Stephen Young.  Steve
played for the University of Miami for two seasons.  He opted to go pro
after his red shirt sophomore season.  He wouldn't turn twenty-one until
September, so I wasn't the youngest guy in the room.

   "Welcome to the Denver Broncos, everyone," Coach Baldwin announced when
he got everyone quiet.  "For most of you, today represents your initiation
into the National Football League.  You will find that the players are
bigger and faster, the pace of practices and games are quicker and the
hitting is more intense.

   "Our team will be going to training camp with twenty-seven new members
on our eighty man roster.  We will cut down to sixty-five players by August
17th.  We will cut twelve more players by August 30th to reach our season
opening fifty-three man roster.  If you don't give 110% of your best, you
will not be here on September 8th when we open our season in Oakland.

   "No one... NO ONE, veteran, rookie draft pick or rookie free agent is
guaranteed a spot on this team.  You have to earn a place with superlative
effort and accomplishment."

   Brendan leaned in close to me and whispered, "I bet Antwaan makes the
team."

   "And Brady too," I agreed quietly.  "Still... it's the right sentiment
for a 5-11 team to have." Brendan smiled and nodded his agreement.

   Coach Baldwin continued, "The front office, the coaches and especially
the fans have high expectations from this team this coming season.  You
gentlemen are professionals now.  We will have to bust your asses to learn
the Broncos' offensive and defensive systems faster than you imagine is
possible.  This weekend we will focus on you learning the basics of our
system.  Three weeks from now the full team will be here, so now is the
time for you rookies to get face time with the coaches, to get reps and to
get your questioned answered."

   Coach went on to detail our schedule for the weekend.  Coach told us we
would work out for ninety minutes in the morning, have lunch, and head to
the meeting rooms for classroom sessions.  We would run through plays later
in the afternoon for ninety minutes.  After dinner we would spend more time
in the class room with our position coaches.

   The coaches had us warm up and stretch for half an hour at the morning
workout.  We spent the rest of the ninety minutes doing fundamentals
drills. I suppose the coaching staff wanted to evaluate us up close after
spending months looking us over on video.

   We cleaned up after practice and grabbed some lunch.  Brady Rasmussen
skipped the morning workout but joined the group for the after lunch
offensive team meeting.  I took a seat beside my friend.  He was playing
with a tablet computer.  I saw the Apple logo on it.

   "Is that the new iPad?" I asked.

   "I wouldn't call it new," Brady answered.  "It came out last year.  The
iPad 3 came out last year.  Want to see it?"

   "Sure," I agreed.  Brady handed me the light weight tablet.  The display
intrigued me.  It showed a page out of our playbook.  "What app are you
running?  Did you digitize some of the playbook?"

   "No, it's not a digitized playbook," Brady explained.  "The team is
working on a digital version of the playbook that runs on the iPad." Brady
showed me how the app worked.  There was a column of buttons down the right
side showing various defensive schemes.  The play on screen morphed based
on which defense was selected, showing how we were to react.  I tried out a
few of the defenses for the play that Brady had up.  Way Cool!

   "You like this?" Brady teased.  I knew my face displayed my intrigue at
this app.  "Press the play button." I hit the button and the display
switched to video of the Broncos running the play on the display.  After
the video ended, the screen listed four other videos of the play along the
left side of the screen.  I touched one of them and watched as the team ran
the same play again against a different opponent.

   "This is fantastic," I exclaimed.  "How do I get one?"

   "You will," Brady said, "...eventually.  Our IT guys are developing it
now, but it's not finished."

   "I really need to get one of these," I mentioned.  "This would make
learning the playbook SO much easier."

   "The app is still in beta," Brady explained.  "It's not ready for
release yet."

   "How'd you get one?" I responded.

   "I am working with the IT guys to finish the app," Brady answered. 
"This app is still in development.  Working with this development project
fits with my college major."

   "I never heard what your major was in college," I replied.  "What did
you major in?"

   Brady chuckled.  "I went to `SC.  I majored in football... my minor was
computer science.  I'm helping our IT department with the development and
testing to keep my IT skills sharp until I'm ready for my second career."

   "I understand that feeling," I said.  "I talked to the principal at the
school where I student taught about coming in as a substitute teacher next
winter after our season is over." I fixed a stare at Brady.  "How EXACTLY
do I get one of these?  This is exactly what I need to learn the offense
faster."

   "You'll have to talk to Coach Baldwin," Brady answered.  "Everyone was
scheduled to get one of these this weekend but it isn't ready.  We had some
problems with the security on this app and it delayed testing and
deployment.  It should be ready to go when we have our next OTA."

   "That's three weeks away," I said.  "I'd love to have something like
this in the meantime.  I had planned to ask if I could get some DVDs of our
team running our plays to help me study between now and the next OTA."

   "Make your case to Coach.  Maybe he'll agree," Brady advised, chuckling.
"We certainly have enough iPads here.  There are around 120 sitting in
boxes over in the IT office, waiting to be cloned when the app is
finished."

   Brady was giving good advice.  Make a case.  What could I bring to
developing this application?  I certainly was no expert on computers,
though I wasn't a technical illiterate.  I could provide an outsider's look
at ease of use.  After a little more pondering, I realized my biggest asset
- I was a trained educator.  The primary purpose of this playbook, hell any
playbook, was to teach new players how the team runs its plays.  I would
use that angle to talk Coach Baldwin into letting me have the beta
software.

   Coach Holt and the rest of the offensive coaches walked into the room,
so it was time for me to focus on the present.  The coaches spent the next
seventy-five minutes reviewing our terminology, our base formations and our
base plays.  Coach Holt let us know what we were expected to have studied
between now and tomorrow's morning practice, what we were to know by the
next OTA and what we would need to master before training camp at the end
of July.

   The team headed back to our indoor practice field.  We spent the ninety
minutes of practice learning to line up in the various formations and
walking through plays, learning our responsibilities in each.  Dustin
Brooke, Rashad Jones, Stephen Young and I took turns filling the split end,
flanker and slot receiver spots.  Brady Rasmussen and Ryan Williamson took
turns at quarterback.  Brady usually ran the play first, followed by Ryan.

   Towards the end of practice we ran through some of the plays at three
quarters speed.  It felt good to catch some balls from Brady.  Brendan had
been right about Ryan.  He had a good arm and he seemed to pick up the
plays quickly enough too.  I suppose his fall to free agent status was due
to his lack of height.

   NFL teams liked their quarterbacks to have some size - like Dante
Culpepper, Donovan McNabb, Joe Flacco, Cam Newton or Ben Roethlesberger. 
Even Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Mark Sanchez, Zack Hayes, Elijah Carter and
Tony Romo all were at least 6'-2" and 225-235 pounds.  Ryan was slightly
taller than Doug Flutie, who set the mark for short but successful NFL
quarterback.

   We had half an hour to clean up and change after practice before meeting
in the cafeteria for a team dinner.  The coaches joined us.  I spent my
time between practice and dinner mentally rehearsing my arguments to
convince Coach Baldwin to let me have a beta copy of the playbook app this
weekend.  I saw my opportunity to talk with Coach as dinner was finishing.

   "Coach, could I talk with you for minute?" I asked politely after he
dropped his tray off at the cleanup window.

   "Bob Burton warned me about you," Coach Baldwin said, chuckling.  "He
said you were going to have a million and one questions.  Shoot."

   "I guess this is a question," I managed.  Coach Baldwin threw me off a
little with his comment.  I gave my new coach a smile.  "I saw the
electronic playbook Brady is testing out for the team.  The concept looks
great.  It's similar to something I was going to ask about anyway."

   "Oh?" Coach Baldwin commented.

   "I found the best way to learn my college's offense was to combine
studying the playbook with watching the team execute the plays on video," I
explained.  "I had planned to ask if I could get DVDs with video of the
team running our plays while I was here this weekend.  I can learn the
playbook faster that way.  Would it be possible for me to get one of the
beta iPads instead?"

   "The ePlaybook isn't ready yet," Coach Baldwin said.  "They're still
developing the program."

   "That is where I could be useful," I countered.  "I can give the IT
department feedback about the user interface.  The interface seems pretty
intuitive from the few minutes Brady let me play with his.  I could provide
some insight into the learning process for new users too, given what I just
learned in college about educational theory and how to apply it in the real
world.  After all, the whole purpose of a playbook is to teach the new
members of the team how the team runs its plays.  That's what I'm trained
to do - accomplish effective learning.  Let me put my degree to good use
and help the team, Coach."

   "Watching film of our team running plays?" Coach said.  "Is that what
you were doing in the film room last Saturday night and last night?"

   "That's exactly what I was doing," I answered.  "I stumbled onto the
idea when I was a freshman.  I learned later after I had my educational
theory courses, why my method worked.  Looking at something on paper is the
least effective means of teaching information.  Adding more channels for
communication such as audio and video will improve comprehension
dramatically.  Of course, going out and actually running the plays like we
are doing this weekend is the most effective way to learn."

   "Very true," Coach Baldwin agreed.

   "If you let me use one of the iPads while I'm back in Pennsylvania while
my fiancée and I get ready to move out here, I can learn the offense faster
and be more effective," I explained.  "All I want to do is learn what I
need to know so I can help the team be better.  Letting me use one of the
iPads would be a win for me and also a win for the team if I can help make
it more useful for the rest of the rookies."

   Coach just smiled and shook his head.  "I'll see what I can do, Kyle. 
Maybe the IT guys can get one ready for you tomorrow."

   "Thanks, Coach.  Thanks so much," I gushed.  "I just want to help the
team however I can."

   Brady noticed my conversation with Coach Baldwin.  "So, how'd it go?"
Brady asked.  "Did you sweet talk one of the iPads out of him?"

   "He said he'd try to get me one tomorrow," I replied.

   "So earnest and eager," Brady teased.  "Zack's told me about how well
you do sweet talking your coaches."

   "I really am just trying my best to help out the team," I insisted. 
"The team used two high draft picks to get me.  I'm not here to sit on the
bench.  They expect me to produce."

   "You're damn straight they expect you to produce," Brady agreed.  "The
vets are going to tease you.  It comes with the territory of being a top
draft pick.  Keep busting your ass and telling everyone that you want to
help out.  You'll do all right, Kyle."

   "That's my plan," I responded.

   Everyone headed for position meetings after dinner.  Dustin, Rashad,
Steve and I met with Coach Franks, our receivers coach.  We spent a good
part of the evening reviewing the West Coast offense concept and how the
defenses would affect our route running.  I had been doing something like
this for three years in college, but the array of choices here was
dizzying. Learning this had to be worse for the other three.  I doubted
their colleges allowed as much flexibility as Coach Burton had allowed
Zack, Chip and me.

   Coach Baldwin assembled all the rookies for a final meeting that
evening. He discussed professionalism, team behavior expectations and media
relations.  Brian Dawkins spoke for a few minutes, letting everyone know
what his job was and how to get ahold of him if we needed help.  The team
had a snack before we scattered to our hotels or homes.

   ----------------------------------------------------

   Saturday and Sunday were more of the same intense study and practice. 
We had meetings first thing in the morning to review plays.  After that we
took the field and ran those plays.  After lunch we had more meetings and
then went out to the practice field to run those plays.

   Mark Taylor caught me just after I showered from the afternoon practice.
"Stop by the IT office, Kyle," Mark said.  "They have your ePlaybook ready
for you."

   "Cool!  Thanks for letting me know," I replied.

   "I hope you realize how lucky you are to get that," Mark said.  "I can't
get one yet."

   "I do realize that," I agreed.  "I am very grateful." I headed over to
the IT office.  I had to sign a non-disclosure form before they let me have
the iPad.  They gave me a brief talk about the user interface and gave me
info on how to send my observations and bug reports back to them.  They
warned me to expect to find broken links and some features that weren't
quite ready for "prime time."

   Meetings took up most of the evening.  I didn't get to play with the new
iPad until Brendan and I got back to our hotel room.  Brendan was envious
that I got to try out the new ePlaybook early.

   This iPad app was definitely cool!  I could pick a play and with the
touch of the screen flip from how it reacted to one defense, then another
and then another.  This was the perfect way to learn an offense predicated
on adjusting to exploit the weaknesses in the defense.  I lost track of
time as I clicked and clicked away.

   Brendan's demand, "Coach, go to bed!" brought me back to the here and
now.  It was a quarter after twelve and we needed to be up and over at Dove
Valley for breakfast in less than eight hours.

   "Sorry, I got carried away," I said.

   "I guess it will be good when I get one too," Brendan replied.  "Now
good night."

   --------------------------------------------------------

   Sunday went much like Saturday.  Meetings, followed by on field run
throughs of the plays, lunch, meetings and more practice.  The coaches
changed things up a little in the afternoon practice.  We got to run the
plays without either offense or defense knowing what the other would do. 
We got to react to the defensive alignment and coverage while they needed
to respond to our plays in real time.

   I toasted Chris Powell and Marquis Lewis a couple times, scoring
"touchdowns" when they lost track of me.  One was a pass from Brady, the
other from Ryan.  I was impressed by Ryan's throw.  He had remembered the
correct adjustment when the defense surprised him with a blitz and
delivered the ball to the right spot.  Coach Baldwin gave both of us
"attaboys" when the play was whistled to a stop.

   Brendan and I had to hustle through showers after practice.  We had to
be at the Denver Airport by 5:50 pm for our 7:50 flight to Philly.  We had
about fifteen minutes between the end of practice and when we had to hit
the road.  Luckily it was a Sunday evening and I-25 and I-225 weren't
crowded.  We checked in at the airport about five minutes after the time we
were aiming for.  I left my car in long term parking.  Penny and I would
get it in about ten days, when we came out to look for a place to live.

   I tried to catch some sleep on the flight to Philly.  I would need it
when I got home.  Our plane landed in a nearly deserted airport at 1:20 am
Monday morning.  Brendan headed straight for State College when we got to
our cars.  He had to be on campus for the College of Health and Human
Development's 1:00 pm graduation that afternoon.  Brendan's degree was in
athletic training.  I headed back to the apartment.

   Penny was sleeping when I got home.  I undressed and carefully climbed
into bed, trying not to wake my sweetie.  I thought I was successful when I
lay on my side and tried to sleep, but no.  Penny threw her arm over me
side and snuggled against.

   "How was your weekend?" Penny whispered in my ear.  I rolled over as she
hugged me.

   "It was great," I answered.  "I am learning so much from the coaches." I
chuckled.  "I have so much to learn."

   "You'll do well, honey," Penny said before kissing me.  "I love you."

   "I love you too."

   ------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I met Mom and Dad at my house at ten o'clock Monday morning.
The four of us rode up to State College together.  Mom made reservations
for us at the Hampton Inn on College Avenue a month earlier.  Theoretically
Penny and I could have crashed at the apartment with Damian and Trevor
since Chip and Brian had gone home after finals last week.  It wouldn't
have been very convenient since their stuff was still at the apartment. 
Both guys were taking summer classes and would return to campus in a few
weeks.

   I drove to campus and did a couple errands.  I picked up my cap and gown
for tomorrow.  I did my final check out at the bursar office.  I stopped
off at the Lasch Building to say good bye to Coach Burton, Coach Adams and
Coach Caffrey.  It was a tough moment emotionally.  These men had done so
much to make me the man I had become.

   My family, the Conwells, the Kolmars, the Thompsons and the Robinsons
took Trevor, Steph, Damian, Billy, Penny and me to dinner at the Nittany
Lion Inn on Monday evening to celebrate our graduation.  Billy was
officially done already.  His ceremony was in the afternoon.  I enjoyed the
camaraderie as the families of my closest college friends got to know each
other better.

   We talked about everyone's plans.  Trevor and Steph were going to go
house hunting in northern New Jersey after graduation.  Steph had three
interviews set up with broadcasters in northern New Jersey and New York. 
She was confident she would be able to find a job close to where they
planned to live.

   Billy and Damian were planning to find a place in Chicago together. 
They were sure Damian would stick with the Bears.  His running style fit
the team and they needed a power back to improve their red zone performance
from last year.  Poor performance in the red zone is what cost them their
final game in the playoffs.

   "What are you and Penny planning, Kyle?" Mr.  Conwell asked when
attention turned to our plans.

   "Penny graduates next Monday," I explained.  "We're flying out to Denver
a couple days later to find ourselves a place to live.  We're planning to
keep our apartment in Philadelphia too."

   "That's right," Mrs.  Conwell commented to Penny.  "I remember Trevor
saying that you are going to veterinary school, dear.  That is going to be
a challenge for newlyweds."

   "We'll manage," Penny said.  "We will actually have more time together
in the next year than the last one.  I will spend the summer out in Denver
while Kyle prepares for the season."

   "I will come east during our bye week," I added.  "Penny will come out
for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  When my season is over, I will come back
east to our apartment off Penn's campus."

   "A millionaire is going to live in a student apartment?" Mr.  Conwell
laughed.  "It's too bad you aren't looking for a house.  A friend of mine
has a spot that would be perfect for a veterinary student.  It's a few
miles from New Bolton Center.  That's where you are studying, isn't it?"

   "Eventually," Penny answered.  "I spend the first three years at our
downtown campus.  My final year will be out at New Bolton Center since they
handle large animals and that is what I plan to specialize in."

   "This place is a beautiful old farmhouse on a 5 acre wooded lot," Mr. 
Conwell explained.  "It backs up against the White Clay Creek.  It has a
summer house next door that you could rent out too.  There are distinct tax
advantages to owning your home when you're in the tax bracket you will be
in this year."

   "You're the second person in a week to tell me that," I replied.  "Brian
Dawkins told me the same thing last weekend."

   "Al and Brian are talking sense, Kyle," Dad added.  "The housing bubble
has been worked out of the market.  Real estate is not a bad place to put
some money."

   "I don't think we need to hurry into anything like that right now," I
responded.  "Next winter if the apartment is too cramped for Penny and me
we can start looking at places.  Anyway, I don't want to go spending money
on a contract I don't have yet."

   "Have you met with Max to talk about contract negotiations?" Trevor
asked.  "He's meeting with us tomorrow morning."

   "Max is taking us out to lunch after graduation tomorrow," I answered.
"I'm sure that will be the first topic of discussion."

   "Let me know if you change your mind about the place in Landenberg," Mr.
Conwell said.  "It's a great spot for the right family."

   Trevor, Damian and I talked about our experiences at our team's
mini-camps.  The Giants and the Bears both had full team mini-camps.  They
got to meet everyone, which was a positive.  They didn't get as much face
time with their coaches as I did.  I preferred the Broncos' way.  I got
lots of time with my coaches to get a good start learning their playbook.

   We lingered over dinner.  It was great to spend time together.  We also
knew we wouldn't be getting time together like this again.  This dinner
marked the end of our college experience.  We would all see each other
again, probably throughout our lives but not all together like this very
often.

   Mom and Dad decided to take a stroll around campus after dinner.  Penny
and I decided to go downtown.  We window shopped for a bit before ending up
at the Rathskeller.  We relaxed over a couple beers and talked about
things. The crowd was mostly graduating seniors like us.  The undergrads
had left for the summer when finals finished on Friday.  I did a few
autographs and talked with some of my fans while I was there.  We headed
back to the hotel around ten o'clock that evening.  Penny and I made love
before retiring for the night.  It had been too many days since we had the
chance.

   My parents, Penny and I caught a quick breakfast at the hotel Tuesday
morning.  We headed for the Bryce Jordan Center about half an hour before
the ceremony.  I took my place up front with my fellow seniors.  Penny
stayed with Mom and Dad.

   I bumped into Chelsea Wright as the graduates were assembling for the
ceremony.  She was sporting a very nice engagement ring.  Chelsea found her
classical music loving boyfriend a year and a half ago.  They were getting
married next year, after they got established in Pittsburgh.  I let Chelsea
know that Penny and I had reunited and were marrying too.  She wished the
two of us the best.

   Chad King and I found our spots in the alphabetical lineup.  Chad was
three persons ahead of me in line.  Josh Bruno came by us as he was heading
for his place near the head of the line.  The three of us got to talk a bit
before things started up.  I told the guys about my weekend in Denver. 
Josh loved working with Coach Kubiak and Coach Wade Phillips, the Texans'
defensive coordinator.

   Josh was planning to move to Houston full time rather than going back to
his parents' home after the season was over next winter.  He hoped to do
some substitute teaching the same way I hoped to do.  Chad hadn't found any
nibbles yet in his search for a job.

   We didn't get to finish our conversation as the marshal announced it was
time for us to file in and take our seats.  My fellow grads and I would be
seated in chairs on the floor of the BJC.  The parents, grandparents and
other visitors were seated in the seats of the arena.

   Dean Friar, the dean of education, opened the morning by introducing Dr.
Linda Lane, the superintendent of schools for the Pittsburgh School
District.  She spoke for about fifteen minutes, talking about her
district's "Excellence for All" program.  The district was moving beyond
the "No Child Left Behind" law and shooting for higher standards for all of
Pittsburgh's children.  It was a good speech.

   Some of the senior professors in the College of Education were seated on
stage with Dean Friar.  To my disgust, Dr.  P.  Thomas Henderson was seated
prominently, right beside the Dean.

   Our valedictorian, Maria Riccioli, gave her speech next.  Nearly
everyone knew Maria.  She was easily the smartest person in our freshman
Education Psychology 14 and Educational Theory and Practice 114 classes. 
God love her.  She chose to specialize in working with the disabled.  The
kids that had her as a teacher were going to be truly lucky.

   Dean Friar spoke for a bit and then it was time for us to file up one by
one and receive our diplomas.  I had a long wait since I had a name in the
middle of the alphabet.  To my disgust, Dr.  Henderson was handing out the
diplomas and shaking hands with each graduate before they shook hands with
Dean Friar.  I would have to face my nemesis one more time before I could
escape Penn State.

   We were halfway through the big crowd when the usher signaled for our
row to join the queue at the side of the stage.  We filed ahead one by one
as the graduates were announced.

   "Chad Anthony King, Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education." My friend
looked my way before he climbed onto the stage.  I gave him a smile and a
thumbs up.  He walked across the stage, took his diploma and shook hands
with the dean and professors.  "Tyler Joseph Marinelli, Bachelor of Arts in
Secondary Education" was announced as Chad walked off the stage.  Chad gave
his family a fist pump as he left the stage.  I stepped up to the steps as
Tyler received his diploma.

   "Angela Marie Marshall, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, with
distinction," was announced as the pretty, soon-to-be primary teacher took
the stage.  I stepped up to the top step as Angela received her degree.

   "Kyle David Martin, Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education," was
announced.  I climbed the last step and walked across the stage to Dr. 
Henderson.  He did not smile.  He handed me my diploma.

   "Here is the object of your obstinate obsession," Dr.  Henderson said
grimly.  "You've wasted my and your time to get this, so I hope you are
satisfied with this degree that is destined to go unused.  Enjoy your money
when you play your childish game."

   I took the diploma from his hands and gave him my strongest grip as we
shook hands.  I looked the old bastard in the eye, tightened my grip and
said, "I WILL send you a photo of me teaching next spring.  I have already
started making arrangements to be a substitute down around Philadelphia
next spring after my season is over."

   Dr.  Henderson squeezed my hand and retorted, "THAT would please me.  Do
not waste your talents." We let go of each other's hand and I stepped over
to Dean Friar.

   "Good luck out in Denver, Kyle," Dean Friar said as we shook hands. 
"Good luck with teaching when your football career is done."

   "Thank you, Dean," I said before I stepped away.

   I walked across the stage and gave my family another wave as they
announced, "David William Meadows, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary
Education." I followed Chad, Tyler and Angela back to our seats.  I waited
patiently as everyone in the large graduating class of the College of
Education took his or her turn on stage.  It was after 10:30 when Emily
Zook's name was called and she took the stage to accept her degree.  Emily
was from Lancaster County like me.  The graduating class departed from the
arena as the organist played the "Pomp and Circumstance."

   It took fifteen minutes for Penny, Mom and Dad to meet up with me
outside the Bryce Jordan Center.  Penny took pictures of Mom, Dad and me.
Dad took picture of Penny and me and then Penny, Mom and me.  Finally Mom
took pictures with Penny, Dad and me.  We were getting ready to go when
Josh Bruno and his family bumped into us.  Josh volunteered to take a
picture of Penny, me and my parents.  I did the same for him.  We were
ready to go again when Max Solomon called on my cell phone.

   "Where are you at, Kyle?" Max asked.

   "At the Bryce Jordan Center," I replied.

   "Where exactly?" Max asked.  "I'm outside the main entrance.  Do you see
me waving?" I looked and spotted my agent over by one of the doors into the
arena.

   "I see you," I replied.  "Stay there.  Mom, Dad, Penny and I will meet
you there."

   Max congratulated me warmly for completing my education.  We stopped off
at our car so I could shed my cap and gown before we walked downtown.  We
hoped Spats wasn't going to be crowded.  It was just opening so there was
plenty of room.  We enjoyed a leisurely lunch.  Max asked me about my
weekend in Denver.  I filled everyone in on my experiences.  Max encouraged
us to order dessert before we got down to business.

   I decided to try the Bananas Foster Crepes.  Penny and Mom both had the
Brownies Rockslide.  Dad chose the cheese cake.  Max settled for a latte.
When the waitress returned with our treats, Max asked, "What are your goals
in the next three months, Kyle?  What are your priorities?"

   "Marry this lovely lady," I answered.  I leaned over and gave Penny a
kiss on the cheek.  "Learn the Broncos offense and then do whatever I need
to help us get set up and ready to live out in Denver."

   "Penny, what are your priorities in the next three months?" Max asked.

   "My first priority is to make sure Kyle has enough time undisturbed to
learn this West Coast offense," Penny said.  "I understand how challenging
it is.  Kyle does have to get fitted for his tux and write his vows, but
beyond that, I want to take as much of the wedding burden off him as I
can."

   "You know your mother and I will help with the wedding preparations
too," Mom added.

   "I know you will," Penny agreed.  "Kyle was such a gem this spring with
cooking, cleaning and keeping my time free for studying comparative
anatomy. I want to return the favor now that he needs time to concentrate
on his critical studying.  I'll do as much as possible of the work setting
up our household in Denver too.  Minimizing Kyle's distractions and helping
him get ready for the football season is the most important thing the two
of us have to do."

   "I agree with your priorities completely," Max said, "...for the short
term.  Don't let him get lazy next winter after the season is over.  It
will be time for him to help with the house and let you concentrate on your
studies then."

   "No problem here," I agreed.

   "My job is similar to yours, Penny," Max said.  "My job is to take care
of negotiating a fair and equitable contract for you with the Broncos." Max
looked me square in the eye.  "May I tell you what I have learned about you
in the past four years?"

   "Sure, Max," I agreed.

   "Your primary interest in football is learning more about the game and
making contacts that will help you be a successful coach," Max said.  "You
are team oriented rather than personal goal oriented.  You expect to be
paid fairly but are not driven to get the maximum dollars.  I believe you
will learn quickly the lesson Tom Brady knows.

   "Brady is grossly underpaid when you consider his market value.  He
knows that if he gets his full market value from a team, that team will not
have enough money to get capable supporting players to allow the team to
win consistently.  How close to the mark am I, Kyle?"

   "You have me figured out pretty well," I responded.  "One thing you left
out is that I want to get a deal done with Broncos as quickly as I can
without harming my earning power.  I want to concentrate on getting ready
for the season and my wedding.  I don't want the contract to be a
distraction."

   "Do you agree, Penny?" Max asked.

   "The numbers boggle my mind," Penny said.  "Do we need twenty million or
twenty-five million?  What difference does the extra five million make? 
We'll have more than enough to live comfortably."

   "Exactly," Max responded.  "I have good news on getting the contract
done expeditiously.  Under the current CBA [collective bargaining
agreement] teams like to get the first round draft picks signed first so
they know how much money they will have available for the rest of their
draft picks and for free agents.  The NFL has a rookie salary pool that
your team must spend and cannot exceed.  The pool is determined by how many
draft picks they have and where they are chosen.  They calculate it based
on what they call the standard salary for a player based on where he was
picked in the draft and his years of experience.  This amount is different
from and higher than the league minimum salary.

   "We need to determine our negotiating strategy.  The team may pay you
any amount between the minimum salary, the standard salary and more, based
on negotiations.  You need to understand that if you want me ask for more,
that money will come at the expense of your fellow rookie draftee
teammates."

   "No, I don't want to do that," I answered.  "I have to play with these
guys.  I don't need extra money that badly."

   "I thought you would say that," Max said.  "The next choice is whether
you want to go for the standard amount or lower your salary to allow the
team to pay the lower picks better."

   "I don't see the advantage in shortchanging myself either," I responded.
"Let's stick with the standard amount for my salary.  That should set the
right example for everyone."

   "Good," Max said.  "There is little room to negotiate on the amount of
your signing bonus.  The sixth overall pick is slotted to get $15.89
million dollars over four years.  The question is when will you get the
bonus?  You probably would prefer to get the money up front and the team
would prefer to defer payment as long as possible over the course of the
contract."

   "I don't need all the money up front," I said.  "If they got me a
quarter of signing bonus this year, I'd be willing to be flexible on the
rest.  I know the Broncos have a couple big contracts to renegotiate soon.
Antwaan Booker's contract runs out after this season and he is going to be
expensive to re-sign.  Brady's runs out a year later."

   "They do need to sign those players but it won't affect your payout,"
Max said.  "The CBA requires the Broncos to divide your signing bonus
equally among the four years for cap purposes.  You will get your money
however we negotiate with the team regardless of when it is charged to the
cap.  I can most likely use your willingness to defer some of the payments
to get your initial bonus sooner.  Should I see if I can get it before the
wedding?"

   "That would be great," I agreed.

   "Please do, if you can, Max," Penny added.

   "I calculate you should earn $20.51 million over the course of the next
four years," Max said.

   "And this is fully guaranteed?" Dad asked.

   "Guaranteed for skill, cap and injury," Max said.  "Skill means that if
you can't compete at this level and the team cuts you, you still get the
money.  Cap means if the team can't afford you, you still get your money
even though the team cuts you and no longer has to count you against their
cap limit.  Injury is the one I need to discuss further with you Kyle."

   "OK," I agreed.

   "Injury relates only to football related injuries," Max said.  "I recall
you indicating that you enjoy skiing.  A skiing related injury would
invalidate your guarantee.  You should consider giving up skiing while you
play football professionally."

   "Oh man!  You've got to be kidding," I protested.  "Colorado is one of
the best places in the country to ski and you are telling me I can't ski?"

   "I am," Max said simply.

   "You need to step up and be responsible, son," Dad said.  "You may love
skiing but you need to do what's best for your and Penny's financial
future."

   "Couldn't I get insurance to cover us in case I get hurt skiing?" I
asked.

   "It's possible," Dad agreed.  "It would be expensive.  Is it worth it?"

   "I'm going to ask Brady Rasmussen what he is doing," I suggested.  "I
know Brady loves to ski too.  There probably is a precedent for this that
the Broncos are used to."

   "This discussion is academic," Max said.  "Your contract won't deal with
skiing.  WE have two more questions to discuss.  The team typically will
ask you to do four to six personal appearances a year as a part of your
contract.  You will be reimbursed $5000 per appearance.  The amount is set
by the CBA but we can negotiate the number of appearances.  Is the typical
number a problem?"

   "I don't see that being a problem," I answered.  "What's the last one?"

   "The workout bonus," Max answered.

   "That one should be easy for me to earn," I laughed.  "I'm a fanatic
about working out."

   "Not so fast, Kyle," Max cautioned.  "This bonus is earned by working
out at the team's facilities starting in the middle of March."

   "I guess the team can offer whatever they want for the workout bonus," I
replied.  "I'm not giving up six weeks of time with Penny for any amount of
money.  That time is too precious."

   "Thank you," Penny said quietly.  She slipped her hand over and took
mine and gave it a squeeze.  That spoke volumes to me.

   "I guess I have my directions for the contract negotiations," Max said.
"Dan, Sharon, you've been quiet.  Do you have any questions?"

   "No, you have covered things very thoroughly," Dad said.

   "I'm comfortable, Max," Mom said.  "I feel Kyle is in good hands with
you representing him."

   "There is one other piece of business," Max said.  "I got a call from a
car dealership in Denver.  They want you and Penny to do a commercial for
their dealership."

   "Me?  They want me?" Penny gasped.  "Why would anyone me in their
commercial?"

   "It's for Highland Park VW, right?" I stated.  Max nodded yes.  "I
suspect they want to feature both of us because I bought our new car there
last week.  The GM mentioned how he liked the idea of us doing a commercial
with the message, `The first thing I did in Denver was to buy at car at
Highland Park VW.' He thought the commercial would work better if we were
there as a couple."

   "I don't know about appearing on TV," Penny said.  "I've never done
anything like that."

   "You're an excellent actress," I countered.  "You appeared in two plays
in school.  You were great in them."

   "That's a high school production in front of a few hundred people,"
Penny protested.  "You're the one who is used to performing in front of
millions of people on TV."

   "Go ahead and negotiate a deal with them, Max," I said.  "Let them know
it might be just me in the commercial.  Penny and I will discuss it further
and let you know if she wants to be a part of this."

   "Very well, I can do that," Max agreed.  "Does anyone else have any
questions?" We didn't.  "It's been delightful sharing lunch with all of
you. You will have to excuse me.  I must leave to catch my plane out to
LA."

   "Good luck," I responded.  "I guess this time of year is busy for you."

   "Busy... quite busy," Max agreed.  "Have a good day, all."

   Max took care of the bill as we left.  It was nice to be out from under
the NCAA idiotic rules.  If a friend wants to buy me lunch, it's OK.  Mom,
Dad, Penny and I headed back to campus and our cars.  Dad followed me out
of State College and towards home.  He seemed to lose track of me after
Potters Mills, where Route 322 goes to four lanes.  I guess I've got a bit
of a lead foot.  Penny and I got back home well before Mom and Dad could
get to town and go over to day care to pick up the little guys.

   -----------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I spent the rest of the week in Paradise.  I spent my time
studying the ePlaybook.  Penny spent part of her time relaxing and
decompressing from a difficult final semester of undergrad studies.  The
remainder of her time was devoted to getting things ready for our wedding.
She didn't bother me too often with wedding decisions so I could
concentrate on studying the playbook.

   The iPad ePlaybook proved to be extremely helpful to me as I learned the
Broncos offense.  I could start with the play going against a base 4-3
defense in man coverage and learn the receivers' assignments.  When I had
that down, I tapped a button to flip to a different defense so I could
learn how that changed the route running and the QB's decisions.  It was so
easy to flip back and forth.  Video of the Broncos running the play
reinforced what I was learning.

   I had needed all season to learn Coach Caffrey's simple offense back in
ninth grade.  I needed ten months to learn the much more complex offense
Coach Burton favored when I got to college.  The Broncos' West Coast
offense was an order of magnitude more complex than Penn State's.  I was
learning the package Coach Franks assigned me quickly.  I would have it
mastered by the time I got to the next OTA.

   Coach Franks made my job harder.  He did not assign me a specific
receiver position to learn.  I had to learn to play any receiver position
for each play.  Zack Hayes had warned me this was going to be a lot of
work. My friend hadn't exaggerated at all.

   Ed Fritz flew home from Florida Wednesday evening.  We worked out
together and caught up with each other's lives.  Ed had lots of questions
about my experiences with the Broncos.  He was only home until Sunday.  His
summer session classes started the day Penny was graduating from Penn.

   Ed and I were working out together Thursday night when I got a call from
John Parry, an executive with the National Council, Boy Scouts of America.

   "Mr.  Martin, Chief Scout Executive Mazucca asked me to give you a
call," Mr.  Parry explained.  "Bob spoke with you a couple months ago about
helping us out with a recruiting advertisement for our Fall Roundup of
scouts.  He indicated that you and a few of your friends may be willing to
help out with our recruiting efforts."

   "Mr.  Mazucca and I didn't get into exactly when he wanted our help, but
I did say that," I replied.  "I have talked with the friends I have in
mind. They are willing."

   "Who have you talked to?" Mr.  Parry asked.

   "One of them is Ed Fritz," I said.  "Ed happens to be standing right
here with me.  He's home from school for a short time before summer
semester starts."

   "Fritz?  The quarterback for the Gators?" Mr.  Parry asked.

   "The very same," I replied.  Ed's stopped lifting and listened to find
out what I was talking about.  "Jeremy North is the second guy."

   "The linebacker from Notre Dame?"

   "The very same," I answered.  "The last guy is Hal Long.  I doubt you've
heard of him.  He kicked for Rutgers and is trying out for a spot with the
Carolina Panthers this summer."

   "All of you are Eagle Scouts?" Mr.  Parry asked.  "That is most
impressive.  We were hoping we could bring the four of you down to Texas
for filming sometime in June.  What is your schedule like?"

   "June would probably be bad," I explained.  "Ed starts classes next
week." He mouthed the word "Monday" to me.  "He starts classes on Monday.
Jeremy, Hal and I all have team mini-camps and OTAs throughout May and
June. I doubt we could find anytime that all four of us are free that
month."

   "Oh... that's unfortunate," Mr.  Parry sighed.  "I was hoping..."

   Ed waved for my attention and whispered "Wedding?"

   "Hold on," I said.  "Ed just gave me a good idea.  All four of us will
be together in the beginning of July, just before my wedding.  Could your
crew come up to Pennsylvania to shoot this commercial?"

   "Hmmm... that might be possible," Mr.  Parry said.  "When would all of
you be available?"

   "Ed flies back from Gainesville on..." I said.

   "Evening of July 3rd," Ed said.  I repeated that information to Mr. 
Parry.

   "Jeremy and Hal should be home the whole week before the wedding," I
added.  "It looks like we could be available on July 4th and the morning of
the 5th.  How long do you think filming would take?  Can we get it done in
the available time?"

   "I anticipate it should be done in one day," Mr.  Parry commented.  "Do
either of you have an idea where we could film if we do this in
Pennsylvania?  We are looking for some nice outdoors scenes."

   "Why don't you use our local scout camp?" I suggested.

   "That could work," Mr.  Parry said.  "I will make arrangements through
the local council and confirm things with you and your friends.  Thank you
so much for being willing to help with our fall recruiting."

   "My scoutmaster taught me to pay back my obligations," I said. 
"Scouting has been very good to me."

   --------------------------------------------------------------------

   I took a break from studying the Broncos playbook Thursday afternoon to
go over to the high school.  I observed the Wolverines football team go
through informal spring practice for an hour and a half.  Gary Harrison and
Nate Trimble were leading things.  They kept the practice under control and
focused.  That was good.  Matt Sauder, Dave Mitchell and Cody Stevens, the
senior who normally would have run things, had headed to college early.

   I had intended to simply observe, but Gary wouldn't accept that.  Within
a few minutes he had me on the field coaching the varsity receivers.  I had
fun doing it.  Jake Baughman, an eleventh grader and Matt's backup last
fall, ran the offense precisely.  He could complete the short and
intermediate passes.  He didn't have the arm to go deep.  The ball tended
to float, leading to as many interceptions as completions.

   Ryan Newswanger, the ninth grader who QBed the JV team to an undefeated
season, was less sure of himself running the offense but he had a gun for
an arm.  Coach Turner was going to have a hard choice in the summer.  Jason
ran an option offense when Jake was playing last season.

   Ryan could run the same offense that Matt ran for the last three years,
but would need to grow into the role.  I knew he'd make a lot of mistakes
as he learned to compete on the varsity level.  I didn't envy Jason the
decision he would be making next August.  Thankfully I didn't need to make
that choice.  All I needed to do that afternoon was contribute my thoughts
as the guys worked out.

   Penn and Penn State finished up the spring term ahead of most of our
friends' schools.  Jeremy and Kathy at Notre Dame had finished finals last
week.  Their graduation was May 15th.  Our friends were using their free
time in between to find an apartment in Chicago and getting their things
moved there from South Bend.  Rutgers scheduled finals for Hal, Tammy and
the rest of the Rutgers students for this week.  Our friends didn't
graduate until May 22nd.

   We spent Thursday and Friday nights at my parents' house.  It gave us
time to play with Noah, Connor and Hunter.  The twins got the news that
they were going to be the ring bearers for the wedding.  Mom advised us
that Hunter was a bit too young to be a part of the wedding party.  He
would have to stay with Mom during the service.  Hunter was not happy about
it at all.  We promised he could help us cut the wedding cake.

   Penny and I went shopping Friday afternoon to buy birthday presents for
Noah and Connor.  The twins would get a double celebration this year. 
Penny and I would do ice cream and cake with them on Tuesday night.  Andy
and the rest of the family would celebrate on the proper birthday on Friday
night, when Andy was home from college.

   Penny and I headed back to Philly on Saturday morning.  We had lunch
with Penny's closest college friends, Dave Hansen, Dakota Sheppard, Katie
Zamora, Jordan Whitaker and Erin Lambert.  We went to the White Dog Café on
the edge of campus.

   The White Dog specialized in local foods.  My first course, the Kennett
Square Mushroom Soup was good.  I had to try the Green Meadow Cheddar
Burger.  The menu said that Green Meadow Farm was located in Gap, Pa., not
too far from Paradise.  Our group tried the Lamb Bolognese, Crab Cake
Sandwich, Southwest Chicken Salad and Grilled Steak Salad.

   I enjoyed the lunch with Penny's friends.  I wish I had more free time
in the past few months to get to know them better than the occasional
Wednesday trivia nights.  The group called April Cheney from the café.  The
University of Edinburgh, where she was studying this year, didn't finish
the spring semester until late June.  She would miss her graduation
ceremony but she would get to see everyone at our wedding.

   Penny had errands to run in the afternoon around campus to finish up
everything she needed for graduation and for next fall for veterinary
school.  I hung out at our apartment and studied the first block of plays I
was to know for the next OTA.

   Dakota and Katie had a graduation party at Dakota's apartment that
evening.  The party was fun but bittersweet.  Penny and her friends knew
they would see each other again in the coming years but it would never be
like it had been during the past four years.  I supported Penny.  I
certainly understood her feelings.  I went through the same thing a few
weeks ago at the party after the Blue and White Game.

   There was plenty of beer flowing that evening.  Penny and I had our
share.  It was fortunate that Dakota's apartment was in walking distance of
ours.  I wasn't totally wasted, but I was drunker than I'd been in at least
eighteen months.  Penny and I made love when we got back.  It was wonderful
to unite our bodies in spite of our inebriation.

   ------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I managed to get cleaned up and have a quick brunch before Jim
and Marilyn Edwards arrived.  The four of us headed over to the Irvine
Auditorium for the Baccalaureate ceremony.  The service included music,
readings and a prayer.  I was glad I made Penny's ceremony since I missed
my own last weekend.

   Penny gave us a tour of campus after the Baccalaureate.  Jim took all of
us out to dinner that evening.  He had made reservations for us at LaCroix,
one of the top restaurants in Philadelphia.  The restaurant in located in
the Rittenhouse Square Hotel.  Jim drove us over.

   LaCroix was fancy, befitting the occasion.  Jim and I had the Corn Soup
for our first course.  Marilyn and Penny had a salad.  Penny had the veal
with fava beans for her main course.  Jim and Marilyn both had the Hudson
Valley Duck with cauliflower and waxed beans.  I decided on the Divers
Scallops with fennel, honey dew melon, and pork belly.  It was excellent.
We enjoyed some wine with dinner.  White Peach ice cream topped off our
meal.  It was excellent too.

   Penny and I gave up our bedroom to Jim and Marilyn and stayed on the
pull-out sofa bed.  It was small and damned uncomfortable.  Thankfully we
only had to sleep on it for a single night.

   ------------------------------------------

   We took Jim and Marilyn over to the Green Line Café on Lancaster Avenue
for breakfast on Monday morning.  They serve a nice selection of coffees,
teas and cold drinks.  They also have muffins, scones, croissants and
bagels available too.  I had a cold chai latte, an apple-cherry walnut
bagel with cream cheese and a chocolate croissant.

   Jim, Marilyn and I walked over to Hamilton Village with Penny.  The
undergrads, grad students and faculty were assembling there for the
procession to Franklin Field, Penn's athletic stadium.  Jim, Marilyn and I
helped Penny don her gap and gown.  All of us gave Penny hugs and kisses
before we let her search out her friends in the sea of caps and gowns.

   I walked Jim and Marilyn across campus to Franklin Field.  We found
seats in the east stands near the north side.  Penny told us that would put
us closer to where she was sitting in the undergrad seating.  The
processional arrived on time at 9:30 that morning.  The baccalaureate
students led the way, followed by the masters and doctorate students. 
Representatives of past classes followed the students into the stadium. 
The class officers for the Class of 1988 and the Class of 1963 came next.
The faculty followed the alumni into the old brick stadium.  University
president Amy Gutmann, the Provost, the guest speaker, former Secretary of
Defense Robert Gates, and the deans came in last.

   A recent graduate from a couple years ago sang the National Anthem for
the crowd.  The Chaplain led the invocation and then turned the program
over to the president of the Board of Trustees introduced President
Gutmann, who welcomed everyone and then asked the Provost to conferred the
honorary degrees to eight recipients.

   Secretary Gates was presented with a Doctorate of Humane Letters.  The
Humane Letter degree was gilding to the secretary's outstanding resume. 
The program told us that Secretary Gates received his Bachelor's degree
from William and Mary, his Masters from Indiana University and his
Doctorate in Russian and Soviet History from Georgetown.  I had total
respect for the secretary.  When reports came out of poor medical treatment
and care at Walter Reed for our soldiers, heads rolled.  Top heads too, not
junior underlings.  I read how he made getting body armor out to our troops
a high priority.  I knew he drove the military procurement people to get
armored vehicles to Iraq and Afghanistan to protect the troops from IEDs.
Regardless of your politics, you have to respect a leader who looks after
his men and women.

   The Provost introduced Secretary Gates after the eight honorary degrees
were presented.  Secretary Gates talked about the challenges our country
faced in the coming decades.  He called for the graduates to show public
mindedness and to spend part of their working lives in public service.  Our
country needs leaders able to make tough choices and to work together on
the hard task of keeping our country strong and safe.

   History teaches that there is evil in the world and we will always need
to be prepared for it.  Secretary Gates advocated using diplomacy and
development to disarm potential conflict whenever we can.  He said our
country still needs hard power to back up the soft power he was advocating.
We also need to keep our economy and our politics strong if we expect our
country's military to be up to the task of protecting our country.

   Secretary Gates concluded his fifteen minute speech with a call for each
graduate to find a way to serve and lead our country to greatness at home
and abroad.  Secretary Gates was given well deserved sustained applause for
his remarks.

   President Gutmann came forward and introduced the deans, one by one. 
Each dean read the names of the graduates from his or her college.  The new
graduates stood at the chair as their names were called, saluted President
Gutmann with their caps and placed them on their heads before switching the
tassels to the opposite side of the caps.

   Jim, Marilyn and I all stood with our cameras ready as Dean Rebecca
Bushnell, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, read the names
Andrew P.  Eastman, Holly M.  Ecay and Jonathan R.  Edge.  We were ready
with our cameras when she announced "Penelope Ann Edwards, Bachelor of
Arts, Summa Cum Laude."

   Jim, Marilyn and I had a long wait after Dean Bushnell moved onto the
next graduate.  There were a couple thousand members in the Class of 2013.
We waited as the deans of the other colleges announced their graduates and
then the graduate schools announced their lists.  It was after noon when
President Gutmann gave her closing remarks.  The big crowd sang Penn's alma
mater, "The Red and Blue" before the Chaplain dismissed the graduates and
faculty.  We stood during the recessional.

   Guests and visitors weren't allowed to depart until after the end of the
recessional.  I called Penny after we waited our turn to exit the stadium
to help Jim, Marilyn and me find Penny and catch up with her outside the
stadium.  Dave Hansen, Dakota, Katie, Diane, Jordan and Erin were gathered
with her.  Katie and Jordan's parents met up with the group ahead of us. 
The rest of the parents found the cluster shortly after us.

   Cameras came out and megabytes of pictures were taken - parents with
graduates, boyfriends and girlfriends, families, and the group of grads
together.  The group lingered together outside the stadium for a while but
hunger got to us eventually.  There were hugs and tears as the close knit
group departed and went their separate ways.  I know how tough it is
leaving, knowing that the close friendships you shared over the past four
years will never be recaptured.

   None of us were in the mood for anything fancy for lunch.  We stopped at
Stan's Deli to grab some sandwiches on the way back to the apartment.  We
ate our lunch back at the apartment before departing.  Jim and Marilyn
headed back to Lancaster County ahead of us.  Penny and I finished our
packing.  I carried one load of boxes out to my car and brought it around
to the front of our building.  Penny came downstairs with the rest of her
things and loaded up while I went for the final load of my things.

   Vincent Rizzo, our doorman, held the door for me.  "Thank you, Vincent,"
I said politely as I exited.

   "Do you have more to come, Miss Edwards?" Vincent added.

   "No, this is it," Penny answered.

   "You're not moving everything out?" Vincent asked.  "I expected you
would clear out for the summer like you have other years."

   "We're keeping the apartment over the summer," I explained.  "We can
afford it and it's easier this way.  We may be back occasionally this
summer, depending on what flights we need to catch out to Denver."

   "I'll see you in the fall, Vincent," Penny said.  "Thank you for
everything you do."

   "Yes... thank you, Vincent," I agreed.  "I guess I won't see you again
until next January..." I gave him a big smile.  "Or maybe February... when
my Broncos beat your Eagles in the Super Bowl."

   "Fat chance of you guys beating my Eagles," Vincent responded.

   "We'll see how things stack up in the fall when your team comes out to
Denver," I countered.

   "Vick will burn your secondary," Vincent taunted.

   "...if Antwaan Booker doesn't break him in half."

   "Seriously, good luck in Denver," Vincent retorted.  "I'll cheer for you
until you play the Eagles."

   "I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the Eagles," I said as I
opened the car door.  "Good luck, Vincent, and thanks for everything." He
gave me a big smile and a wave as I pulled away.

   Penny and I took the Schuylkill Expressway out of Philly.  We beat the
afternoon traffic rush, but barely.  I hopped on the turnpike at King of
Prussia and took it west to Morgantown.  That was faster than fighting our
way across Chester County at four o'clock in the afternoon.  It was a
pretty drive down Route 23 through Churchtown, Blue Ball and New Holland.
We headed south through the farmland to Intercourse, Bird-In-Hand and then
on to Paradise.  We made it home with enough time for me to help Penny
unload her things at her house before we joined my family for dinner.

   We finished unloading our things into my basement bedroom.  We were
staying with my family for the two days we were home.  When unpacking was
finished we headed to Penny's house.  We had a lot of work to get ready for
Noah and Connor's pre-birthday birthday party tomorrow evening.

   The two of us purchased three balance bikes for the twins and for
Hunter, when his birthday came.  The boys had outgrown the plastic
tricycles that they rode around the driveway and backyard.  The balance
bike had two wheels, a seat, a hand brake and a kick stand, just like a
regular bikes.  The only thing missing was peddles.  The boys could to
learn to balance themselves as they used their feet to propel themselves
and stay upright.  It sounded like a much better way to learn to ride a
bike than the training wheels our parents used for us when we were growing
up.

   Jim Edwards helped me assemble the three bikes.  Penny and I bought name
tags to go on the front of each, since the bikes were identical otherwise.
We also got bike helmets for the boys.  Jim, Penny and I spent most of the
evening assembling the bikes and getting Noah and Connor's bikes ready for
tomorrow night.  Hunter's bike went to the Edwards' basement until his
birthday in July.

   -------------------------------------------------------

   Mom did a kid friendly dinner Tuesday night - hot dogs, macaroni and
cheese, broccoli in cheese sauce and ice cream with sprinkles and whipped
cream.  The boys were covered ear to ear with ice cream, syrup and whipped
cream when they finished devouring their treat.

   "Mom-Mom, may we go play?" Connor asked politely as he finished.

   "May we?" Hunter and Noah echoed.

   "Wash your hands and faces before you go," Mom responded.

   "Noah and Connor, are you forgetting something?" I asked.  "Penny and I
will be in Denver on Friday when you celebrate your birthday.  Do you want
your presents early?"

   "Yeah!" "Yeah... Yeah!" the twins responded enthusiastically.

   "You guys go wash up and come back to the table," I instructed.  "Penny
and I will get your presents ready for you." The boys obediently cleaned up
and returned to the table.  Penny brought five boxes upstairs from the
basement while I moved the bikes from the garage to the driveway by the
back door.  I returned inside to find the twins excitedly shaking the boxes
and guessing at their contents.

   "You get the grown up presents first, boys," I said.  Penny handed each
a flat box.

   "Clothes?" Noah asked as he ripped at the paper.

   "You're right, smarty-pants," I responded.  "I don't play at Penn State
anymore.  I play for the Denver Broncos now." The boys pulled the blue and
orange Broncos T-shirts out of the box and stared at them.  "What do you
think?"

   "Thank you, Unka Ky," Connor said.

   "Can we still cheer for the Nitt'y Lions?" Noah asked.  "We'll cheer for
your team too."

   "Of course you can," I agreed.  "I will always cheer for my Lions."

   "Here's your second present, boys," Penny said as she handed the boys
cube shaped boxes.  The boys tore the boxes open and pulled out the red
helmets.

   "What d'ese for?" Noah asked as he and his brother stared with quizzical
looks.

   "They're bike helmets," I explained.

   "We don't have..." Connor said.  "BIKES!" the twins screamed in unison
as they put the clues together.  "Where d'ey at?"

   "Outside in the driveway by the back door, guys," I said.  The boys
dashed outside.  The rest of the family followed them outside.  The boys
each went for a bike, though the wrong one.  They hopped onto the seats.  I
had made a good guess about the heights when Jim and I assembled them last
night.

   "Where the peddles at?" Connor asked.  "Yeah, where d'ey?" his brother
added.

   "These are balance bikes, guys," I explained.  "You learn to steer,
balance yourselves and stop without worrying about peddles.  You use your
feet to get your bike going.  These bikes will help you learn how to use
bikes with peddles."

   "Oh... Kay," Connor said.  Mom and I helped the boys get their helmets
fastened before they tried their new bikes.  The boys were a little wobbly
to start with but soon figured out how to make them go.  Mom explained the
rules to the boys.  They only could ride when an adult was out with them.
They had to stay in the driveway or in the back yard.  They couldn't go on
the street or ride without their helmets.

   I noticed Hunter seemed a little down as he watched his nephews enjoy
their presents.  "Penny, do you have the last box?" I asked.

   "We have something for you too, buddy," I explained.  "You're not a baby
anymore.  You understand that Noah and Connor's birthdays are this week. 
Yours is seven weeks away.  Penny and I got this for you.  It's sort of a
pre-birthday present."

   Hunter tore the wrapping paper off the box, tore the box open and pulled
out another helmet identical to the ones Noah and Connor had.  "A helmet...
thank you, Kyle." Hunter gave me a smile before turning to Penny.  "Thank
you, Penny.  Is there a bike somewhere for me?"

   "It's not your birthday yet," I replied, "...but odds are pretty good
you might find one when it is your birthday."

   "Why do I get helmet now?" Hunter asked.

   "I bet if you ask Noah or Connor, they will let you try out their
bikes," I said.

   "Really?" Hunter beamed.  "Hey guys, can I try a bike?  Please?"

   "Uhh...." Noah stammered as he wheeled by, "maybe later."

   "Connor?" Hunter begged.

   "Later?" Connor answered.

   "Boys, what did I teach you about sharing?" Mom quizzed.

   "Hunter, would like to try d'is?" Connor asked as he coasted over to his
young uncle.

   "T'ank you," Hunter said politely as he took Connor's bike in hand.  He
tried to climb on the seat but he couldn't reach it.  The twins were about
four inches taller than their uncle.

   "Connor, why don't you ride a little longer," I said.  "I'll get a
wrench so I can adjust the seat for your height, little bro." It didn't
take long for me to get the seat adjusted to fit my little brother.  Soon
the three boys were happily scooting around the driveway.

   "Can you watch the kids, Sharon?" Dad asked.  "I'd like to confer with
Kyle and Penny before they head out west to look for a home."

   "Sure, Dan," Mom agreed.  Penny and I followed Dad to his den and found
seats opposite his desk.

   "Have the two of you decided whether you want to rent or buy when you
look for housing?" Dad asked directly.

   "I thought we would look at both rentals and purchases," I said.  "We
can keep our options open and see what makes the most sense."

   "We're getting lots of conflicting advice," Penny added.  "What do you
suggest, Dan?"

   "You can make a good argument for purchasing a home," Dad said.  "When
you rent the money goes and you never see it again.  If you pay out on a
mortgage, the money you pay builds equity and builds your wealth.  Later
you can sell the home and get a return on your monthly payments.  Renters
don't get that return when they leave a property."

   "I can see that, Dad," I agreed.

   "Owning comes with hassles too," Dad continued.  "You'll be living there
by yourself for a good part of the year, Kyle.  Who mows the lawn?  Who
fixes the leaky faucet?  You can afford to hire people to take care of that
for you.  Maybe a condo would make sense, given your situation."

   "Kyle and I talked about that already," Penny said.

   "We think, if we decide to buy, that condo is the way to go," I added.

   "Whatever route you go if you decide to buy, make sure you keep the size
and cost of the property reasonable," Dad said.  "Do you remember how
Terrell Owens was stuck with the big, six million dollar mansion for years
after the Eagles cut him?  He still owned the place in Jersey three teams
later."

   "That makes sense," I agreed.  "Anyway, why would I want a huge mansion?
I'll be spending a lot of time there by myself."

   "Look for something in the $250,000 to $400,000 dollar range, son," Dad
said.  "That should keep the marketability of your home up in case you ever
need to move."

   "That makes sense," I agreed.

   "I know Max is telling you that he can get you $4 million plus in the
next couple months," Dad said.  "That sounds like a huge amount of money.
Be conservative with it.  It will not go nearly as far as you think."

   "I know," I said.  "Everyone is telling me that.  I guess I'd better
listen."

   "I wanted to talk about insurance too, Kyle," Dad explained.  "I looked
into insuring your contract against non-football related injuries.  The
coverage is quite expensive.  Are you sure you want to pursue skiing while
you play professional football?"

   "I'm not sure at all," I answered.  "I want to talk with Brady Rasmussen
about it.  I love skiing and Colorado is a fantastic place to ski, so I
don't want to rush into a decision."

   "Consider what is best for both yourself and Penny," Dad cautioned. 
"You need to carefully consider the full impact on your family.  Is skiing
worth the expense?  What do you think, Penny?  This affects your financial
future as much as it does Kyle's."

   "I understand Kyle's need to do outdoor things," Penny answered.  "I
feel the same way.  Skiing is a great outdoors sport for the winter. 
Exactly how much does the insurance cost?"

   Dad told us the figure.  "Wow!" I gasped.  "Maybe I'll take up cross
country skiing or snowshoeing."

   "Think about it, Kyle," Dad said.  "Lower risk activities will come with
lower premiums."

   "I will," I agreed.  "I figure Penny and I will report in each evening
and keep you updated on our search for housing too.  I value your input in
this decision.  I've gone from earning $1,500 for a summer's work to being
given a check over a hundred times that for being willing to say, `I like
their shoes.' All of this is still a bit much to process."

   "Take it one step at a time," Dad said.  "Remember where you come from
and who you are." He gave me a big smile.  "Tonight's trash night, Kyle. 
Could you take the trash out?"

   "Sure, Dad," I agreed.

   After I took the trash out, Penny and I spent the remainder of the night
getting things packed for our extended trip west.  We did take time off to
read a bed time story to Noah, Connor and Hunter.

   ----------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I left early on Wednesday morning to head up to Harrisburg. 
Our flight flew out at 7:00 am, had one layover in Cincinnati and finished
up in Denver at 10:10 am.  It was close to noon when Penny and I collected
our luggage and took the shuttle out to long term parking.  Penny stopped
short when we got to our new car.

   "This car is great, Kyle," Penny exclaimed.  "This very nice.  You made
a good choice, honey."

   "I think it will do well," I answered.  "Do you want to drive it?"

   "I'll let you do that for now," Penny said.  "You know your way around
Denver.  I don't know the roads at all." I just laughed.

   "I know the way from here to our hotel," I answered.  "I can get to the
Dove Valley complex from there.  That's about it.  Hop in.  We can learn
Denver together."

   I headed south for I-225 and I-25.  We were more than ready for lunch
when we pulled off at East Arapahoe Road.  We spotted a barbecue place near
the interchange.  They were running a $20 special for an appetizer, two
entrees and two banana puddings.  I enjoyed half a slab of ribs.  Penny had
a nice brisket sandwich.  We headed across Arapahoe to our hotel after
lunch.

   Penny and I decided to do some exploring that afternoon to get to know
the area better before we met with the realtor in the morning.  I knew
heading east on Arapahoe took us to a more commercial/industrial area so we
headed west on Arapahoe.  We found grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and
gas stations.

   Penny and I decided to check out the banking services at a Wells Fargo
branch.  We had that bank in Lancaster and Philadelphia.  It would be a
distinct advantage to deal with a bank that had branches in Pennsylvania
and Colorado.  That would be much better than moving money back and forth
as our lives took us from one state to another.  Penny and I opened a joint
account.  I put $10,000 into the account.

   We drove through some residential neighborhoods to get a feel for
Denver. No one did colonial style houses.  The houses were on smaller lots
than we were used to but they looked nice.  We didn't see many apartments
or condos on our drive.

   We stopped off at a King Soopers grocery store on the way back to the
hotel.  There wasn't any sense in eating out all the time we were here.  We
picked up some snack food and some things for breakfast.  Penny and I got a
surprise in the checkout line.  The lady ahead of us pulled out a store
discount card as the clerk began to ring up her purchase.  It was identical
to the card we had for the Turkey Hill Minit Markets back home in
Pennsylvania.  We handed her our card when she rang up our purchases.  The
clerk didn't bat an eye.  Apparently the stores are owned by the same
company.  On the way back to the hotel we passed a Loaf and Jug convenience
store.  The store used the same logo as what we thought of as the "Turkey
Hill" logo.

   Penny and I decided to try a Mexican restaurant for dinner.  There was
one on South Clinton Street, just up the road towards Arapahoe from our
hotel.  Penny and I decided to be adventurous.  We had burritos.  I did the
burrito loco with pork, rice and refried beans in a tortilla topped with
lettuce, tomato, guacamole, sour cream and green chilis.  Penny ordered the
burrito chipotle.  This was similar to mine except it had a spicy chipotle
sauce.  It was spicier than Penny expected.  We stopped off at a pharmacy
for some Tums before going back to our hotel.

   Penny spent the evening reading and watching a little TV.  I went back
to studying my playbook.  I was determined to be ready for the team's next
OTA in a few days.  Penny and I went to bed early, by Colorado standards.
We weren't adjusted to the two hour time difference yet.

   Penny and didn't wake up until around 8:00 am on Thursday morning.  I
felt great after a good night's sleep.  I greeted my sweetie with a kiss on
the cheek.

   "How was your night?" I asked.

   "Not great," Penny answered without returning the kiss.  "I'm never
having a chipotle burrito again.  I still feel off."

   "I'm sorry, sweetie," I replied solicitously.  "Do you want to use the
bathroom first?"

   "No, go ahead," Penny answered.  "I'm going to let my queasy stomach
pass before I get up."

   I headed to the bathroom and started my shower.  I wasn't even soaped up
when Penny burst into the bathroom and rushed to the toilet.  Her retching
told the tale.  "Are you OK?" I asked as I poked my head out around the
shower curtain.

   Penny spit the last of the bile into the toilet bowl and gave me a weak
smile.  "I am NEVER having burritos again!"

   "Do you need anything?" I asked.

   "No, I feel a little better now," my lover replied.  "I'll be OK." Penny
brushed her teeth and washed her mouth out with mouth wash while I finished
my shower.  I finished up in the bathroom and let Penny take her turn.

   "I'm making myself some eggs and sausage," I announced when Penny came
out of the bathroom.  "Do you want some too?"

   "Sausage?" Penny said wearily.  "The thought makes me queasy.  I'll make
myself some toast.  Go ahead.  You can make some for yourself."

   "I'll have a bagel instead, if the smell of the sausage will bother
you," I offered.

   "No, it's fine, Kyle," Penny replied.  "I don't want anything greasy
like sausage or slimy like eggs this morning."

   I scrambled a couple eggs for myself and nuked some pre-cooked sausage
in the microwave.  It sure is nice having a full kitchen in the suite. 
Penny toasted a couple pieces of bread and buttered them.  The coffee from
the in-room coffee maker hit the spot.  Penny was feeling a little better
by the time we headed out to the car to go to our appointment with the
realtor.

   The realtor's office was a couple miles away.  Penny navigated me there
off the map on her smart phone.  The sign out front said "Sturbridge
Realty." We headed inside.  The receptionist had us take a seat out front
while she paged someone to see us.

   "Hi, I'm Kate Gable," I very attractive fiftyish woman said in greeting.
"You must be Mr.  Martin and Miss Edwards.  It's so nice to meet you." I
detected a slight accent to her speech.

   "How do you do," I said as I shook her hand.  "Please call me Kyle.  Mr.
Martin is too formal."

   "I'm Penny," my sweetie added as she shook the well-dressed blonde's
hand.  She handed each of us her card.  The card said "Kate Goebel."

   "Are you of German ancestry?" I asked politely.  "The pronunciation of
Goebel is unusual for America."

   "I know, it's not the usual spelling," Kate responded.

   "Sure it is," I added.  "Gay...Oh Umlaut... Bay... Ay... Ell...
natürlich." [Göbel spelled in German, naturally]

   "Sprechen sie deutsch?" Kate asked.  [Do you speak German?]

   "Ja," I agreed.  [Yes]

   "Ich, auch," Penny added.  [Me, too.]

   "I was born in Germany," Kate explained.  "My family came over when I
was six.  I know my accent is just terrible."

   "No... no it isn't," I responded "It's barely noticeable.  It was the
spelling of your last name that clued me in.  That and the fact that three
of my four grandparents are of German descent."

   "And two of mine," Penny added.  "Kyle and I took four years of German
in high school."

   "Sehr gut," Kate said.  [Very good] "It is good you learn about your
heritage.  The German-American community in Denver is quite strong.  You
may enjoy visiting with us sometime.  We have an outstanding Oktoberfest."

   "We may someday," I agreed.

   Kate invited us to the office conference room.  "Let me learn a little
more about you and your needs," Kate said as we settled into the
comfortable executive style chairs.  "Mr.  Dawkins didn't go into detail
when he arranged for me to meet with you.  May I ask your status with the
team, Kyle?  Were you drafted or are you a free agent?  I guess I need to
understand what you expect to be the duration of your stay with the team."

   "They drafted me in the first round and used their second round draft
pick to jump up high enough to get me," I explained.  "I expect to be here
at least four years, maybe more."

   "Are you looking for an apartment or purchasing a townhouse or a single
family home?" Kate asked.

   "We've ruled out owning a home on its own lot," Penny said.

   "I won't have time for maintenance on a property like that," I added. 
"We're going to be splitting time between here and Philadelphia.  Penny is
starting veterinary school in September.  We plan to live here in Denver
when school is out and live at our apartment in Philly when Penny has
school and the football season is done.  I'll live here by myself while she
has school and I have football."

   "So you're renting or buying a condo, is that correct?" Kate said.  "Do
you have a preference?"

   "We've been getting conflicting advice," I answered.  "My agent is
suggesting that we rent and keep our costs down.  My dad and a close
friend's dad say we would be smarter to own our place so we have equity."

   "That's sound advice," Kate said.  "I can take you around to some of the
apartment complexes in the area and then we can look at the condos.  You
can see what interests you.  I assume you are just finishing college.  Did
you stay in the dorms?"

   "No, we shared an off-campus apartment for the past semester," Penny
said.

   "May I ask what you pay in rent?" Kate asked.  "It will give me a feel
for your comfort level."

   "$1237 a month," Penny said.

   "How many bedrooms and baths?" Kate asked.

   "One of each," I answered.

   "Oh my, that is much higher than rents in our area," Kate exclaimed.  "I
can get you a very nice apartment with two or three bedrooms and a couple
baths for that rent."

   "Our place is a prime rental location for college students," Penny
explained.  "It is a couple blocks off campus from both Penn and Drexel's
campuses."

   "How many bedrooms do you believe you need?" Kate asked.

   "I was thinking two or three," I answered.  "One is for Penny and me. 
We expect our families will come out to visit from time to time so we want
a guest bedroom.  I need a study area or office, which could be a third
bedroom."

   "OK, I have a good idea of what you are looking for," Kate said.  "Let's
hit the road and take a look as some of the places that are available.

   We ended up visiting four apartment complexes around Centennial,
Highland Park and Englewood.  All the places we saw were too cramped and
congested for our tastes.  Penny and I wanted some open space nearby.  This
is Colorado.  We wanted hiking trails and a place nearby to enjoy the
outdoors.

   We stopped off for a quick lunch between the second and third stop. 
Penny was feeling better.  She had a chicken sandwich on white toast.

   The last of the four was the least objectionable.  It was less than a
mile from Dove Valley.  The buildings were stacked one on top of another.
It just wasn't what we wanted.

   Kate took us to a see a townhouse in Centennial that was closer in
towards the center of Denver.  It was still more urban than what Penny and
I were looking for.  It was getting late in the afternoon so Kate agreed to
meet us at 10:00 am tomorrow to continue our search.

   Penny and I swung by the team's Dove Valley facility after we finished
our house search.  I gave her a quick tour.  We bumped into Brady
Rasmussen. Brady was delighted to meet Penny after teasing her a bit for
convincing me not to go to USC for college.  Brady called home to confer
with his wife.  The two invited us to go out to dinner with them on Sunday
evening.  We accepted.

   Penny and I stopped off at Gunther Toody's Restaurant for dinner.  We
had burgers, fries and shakes for dinner.  The two of us relaxed back at
the hotel for the evening.

   ----------------------------------------------

   I woke up Friday morning spooned with Penny.  I snuggled up against her
back and reveled in the warmth and comfort.  Penny stirred a few minutes
later.  I gave her a hug and kissed the back of her neck.

   "How are you feeling this morning?"

   "Much better," Penny answered.  She rolled over and gave me a kiss on
the cheek.  My sweetie hadn't been in the mood for lovemaking last night
but that changed, now that she was feeling better.  Cuddling led to kissing
and then playful nips and tickling.  I fondled Penny's right breast and
gave her nipple a tweak with my lips.

   "Ow!  Easy does it, Kyle," Penny protested.  I didn't think I had been
all that rough.  Penny usually likes me to play with her nipples.

   "Sorry," I apologized.

   I was gentler after that.  We made out for about ten minutes before
enjoying a very sensual coupling.  I was spent when we finished.

   "I'll shower first," Penny offered.

   "Sure," I languidly.  I lay in bed for a few minutes relaxing before I
got up.  "Do you want some eggs and sausage?" I asked as I popped my head
in the bathroom door.

   "Sure, that sounds great," Penny answered from in the shower.

   I scrambled four eggs and heated the sausage in the microwave.  Penny
finished up in the bathroom and was dressing.  The aroma of our breakfast
filled our suite.  I finished off the eggs by melting a bit of cheese over
them.  Next thing I saw my sweetie rush back to the bathroom and heard
retching.

   "Are you OK?" I called out.  I didn't get an answer immediately.  I
heard Penny at the sink washing up.  She was pale when she came out from
the bathroom and she gave me a weak smile.

   "I didn't expect indigestion to last two days," Penny offered.

   "It normally doesn't," I commented.  "Would you like some toast?"

   "Toast would be wonderful."

   Penny ate her toast while I had my share of eggs and sausage.  The
remainder went in the trash.  I showered after breakfast.

   "Are you up to house hunting today?" I asked after my shower.

   "My stomach is still doing flip flops but it's better than earlier,"
Penny answered.  "I will be fine with the search."

   We headed over to Kate's office, meeting her on time for our
appointment. The first place she took us was to a five story condo on the
opposite side of I-25 from our hotel.  The place was a penthouse apartment
and was gorgeous.  It had three bedrooms and three baths.  The view from
the spacious deck was amazing.  The condo had high ceilings.  The kitchen
area was wood paneled and had granite countertops.

   We loved the place until we heard the price.  They wanted $625,000 for
it.  I knew Dad's advice to stick to moderately priced homes was good
advice.  Would we be able to sell this place in four years if I didn't get
another contract from the Broncos?  We passed on this one.

   Kate showed us another condo in the same complex, a couple floors lower.
The place had three bedrooms and two baths.  The ceilings were standard
height.  The place went for $278,000.  Penny and I wanted to keep looking.
The complex had no open space or areas for hiking, running or walking.  We
wanted that.

   The next place was about a mile to the west, off Dry Creek Road from our
first place.  It had two bedrooms and two baths.  It had an attached two
car garage, which would be very nice.  The condo had a study room which
would be perfect for me when I needed quiet time to study for the team. 
The complex had a pool.  The place was about twenty-five years old.  The
landscaping was mature.  There were a couple ten to twelve foot trees, one
in front and one in back.  They wanted $309,000 for it.

   "This just isn't what we're looking for," I explained as we finished
looking at the place.

   "Everything you showed us feels like the `city'," Penny added.  "The
area we grew up in has fields, woods and open space nearby.  That is
something we would like to have."

   "I have a couple listings towards the edge of the Denver metro area,"
Kate said.  "We can drive down a take a look.  If they're too `city', I can
take you down to Castle Rock."

   "That sounds fine," I agreed.  Kate took us south on I-25 a couple
exits. I knew we were getting closer to what we wanted as I stared at the
open hills rising beyond the clover leaf.  This looked more promising.

   "The Bluffs Regional Park is half a mile ahead of us," Kate commented as
she pulled into the exit lane.  "Do you golf, Kyle?"

   "Very little," I answered.  "I'm too busy with football to play much. 
It's fine if the place is near a course.  They are pretty to look at."

   "Do you run?" Kate responded.

   "Every day," I said.  "I put in three or three and half miles."

   "The course has walking and jogging trails around it," Kate explained.
We passed an six story office building and a couple strip malls as we
traveled west.  We were passing Wells Fargo Bank branch when I spotted the
golf course ahead of us.  We passed a target and a Safeway grocery store.

   Kate turned right into a development opposite the golf course.  The sign
out front said "The Greens of Lone Tree." This looked promising.  We passed
smaller townhouse apartments on the left.  Larger homes were on the right.
Kate turned off the entrance street and turned again as soon as she made it
around the end home.  We drove a short distance to the end of the
cul-de-sac and pulled into one of the driveways.

   The homes were grouped in pairs, attached along the garage wall.  Each
house had a big two car garage that dominated the street view.  The house
for sale had a beautiful twenty foot tall tree growing in the yard beside
the driveway.  A picket fence ran from the end of the garage across the
side yard to the adjoining house.

   Kate led us down the walk past the garage to the entrance door on the
side of the house.  This property had a triangular plot of grass surrounded
by the picket fence.  It was nicely landscaped.  You came into a tall
entryway into the house.  Your eye was immediately drawn to two story
living room ahead.  A gorgeous wooden bannister graced the stairway to the
right of the front door.  Another door from the entryway led into a study.
A quick glance inside revealed a floor to ceiling bookcase surrounding a
computer desk.  This was perfect place for me to study and prepare for
football.

   Kate led us into the spacious living room.  It had a gas fired
fireplace. "You can put a big screen TV on the mantle," Kate said.  "The
previous owners loved it up there." The house was unfurnished.  "The owner
was transferred to San Francisco for his job.  He and his family had to
leave in a hurry.  The house is available for near immediate occupancy. 
Unfortunately you need to use a little imagination to visualize this place
when it's furnished.

   "I think we can manage that," Penny said.  The beautiful hardwood floors
really stood out with the place unfurnished.  Kate took us through the
kitchen.  It had granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a
family breakfast nook at the counter.  The formal dining room was adjacent
to the kitchen and living room.  Both rooms had a nice few across the deck
to the open space behind the house.  Kate took us out on the deck.  I
spotted a walking trail running behind the property.

   The house had a downstairs half bath.  Kate showed us the three upstairs
bedrooms.  The master bedroom had ten foot ceilings and a nice built in set
of drawers and space of the entertainment center.  The big master bath had
both a tub and a glass enclosed shower along with a long counter with two
sinks.

   Kate showed us the other two bedrooms.  They had normal height ceilings.
Each bedroom had a small attached bathroom.  They were nice.  With a study
and a third bedroom, Penny could have a room for herself too.  That was a
bonus.

   I could tell from Penny's expression she was thinking the same thing as
me.  We've found it.  This place looked nearly perfect for our needs.

   "How far are we from the Bronco's training facility?" I asked.

   "It is about six miles away," Kate answered.  "It would be a real easy
commute.  You can get on I-25 and shoot up to Arapahoe Road or you can take
local streets.  You can take Lincoln Avenue over to South Peoria Street. 
Peoria takes you straight to the airport."

   "Which is adjacent to Dove Valley," I added.  "That's sounds like pretty
easy commute.  This place is huge.  I hope it isn't as expensive as the
penthouse you showed us earlier this morning."

   "The house has 2,991 square feet," Kate explained.  "The owner is in a
bind.  He owns a second house in San Francisco too.  He needs to move this
one.  He is asking $335,000 for it.  It's a real steal."

   "Can you give Penny and me a chance to confer?" I asked.

   "Certainly, Kyle... certainly," Kate agreed.  She stepped outside to
give us privacy.

   "So, what do you think?" I asked when Kate left.

   "Well... we made up a list of things we wanted in a home," Penny said,
enumerating the points, "... a yard, three bedrooms, an area for you to
study in, somewhere near open space, walking trails in the area and at a
reasonable price."

   "It's a little bigger than we had in mind," I said.

   "I love the hardwood floors," Penny added.  "The kitchen is beautiful. I
can see us living here."

   "I can too," I agreed.  "I don't see why we need to look further.  This
place has everything we want plus the park half a mile away is a bonus."

   "I agree," Penny said.

   I want outside and brought Kate back inside.  "We like this place," I
said.  "Obviously, given our age, we want to talk with our parents before
we make a firm commitment, but we definitely are very interested.  What's
the next step?"

   "Do you need to secure financing?" Kate asked.

   "Not exactly," I said.  "That is part of what could complicate things.
We are planning on paying cash but I don't have the money to pay the full
$335,000 right now.  We won't have all the money until I get my contract
negotiated with the Broncos and I get my signing bonus.  How much do we
need to put down if we want to hold the place?"

   "We can write an agreement of sale for sixty or ninety days," Kate
suggested.  "You don't need to settle on the property immediately.  Would
that be enough time for you?"

   "Probably," I replied.  "My agent thinks negotiations should go
smoothly. I'm certain things will be done in less than ninety days.  Few
first round draft picks have missed training camp in the past couple years.
What complicates things is that Penny and I have time between now and our
wedding in the beginning of July to get a place to live set up.  Is there
any way we can move in without paying the full amount?  We can probably
swing $50,000 or $100,000 right away."

   "It can be worked out," Kate said.  "You would need to put up earnest
money, typically 2% of the purchase price, to complete the agreement of
sale.  Earnest money is $7,300 dollars given the asking price.  Is that
possible?"

   "That's no problem," I replied.  "I can handle that."

   "Once the agreement of sale is signed, we may be able to work out early
occupancy," Kate said.  "You would lease the property for a month or two
while the current owner retains the title.  That will get you in the house
without you needing to pay the full cost for the property."

   "That sounds like a plan," I said.  "Penny, do you think we need to see
more houses?"

   "No, I don't think so," Penny responded.  "I think we need to talk with
our parents and then make some decisions."

   "We'll get back to you as soon as we have a chance to talk and come to a
decision," I said.

   "Call me this evening or tomorrow morning if you make a decision," Kate
said.  "Do you want me to contact the owner about the possibility of
leasing the house?"

   "Yes, that would be great," I agreed.  Kate took us back to her office
so we could pick up our car.  It was 12:20, so Penny and I dropped by a
Denny's to grab some lunch.  Penny limited herself to soup and crackers
since her stomach was still a little unsettled.

   We called my Dad right after we finished eating.  He had a great idea.
He suggested that Mom, Jim, Marilyn and he meet at his office after dinner.
Dad's conference room had a phone set up for doing conference calls. 
Everyone could weigh in on the decision that way.

   Penny and I decided to use the rest of the day working on the other
things we would need to establish a home: pots, pans, dishes, house wares,
electronics and furniture.  I had the bright idea to rent a storage locker
for a month so we would have a place to store the small things that we
bought until we moved into our apartment or house.  The furniture would be
delivered after we took possession of our house.

   Penny and I made it back to our hotel room by 4:30 pm for the phone call
with our parents.  The call went smoothly.  Penny and I described the
property and the features that sold us on the place.  Our parents asked us
some questions.  Thankfully they didn't ask anything we hadn't asked Kate
already.  They agreed with my and Penny's evaluation.  Dad insisted that we
had to have an inspections clause in the agreement of sale before we signed
it.

   I called Kate after we got off the phone with our parents.  She would
prepare the sales agreement and fax it to us so we could look it over
before we came in to sign it tomorrow at 10:00 am.

   Penny and I stopped off for at dinner at the same barbecue place where
we had lunch on Wednesday.  We went back to shopping after dinner.  Penny
was in her element.  I endured until we got to the electronics store.  I
enjoyed picking out a big screen TV for the living room and a smaller one
for our bedroom.  We got a couple Blu-Ray players, a pair of phones with
answering machines and a couple clocks.

   ------------------------------------------------------

   Penny felt fine before bed Friday night.  The next morning she was
retching again while I showered.  She was cleaning herself up when I
climbed out of the shower.

   "You can't blame indigestion three days after the meal," I insisted. 
"What is wrong?"

   "Flu?" Penny offered weakly.  "Do you have chills, aches or pains?"

   "Not really," Penny said.  "This is no big deal.  I'll feel better in an
hour or two."

   "No, this is something we need to deal with," I insisted.

   "I'm fine," Penny insisted.

   "You need to get looked at," I countered.

   "We don't have a doctor here," Penny replied.  "I will be OK until we
get home."

   "I'm not taking no for an answer," I said.  "We are going to find
someone to check this out.  Take your shower and have some toast."

   I finished in the bathroom and dressed before I began my search.  I
glanced at the clock when I was ready.  It was a little before eight
o'clock.  I hated to do it but I called Brian Dawkins at home.

   "Hello, Dawkins," the familiar voice said.

   "Brian, I hope I didn't wake you," I responded.  "This is Kyle Martin."

   Brian snorted.  "I have four kids Kyle.  It's cartoon time.  I've been
up for over an hour.  What can I do for you?"

   "It's my fiancée, Penny," I explained.  "She has been throwing up for
the past three days.  Do you have any suggestions where I could take her to
get checked out?  Back home I would take her to a first care medical center
where they take walk-in patients for non-emergencies.  I would hate to take
her to the emergency room for what she thinks is the flu."

   "Yes, we have them here too," Brian said.  He gave me the name and
address of the place he used for his family when he couldn't get to his
regular doctor.  Penny had her toast while I had a bagel with cream cheese.
We went straight over to the clinic Brian recommended.  Thankfully only two
patients ahead of us.

   We waited a half hour before the doctor could see Penny.  She was in
back for twenty minutes before she came back.  The doctor checked her over
thoroughly and took blood and urine for testing.  We waited about fifteen
minutes before the nurse came out for Penny.

   "Miss Edwards?  Mr.  Martin?  Would the two of you come back, please?"
the nurse asked.

   "Both of us?" I asked.  The nurse nodded yes.  We followed her back to
an exam room.  The nurse had Penny sit on the exam table.  I took a chair
beside the table.  We waited a couple minutes before the doctor came in.

   "Hello, I'm Dr.  Randall Odom," the thirty-something doctor said.  "Mr.
Martin, you are Penny's fiancé?"

   "I am," I agreed.

   "You should be here to hear the news too," Dr.  Odom said.  He turned
and stared Penny in the eye.  "Penny, you're pregnant."

   Chapter 87

   ==========

   "Pregnant?" Penny gasped.  "Are you sure?  That can't be right."

   "The test is definitive," Dr.  Odom said.  "You are pregnant."

   "I'm very careful about birth control," Penny countered.  "Well, except
the one time..."

   "Except?" I asked.

   "You remember how crazy things were the night when you got drafted,
don't you?" Penny replied.  "I forgot and packed my pills when we loaded
your car Wednesday night.  You left for school before I could get them.  I
missed the one that morning.  It should have been fine.  I took the morning
after pill on Friday morning."

   "When was your last period?" Dr.  Odom asked.

   "Friday a week ago," Penny said.  "That's why this is so unexpected."

   "How heavy was the flow?" Dr.  Odom asked.

   "It was lighter than usual," Penny replied.  "It only lasted a few
hours. I attributed it to stress.  Between finals, graduation, moving and
everything, our lives have been pretty hectic lately."

   "You can have some light spotting when you first become pregnant," Dr.
Odom said.  "When was your last normal menses?" He slid a small calendar
across the desk for Penny to look at.

   "I guess it was April 12th to 16th," she answered.  The doctor typed the
data into his computer.  "Ah-huh..." he mused as he read the screen.  "I'm
estimating that you are starting your sixth week, Penny.  Did the two of
you have intercourse somewhere around April 25th?"

   "That's the day," Penny said.  "Kyle got drafted and we... uh...
celebrated that evening." My sweetie blushed at the admission.

   "...and it is the day you missed taking your birth control pill?" the
doctor asked.  Penny nodded yes.

   "I took the morning after pill the next morning," Penny added.  "That
should have protected us, shouldn't it?"

   "Most times," Dr.  Odom agreed.  "The calendar says your most likely
ovulation day was April 25th.  You probably had a fertile egg that evening
when the two of you had intercourse.  You conceived before you took the
morning after pill and that pill does not help if you have conceived
already."

   "I guess we know the how," I interjected.  "What is our next step?"

   "The two of you are young and unmarried," the doctor stated.  "Are you
ready for the responsibility of raising a child?  Do you have the means to
provide for one?"

   "We are taking care of the unmarried part on July 6th," Penny said.

   "We certainly can afford the costs of having a child," I added.  I
chuckled.  "Money is NOT an issue."

   "Do you mind me being nosey?" Dr.  Odom asked.  "You keep saying `when
you were drafted.' What do you mean?  The army stopped drafting young men
decades ago."

   "The army stopped drafting people but the Broncos didn't," I replied. 
"I play football."

   "Oh..." Dr.  Odom commented.  He got a big smile on his face.  "Kyle
Martin... Amish Lightning.  I understand."

   "The local press has been calling me that," I acknowledged.

   "I guess money won't be an issue," Dr.  Odom agreed, chuckling.  He
turned to Penny.  "You should arrange an OB/GYN visit.  Would you be doing
that here in Denver or back home in Pennsylvania?"

   "Would it be OK to wait until next week?" Penny asked.  "I'd prefer to
do it back home.  I expect I would be back there for most of the
pregnancy... if..." My honey did not complete the thought.

   I shuddered at the thought.  Penny and I always planned to have a
family, though not quite this soon.  Would she consider aborting our child?


   "Obviously you and your fiancé need to have a serious talk," Dr.  Odom
said smoothly.  "Pregnancy counseling services are available to help you
through this.  It will be fine if you do your OB/GYN visit in a week.  Here
is a pamphlet of do's and don'ts during pregnancy.  The big don'ts are no
smoking, no alcohol and no illicit drug use." The doctor handed Penny a
brochure.

   "I don't smoke and I don't do drugs," Penny declared.  "They won't be
any problem.  I enjoy a glass of wine or a beer once in a while.  I guess I
will be skipping that for the next nine months." I was encouraged that
Penny was at least considering carrying our child to term.

   "That's very good," Dr.  Odom said.  "Do you have any questions?"

   Penny didn't.  I paid the copayment on Penny's insurance before we left.
My fiancée was uncharacteristically quiet.  We walked out to our car in
silence.  We had about twenty minutes before our appointment with Kate
Goebel, just enough time to get over to her office.

   "I guess we are still signing the agreement of sale the way we planned,"
I commented.

   "We need a place to live out here," Penny snipped.  "Drive!"

   "Yes, dear," I agreed immediately in the subservient tone Dad used when
Mom was pissed.  Discretion is the better part of valor and all that.  We
drove in silence.

   I had time to ponder my own feelings.  I was looking forward to
fatherhood... someday.  Were we ready for this?  We were a hell of a lot
more ready than Andy had been four years ago.  In some ways, we were more
ready financially than Will and Abby had been a year ago.

   I was close enough to being a teenager to remember the head strong
willfulness and rebelliousness.  I certainly understood the 3:00 am cries
and feedings for a baby.  I saw the dirty diapers, puke, drool and other
disgusting bodily fluids that came out of small children.

   I also watched Hunter's first steps.  I listened as Noah, Connor and
Hunter learned to talk.  I shared in the sheer joy as the boys found what
life had to offer.  Christmas, birthdays, Halloween... we were going to get
to experience all of this with this new... person.

   "Do you..." I began.

   "Not now, Kyle!" Penny snapped.  "I need time to process all of this." I
kept my mouth shut and drove on.  I did not blame Penny for her demeanor.
She just received a hell of a shock.  I didn't have to carry this child.  I
didn't have to go through labor and delivery.  This didn't put my career
plans into question.  I needed to support Penny as she went through all of
that.

   I pulled into the Sturbridge Realty parking lot.  "Are you ready to
spend a bundle of money?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

   "Yeah, I am," Penny agreed.  "It is a really great house." She gave me a
little bit of a smile and held my hand as we walked inside.

   Dad had reviewed the copy of the agreement of sale we e-mailed to him
last evening.  He said it was fine as drafted.  Kate greeted us warmly when
we came inside.  She took us to the conference room and presented us with
the agreement of sale.  Penny and I signed and initialed as Kate indicated
through the six page document.  I wrote the check for $7,300 and we now had
our home.  Kate presented us with the two month lease agreement.  We would
pay $1,500 a month for the house.  The terms ran from June 1st to July
31st.

   "Could we make one change, Kate?" I asked.  "Could the lease run from
May 25th to July 25th with settlement to be completed by July 25th?  I have
a team OTA that starts on the 27th.  It would be great if Penny and I could
stay in our new place for those three days instead of renting a hotel
room."

   "That would be no problem at all," Kate said.  "Give me a couple minutes
to correct the dates and print out a new lease agreement."

   Kate returned a few minutes later with the revised document.  Penny and
I signed and initialed it and I gave Kate a check for the first, last and
only two month's rent.  We now had a place of our own to stay for our next
trip to Denver.  We could pick up the keys when we got in from the airport
next Saturday.  Kate thanked us and wished us the best before we left.

   "So, what's next?" I asked when we got outside.  "I assume we aren't
going to continue our shopping binge right this minute."

   "Sorry I've been so snippy since the doctor's office," Penny said. 
"This is all such a shock."

   "Tell me about it," I agreed.  "I feel like I've been run over by a
train.  What do you say to driving down to that park near our new house and
do some exploring?  I'm sure it has walking trails.  We could take a hike,
enjoy the natural beauty and get a quiet place to talk this out."

   "You know, that is a very good idea," Penny said as she gave me a hug
and a kiss.  We headed down I-25.  I got off at Lincoln Avenue.  I followed
it west a few blocks to the golf course across from our new house.  A sign
pointed the way to the Bluffs Regional Park.

   I parked the car in the park parking lot.  We followed the trail that
climbed up to the top of the bluffs.  We had a good view of Lone Tree
behind us.  We walked up the hill a bit, neither of us saying anything.

   "I just don't see how I can do this," Penny said, breaking the silence.

   "It is how are WE going to handle this?" I responded.  "I'm in this with
you."

   "Don't take this wrong, Kyle," Penny said.  "I know you will do
everything you can to help.  It's just that you will be here for the
easiest two months of the pregnancy and then you go off to training camp.
After that I will barely see you again until the season is over next
January.  I just don't see how I can do it."

   "Are you saying you want to get rid of this child?" I asked.  "I get
that this will be hard.  Don't you think my Mom had it hard when she found
out about being pregnant with Will when she was seventeen?  Heck, Mom was
pregnant with me when she married my Dad.  They were our age and didn't
have two nickels to rub together back then but they did it.  You know how
hard it was for Andy and Crystal.  Can you imagine if they took the easy
way out and got rid of Noah and Connor?"

   "I'm not saying we should get rid of it," Penny responded.  "I just
don't see how I can manage all of this.  I'm not going to be your little
housewife, barefoot and pregnant."

   "That's not the woman I asked to marry me," I retorted.  "I want to
marry the Penn summa cum laude that will make a hell of a veterinarian
someday.  Will and Abby are barely scraping by on Will's teaching stipend,
their summer camp salaries and money that Abby's parents give them to help
cover rent.  They've managed in spite of having Rose much sooner than they
planned.  Abby hasn't turned into a stay at home housewife.  She hasn't
even missed a semester of med school.  Will it be any harder for you than
Abby?"

   "I guess I can talk with my professors in the fall," Penny admitted.

   "Worst case you miss one semester while you have the baby," I said.  "It
isn't the end if the world.  You still get where you want to go in the end.
I figure we can hire a full time nanny or house keeper to help you manage.
We have the resources to afford it."

   "Well... that's true," Penny admitted.

   "I think we need to consider getting a bigger place in Pennsylvania," I
said.  "We will need that if we get a live in nanny or an au pair.  What do
you think?"

   "You're probably right," Penny agreed.  "I'm not sure about raising our
child in the city."

   "She needs to experience the outdoors the way we did when we were
growing up," I stated.  "Maybe I need to talk with Trevor's dad about that
place he told us about earlier in the week.  A farmhouse on a wooded lot
with a creek in the back sounds pretty nice.  Al said it has a summer home
beside it.  That would be perfect if we get live in help for you."

   "It would be," Penny agreed.  "By the way, what do you mean by `She
needs to experience the outdoors?' How do you know it's a girl?"

   "I don't," I answered.  "We can't call our baby `it.' That dehumanizes
her.  As far as I am concerned, you're carrying our daughter until we find
out otherwise."

   "OK, I can buy that," Penny said.  She shook her head.  "A few weeks ago
we were normal college students.  Now we're starting a family, bought one
house and are talking about buying another.  Will anything ever be normal
for us again?"

   "No, probably not," I responded.

   "This scares the hell out of me," Penny said.  We stopped walking and I
gave her a hug and kiss.

   "It scares the hell out of me too," I said before giving her another
kiss.  "We will make it through this together."

   We continued up the hill, passing the two water towers near the top. 
The trail crested and dropped over to the far side of the ridge.  Homes
down below us were spread out a lot more than on the Lone Tree side of the
bluffs.  We continued around the end of the ridge and turned onto the north
side again.  The golf course was ahead and below us.  It wrapped around a
central hill filled with homes.  We hadn't noticed that yesterday when we
viewed our new home the first time.  That hill blocked the view of our
home.

   Penny and I continued down the trail as it took us down to the parking
area again.  Near the bottom we passed a trail that headed north into the
development around the golf course.  It probably would take us over to our
new house.  We hiked for about an hour.  I estimated the trail to be about
three miles long.  It would be a great place for my daily run.

   It was well past time for lunch.  We stopped off at a store in the strip
mall on the way to I-25.  There were half a dozen restaurants in the place.
We decided to try the Brooklyn Deli.  Our sandwiches were OK.

   We headed to the furniture store and picked out a kitchen set and two
bedrooms of furniture.  The company couldn't deliver on a Saturday
afternoon, so they would meet Penny the following Monday morning.

   We headed to a camping store next to get Therm-O-Rest mats and sleeping
bags.  We would be "camping" in our empty house for a couple days until the
furniture arrived.  A stop at King Soopers took care of our supper needs.
We made some spaghetti and toasted garlic bread for our meal.

   Penny and I called our parents at the same time so neither could leak
our news to the other set of parents before they heard from us.  I reached
my Dad when I called home.

   "Did you lock up that house you wanted?" Dad asked when he picked up.

   "We did," I confirmed.  "I put down $7,300 and we signed the agreement
of sale.  I gave them another $3 grand for two month's rent.  We move in
next Saturday."

   "That fast," Dad remarked.  "That's good for the two of you."

   "I have more than the news about the house, Dad," I said.  "No lectures
about this.  I know you knocked up your bride before the wedding..."

   Dad broke up laughing.  I held the phone waiting for more of a response
from Dad than that.  I could hear Mom the background ask, "What's so funny,
Dan?  What's up?"

   "Talk to your son, Grandma," Dad managed to say between giggles.

   "What is so funny, Kyle?" Mom asked when she took the phone.

   "Well... your fourth grandchild is on its way," I answered.  Mom laughed
evilly.

   "You teased me when I announced Hunter's arrival," Mom responded.  "What
goes around comes around, smart ass." Mom laughed again.  "Do Jim and
Marilyn know?"

   "Penny's telling them right now," I answered.

   "How's Penny taking all of this?"

   "Shock at first, then numbness," I explained.  "We're coming to terms
with this."

   "When's her due date?" Mom asked.

   "January 17th," I answered.  Mom had a few more questions for me.  I
answered them as best I could.  I talked about how we thought we would look
for a larger place and see if we could find a nanny or au pair to help
Penny next fall and winter.  I promised we would talk about it more when we
got home next Thursday.

   Jim and Marilyn Edwards took the news that their next grandchild was on
the way very well.  Marilyn promised to see about getting Penny an OB/GYN
appointment for her when she got back to Pennsylvania.  I teased Jim when I
got on the phone with him that he could put his shotgun away.  It would not
be needed to get me to marry his daughter.

   -------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I found a local Presbyterian church about three miles north of
our hotel.  We decided to catch the worship service Sunday morning.  It was
time for us to get to be a part of the community, rather than being drop in
visitors.  Their website indicated they had a coffee fellowship at 10:00 am
and worship at 10:30.

   The people at the coffee fellowship were very friendly to Penny and me.
We struck a conversation with a couple around my parents' age, Bill and
Laura Schneider.

   "Are you from this area?" Bill asked after they greeted us.

   "Sort of," I answered.  "Penny and I are moving to Denver."

   "Job related?" Laura asked.

   "Yes," I answered.  I didn't plan to publicize who I was just yet. 
Penny and I wanted to just blend in for now.  "I graduated from Penn State
two weeks ago.  Penny graduated from the University of Pennsylvania last
week.  I was offered a job out here, so here we are."

   "That's wonderful," Bill said.  "The University of Pennsylvania is a top
school." Bill chuckled.  "Joe Paterno certainly put your school on the
national map, Kyle."

   "Yes, Coach... uh, Joe Paterno certainly did," I agreed.

   "Your school's team hasn't done too badly since Joe Paterno retired,"
Bill said.  "I was sorry to see your team lose the National Championship
game.  I cheered for them to beat those obnoxious Texans.  What is the name
of the man who coaches the Lions now?"

   "Coach... Robert Burton," I stammered, managing to recover quicker than
last time.

   "What line of work are you in, Kyle?" Laura asked.

   "I have a degree in education," I answered.

   "Wow, you are coming half way across the country to teach," Bill
commented.  "What school will you be at?"

   I gave up trying to dodge the issue.  "I have a degree in teaching but
that isn't what I will be doing here in Denver.  The Broncos drafted me."

   "I'm not a huge football fan but I watch the games sometimes," Bill
replied.  He thought for a few moments.  "Kyle Martin... yes, I remember.
You played wide receiver for the Lions.  You came very close to setting
your team up for a winning field goal against those Texans at the end of
the game."

   "Not close enough," I replied.  "C'est la vie."

   "I hope you enjoy the service today," Bill said.  "You'll find our
church family is very welcoming to visitors.  Rev preaches a good sermon
too."

   "You call your pastor Rev too?" I chuckled.  "That is the nickname we
gave my minister back home.  I'm sure Penny and I will enjoy our visit."

   We went inside and found seats.  The "Rev" was a woman.  The service was
nice.  The Rev preached a good sermon.  She was very friendly when we met
her after the service.  Penny and I agreed as we drove back to the hotel
that we would look at other churches in the area but this one was going to
be on the list when we chose our religious home in Denver.

   We stopped off at a Loaf `n Jug and picked up a copy of the Denver Post
to read that afternoon.  We spent part of the afternoon reading about
Denver's happenings.  Penny watched a movie later in the afternoon.  I
continued studying the ePlaybook.  I felt confident I knew the package that
Coach Franks assigned to me at the rookie mini-camp.

   Brady gave me directions to the steakhouse where he was hosting Penny
and me for dinner Sunday night.  The place was located on Arapahoe Road
west of I-83.  We met Brady and his wife in the parking lot.

   Brady waved us over when he spotted us.  Brady introduced his wife Casey
to us.  Casey was about 5'-7" tall and quite slim.  She had straight black
hair down to her shoulders.  Her eyes and cheek bones gave her face a
slightly oriental look.

   We headed inside.  Brady ordered some appetizers for us to snack on
while we waited for our steaks.  Penny told Casey more about our background
and experiences.  We found out more about her too.

   Her dad was born in Ohio but went west for college at Cal Poly Pomona.
He was a mechanical engineer.  He met Casey's mom at college.  She was from
a Chinese family that had emigrated back before the turn of the century. 
Her mom taught fifth grade at an elementary school in Pasadena, where Casey
grew up.

   Casey met Brady at USC when she was a freshman and Brady was a
sophomore, academically.  Coincidentally, they met a couple weeks after my
recruiting visit to campus.  Casey and Brady dated off and on her first
year.  They decided to go steady near the end of her freshman year.  They
had been together ever since.

   A steady stream of Broncos fans stopped by our table to say hi to Brady,
offer encouragement to the team and to get autographs.  A few fans
recognized me too.  Brady took the nuisance in stride, as did Casey.

   "Does all the fuss bother you?" Penny asked.

   "No, not at all... anymore," Casey replied.  "Brady was the starting
quarterback at USC when we started going steady.  They are nuts about
football at `SC.  Over the past six years I've learned to accept all the
adulation Brady gets.  Does Kyle get much attention that way?"

   "He gets it a lot in Pennsylvania," Penny answered.  "I got to see this
aspect of Kyle's life a little after we broke up as freshmen.  Kyle and I
still traveled in the same circle of friends after the breakup.  I thought
it must be a colossal pain in the ass back then.  My sweetie has helped me
understand that it is part of the price to pay for the advantages being a,
or being with, a big star.  I guess I can expect more of that here in
Denver."

   "Bigger stage with more fans demanding more time and attention," Casey
answered, "...assuming Kyle plays up to the team and the fans'
expectations."

   "I'm sure Kyle will do well," Penny said.

   "I'll do my best to help out the team any way I can," I added.

   "Your mantra?" Brady teased.  I nodded yes.  "That's a good thing to
say. You do know you are going to get some ribbing from the vets?  It's
inevitable given that you cost the team two high draft picks."

   "I understand," I agreed.  "I've been the ninth grader on the varsity
team in high school, the starting QB's and coach's pet when I started
college.  I understand completely."

   The excellent steaks were accompanied by baked potatoes that came with
butter, sour cream and fresh chives.  We talked more, getting to know each
other better.  I got to the one topic I really wanted Brady's input on near
the end of dinner.

   "Brady, do you get in much skiing off season?" I asked.

   "I don't ski anymore," Brady replied.

   "I remember you telling me you loved to ski," I said.  "That's what you
told me when you were recruiting me to play at USC."

   "I grew up skiing," Brady said.  "Hell, I'm from Idaho.  What else would
you expect?  I skied the first couple years at `SC.  Coach Carroll took a
dim view of his starting quarterbacking risking his knees on a ski slope,
so I stopped.  I never took it up again when we moved here.  It's too
risky."

   This wasn't the answer I expected at all.  I knew Brady loved outdoor
activities as much as I did.  "I know a ski injury invalidates the
guarantees in our contracts.  What about insuring your contract in case you
get hurt while skiing?  That would protect your and Casey's financial
interests."

   "It's not just the money, Kyle," Brady explained.  "You've seen the feel
good stories on ESPN, Real Sports and Hard Knocks of the free agents who
make it into the league and become superstars."

   "Sure," I agreed.

   "That's the exception in this league, which is why they make such a big
deal about the Wes Welkers, Danny Amendolas and Max Rosens." I had to smile
at his mention of my come-from-out-of-nowhere friend's season last year. 
"This is a talent driven league.  If some high draft picks go bust, coaches
get fired.  How do you think the Broncos got into the problems they had
three years ago?"

   "Bad drafts?" I offered.

   "Exactly," Brady confirmed.  "Coach McDaniels and his staff are gone. 
The team got a new front office too.  That's when John [Elway] was hired to
put things right.  If you don't live up to the lofty expectations of the
fans and the team for you or if you do perform as expected this season and
then go out and blow out your knee skiing after the season, you will
materially harm this team." Brady was getting warmed up now.

   "Hell, you cost the team more than I did," he declared.  "They used the
#8 pick for me.  You cost the team the #12 and #44 picks.  The pain will be
worse if you don't pan out.  Don't take crazy risks like skiing for the
sake of your team.  There are plenty of fun outdoor things to do in
Colorado.  Hike, bike, canoe, raft, see the mountains... there are many
choices for people like us."

   "This isn't what I hoped to hear," I said glumly.

   "You have the rest of your life to do crazy things like ski... after you
finish playing football," Brady said.  "You owe your teammates, the
coaches, the team and Denver your best for the next four years."

   "Yeah... OK," I agreed.  I don't know if Brady knew he was using the
best argument to reach me intentionally or by accident.  Hitting me with
`the team needs you' was the most effective argument anyone could make to
change my mind.  No skiing, which is hugely disappointing to me.

   The four of us talked about the possibility of doing some camping or
hiking together, most likely next summer.  This summer was too hectic to
consider it.  Penny and I told Casey and Brady about our honeymoon plans.
They were one of the few couples that was enthusiastic about our
"primitive" honeymoon.

   Penny and I enjoyed the dinner and time spent getting to know Brady and
Casey.  I thought we were going to get to be good friends.  Brady got
serious after the check came.

   "Are you prepared for tomorrow, Kyle?" Brady challenged.  "Do you know
everything in the package that the coaches gave you?"

   "I do," I replied.  "At least I think I do.  I am comfortable enough
that I know the material that I studied a little ahead of my assignment."

   "Really?  What plays did you look over?" Brady asked.  I told him.  He
gave me a wink.  "Be ready at tomorrow's afternoon practice.  If the
defense presents us with an opportunity, I may check into one of those
plays.  The coaches let me do that occasionally to keep the defense on
their toes."

   "I'll be ready, Brady," I promised.  Penny and I thanked Brady and Casey
for a nice evening before we departed for our hotel.  I spent the remainder
of the evening reviewing the first package of plays again.  I needed to
have them down cold tomorrow.

   -----------------------------------------------------------

   May 21st

   Christian Powell gave me a ride over to Dove Valley Monday morning, so
Penny could keep the car.  He was staying at the Staybridge Suites too.  He
had rented an apartment but couldn't move in until June 1st.  We got over
to the facility around 7:15 am, wanting to be early for our first day with
the whole team.

   About twenty guys or so were in the locker room when Chris and I
arrived, mostly rookies like us.  More players arrived in the minutes after
we got there, both veterans and fellow rookies.  Brady stopped by my locker
to wish me well when he arrived.  I noticed he did the same at quite a few
other lockers too.  That's a good thing for the leader of our offense to
do.

   Antwaan Booker stopped by too.  "What're you gonna do with your first
practice, kid?" Antwaan teased.  "Gonna take a punt return for a TD on your
first touch like in college?"

   "That was a kick return in our game against Kent State," I replied.

   "No, not that one," Antwaan said.  "It was on a punt return during your
first special teams practice with the Lions."

   "I think I remember the play you mean," I replied.  "It was a kick
return too.  I split the blockers and took off.  I remember I was pissed
Coop caught me." Cooper Barnes was Lions' kicker when I was a freshman. 
Coop had try-outs around the NFL a bit, finally finding a home in Seattle
last year.

   "Whatever," Antwaan said.  "You opened a lot of eyes among the seniors.
Do it here too."

   "I'll do my best, Antwaan," I promised.  I gave him a grin.  "I'm here
to help however I can."

   "You do that kid," Antwaan replied.  He gave me a big grin.  He had
heard my mantra before.  "You do that."

   Antwaan headed down the row to his locker.  An older black guy leaned
across a couple lockers and offered me his hand.  "I guess you're used to
high expectations.  I'm Kellen Brown." I shook his hand.

   "It's good to meet you, Kellen," I answered as I shook his hand.  I knew
from studying our roster that the short African-American was an eight year
veteran who came to the Broncos from the Redskins three years ago when
Coach Baldwin took over the team.

   "I'm looking forward to seeing if you can loosen things up for us,"
Kellen commented.  "I had a front row seat to watch what D-Jax [DeSean
Jackson] did when he started in Philly.  I broke into the league with the
Redskins, in case you didn't know."

   "I remember hearing your name when I used to watch Eagles-Redskins
games," I agreed.  "I hope I can be as effective as everyone expects me to
be."

   "Don't worry about expectations, Kyle," Kellen said.  "Just play your
game."

   "Good advice," I responded.d "Thanks, Kellen.  I will do my best to help
however I can."

   Another guy sat down at the locker beside mine as I stood to head to the
team meeting room.  He gave me a smile and said, "Hey," as I left.  I
returned the smile and said "hi." The guy had the locker between me and
Omar Harris, so I presumed he was also a wide receiver.  He was around
5'-10", about the same size as Omar and a little shorter than Kellen.

   Didn't our team have any large receivers other than Kieran and me?  No
wonder they had so much trouble getting open last year.  Use press coverage
against these small guys and they'd never get off the line of scrimmage. 
That was most likely the reason the Broncos picked up Kieran when he became
a free agent this spring and why they drafted me.  Keiran's 6'-3" and I'm
6'-5".  No one is going to push us around at the line!

   Omar Harris breezed by me as I left the locker room, barely
acknowledging my "Hi, Omar," as he headed inside.  I went down the hall to
the meeting room.

   Coach Baldwin started his meeting a few minutes ahead of the announced
8:30 am time, no different from every coach I ever played for.  Coach
reviewed the plans for the next three days and then gave us an overview of
the OTA next week and the mini-camp in a couple weeks.  He reviewed the
depth chart.  I was listed as the #1 slot receiver.  Kieran was #2 at the
slot.  Omar was first at split end and Kellen was first at flanker.

   We headed outside for warm-ups, drills and to run through plays.  The
entire OTA was done without pads.  No hitting was allowed this week or next
week.  I met the remainder of the wide receivers on the team that morning.

   We had ten guys in our position group.  Omar Harris, Kellen Brown, Chris
Harding and Jamal Lewis were the veterans that played with the Broncos last
season.  Dustin Brooke, Rashad Jones, Stephen Young and I were the rookies.
Kieran Keen was a six year veteran that signed with the team as a free
agent in March.  Chris Harding was the quiet, four year vet that I bumped
into that morning.  He had the locker beside mine.  Chris was a Gator,
having been Elijah Carter's favorite receiver.  He knew Ed Fritz from his
official visit but never played with my friend.  Jamal Lewis played for
Denver for three years after finishing at Virginia Tech.

   I thought I did fairly well with the drills.  A couple times I had to
think about what the play was when it was called, but mostly I was able to
run whatever Brady and the coaches called and execute what I learned. 
Dustin, Rashad and Stephen, the other rookies, seemed to have more trouble
keeping the plays straight.  I was pretty sure the ePlaybook was paying
dividends for me.

   I ate my lunch quickly and headed to the team meeting room early so I
could have more time to review the playbook before the afternoon practice.
I pulled out my iPad and worked as the rest of the team assembled.  A
couple of the rookies spotted what I had, so I showed them how it worked.

   Omar Harris, Marcus Everett, our starting right defensive end, and
another guy, most likely a linebacker, came by.  Omar did a double take as
I was showing off the iPad.

   "How in the hell did you get one of those?" he demanded.  "I've been
begging Coach for one of those for months."

   "Brady showed his to me," I explained.  "I asked Coach Baldwin and he
agreed to let me test it for the developers."

   "Must be nice to be the coaches' prized first rounder," Omar sniffed.  I
overheard him mutter, "Damned prima donna.  He'll see when a real
cornerback knocks him around."

   I kept my head down and my mouth shut.  I understand from my Psych 100
course.  I am a threat and he's acting out to defend his "turf." The
Broncos run a West Coast offense with lots of passing.  There will be
plenty of work for both of us.  It's the third, fourth and fifth receivers
from last year's team that need to worry about their jobs.

   I put away the iPad I was studying when Coach Baldwin began the
afternoon meeting.  His talk about professional obligations and the team's
expectations took half an hour.  Coach opened the floor to questions.  The
questions started out about Coach's topic but soon ranged beyond that.

   Jamal Lewis posed a good question.  "I see a few of the team received
the new ePlaybook we've heard so much about.  Any idea when the rest of us
will get it?"

   "Good question, Jamal," Coach Baldwin said with a grin.  "I'll throw
that one back to our resident engineers... Brady or Donovan?" I saw Brady
look over at one of the linebackers.  The linebacker nodded.

   "Got this one," Donovan said.  "My EE professor for Introductory C++
said it best.  The first 90% of writing a program takes 90% of the time. 
The next 10% takes 90% of the time.  The finishing touches take 90% of the
time." [Actually a quote of Neil J.  Rubenking from
http://www.quotegarden.com/programming.html]

   "Do you know who he is?" I whispered to Zane Bell, who was sitting next
to me.

   "He's our starting Sam [strong side linebacker]," Zane replied.

   "Yeah, now I remember," I said.  "Purdue... I played against him a
couple years ago."

   "I want to thank Brady and Donovan for with working with our IT
department to get the ePlaybook ready this spring," Coach Baldwin
explained. "I also want to thank two of our rookies, Kyle Martin and
Christian Powell, for serving as our human guinea pigs to test the latest
version of the playbook.  Christian, Kyle... what's the verdict?  Have the
ePlaybooks been useful?"

   "Definitely," Christian spouted quickly.  "I love it."

   "It's a much, much, much better way to learn a playbook," I added.  "You
get multiple modalities of learning with the ePlaybook.  See the diagram on
the screen.  Read the description.  Watch the team execute the play on
video.  You learn plays much faster with multiple ways of communication."

   "I guess you can see Kyle has a degree in education," Coach Baldwin
said, chuckling.  Most of the room laughed along with Coach.  "For all of
you who have been waiting impatiently, I have great news.  The IT guys are
cloning iPads with the ePlaybook as we speak.  They expect to have them
done some time tomorrow afternoon.  We will hand the iPads out Wednesday
after our morning practice and have a training session with the IT folks
after lunch.  I'm sure you can talk with Brady, Donovan, Kyle or Christian
if you have questions about how to operate the ePlaybook after the
instruction."

   The team let out a couple cheers.  I had no idea that the iPads were in
this high of a demand among my teammates.  I guess I shouldn't have been
surprised.  I found it extremely useful.  I thought I knew the plays better
than the other rookie receivers that morning.

   We had position meetings after the team meeting.  The rest of the
receivers crowded around me to look over my iPad before Coach Franks
started our meeting.  Coach Franks spent forty-five minutes with us
reviewing his expectations for us.  He preached that we needed to line up
EXACTLY the same way on every play, regardless of the play's design or
intent.  We couldn't give the defense any tells or clues about what was
coming.

   We were to start every route off EXACTLY the same.  Our pass route
wouldn't vary at all for the first 10-12 yards.  Once we hit that spot on
the field we would make a move and run our go, post, slant, hitch, in or
out.  Coach Franks preached that we needed to keep the defensive back "on
the horns of a dilemma" as long as possible.

   The d-back would be... back pedal... back pedal... back pedal... and
then I hit my mark and make a move like I'm doing one of the routes.  He
has to wonder, am I going deep on a go or am I actually doing one of the
shorter routes.  If he has a moment of hesitation and I do a go route, he's
toast.

   My college coaches and some of the people I talked with at the NFL
Combine all said that I was a very good route runner.  Coach Franks thought
he could improve me further.  That was an exciting idea.

   We did more drills in the afternoon, finishing off with the 7 on 7
drill. I enjoyed testing myself against our DBs.  Coach Franks had me line
up in the slot with Omar and Kellen on the outside.  LaTrell Willingham,
our nickel back, had trouble covering me.  Coach Salas assigned Chris
Powell to help out with me after I score my first "TD." I still managed to
catch another couple "TDs" during my time on the field for the drill.

   The last one happened when Brady checked down to a play from the second
package of plays that the coaches hadn't planned to run yet.  I made the
adjustment perfectly and blew by LaTrell and Chris.  I noticed Coach Franks
and Coach Holt smiling after the play was blown dead.

   "Nice work, Kyle," Brady said as we moved to the sideline to let Ricky
Howard [QB #2], Jamal Lewis, Chris Harding and Kieran Keen take the field
in our places.  "All we got to do is keep that going when games start to
count."

   "Things felt good," I agreed.

   "I never expected you to catch the defenses' shift on that last play,"
Brady added.  "It was a fairly subtle shift I didn't catch when they first
threw it at me a couple years ago."

   "I saw the video of it on my iPad," I responded.

   After dinner we had a meeting to review special teams plays.  Coach
Kovacevic reviewed what we would practice tomorrow.  I was to try out as
both a punt and kick returner.  As previously promised, I would not be used
to cover punts or kicks.  I was to go in on the hands team for onsides
kicks too.

   Our team met for "our God damned snack" before Coach Baldwin sent us
home.  Coach received a lot of good natured teasing when he mimicked Rex
Ryan's infamous Hard Knocks rant of a few years ago.

   I gave Penny a buzz on my cell phone before the snack to let her know
that I would be ready to be picked up soon.  Most of the rookies clustered
with Chris and me during our team's "snack time." They wanted to look over
the iPads and find out more about how they worked.  Everyone seemed very
impressed at the possibilities.

   Penny met me about a half hour after I called.  "How was your day?" I
asked as I climbed into our car.  "Did you have more morning sickness?"

   "The brochure says I will have to live with it for next half dozen
weeks," Penny said.  "On the better side, I have appointments for the phone
guy and the cable guy for next week.  The cable guy is coming Monday
morning and the phone guy on Tuesday afternoon."

   "Cool," I commented.  "How was the rest of your day?"

   "Casey and I took a drive up into the foothills," Penny said.  "It was
beautiful.  I think we are going to like living in Colorado." My honey
chuckled.  "At least I'll be able to enjoy it after I finish school."

   "I'm glad you like the area," I responded, "not that we had a lot of
choice in the matter."

   "No, I guess not," Penny agreed.  "I talked with my mom today.  She
moved my wedding dress fitting from Saturday to Friday morning.  She was
able to get an obstetrician appointment for me for Friday after lunch."

   "I guess I can handle the appointment with our financial advisors on my
own."

   "I know you can, honey," Penny said.  "I have every confidence in you."

   -------------------------------------------------------------------

   Tuesday and Wednesday's practices went well.  The team enthusiastically
accepted the iPads on Wednesday.  Brady and Donovan took the lead in
demonstrating how they worked.  Chris and I assisted.  You found guys
playing with their iPads during any free time the rest of the day.  That's
excellent.

   Coach Kovacevic's special teams players were well disciplined.  I did
not get any practice "TDs", though I had some good returns.  Coach seemed
pleased with my work.

   I got a call from Max Solomon Tuesday evening after I got back to the
hotel.  He had a meeting with Joe Ellis and John Elway tomorrow afternoon.
He wanted to schedule a meeting with Penny and me as soon as we were free.
We agreed to meet at our hotel at 9:00 pm on Wednesday night.

   I passed Max in the hallway between sessions late Wednesday afternoon.
We didn't have time to talk beyond, "See you tonight," but he gave me a big
smile and a thumbs up.  That seemed promising.

   Penny and I met Max at our room Wednesday evening.  I gave Max a cold
beer as he sat down and grabbed one for myself.  Penny made a cup of tea
with lemon and honey for herself.

   "My meeting with Joe Ellis and John Elway went very well," Max began. 
"I presented your interests regarding a contract to them prior to the
meeting.  Joe outlined their offer.  They were fine with paying you the
standard salary each year.  No surprise.  They accepted our proposed $15.89
million fully guaranteed signing bonus."

   "That's excellent," I said.

   "We spent nearly an hour discussing the other issues for your contract,"
Max continued.  "They were willing to go 30% for the first year's signing
bonus but they balked at first about the early payment on June 1st.  They
came around eventually when I indicated you would be willing to take a
lower bonus next year to get paid early this season."

   "So, what is their offer?" I asked.

   "30% payable June 12th this year, 10% next year and 30% each of the last
two years," Max said.  "The second, third and fourth year signing bonuses
will be payable on August 1st of each year."

   "Sounds great to me," I said.  "What do you think honey?"

   "I'm trying to do the math in my head," Penny replied.  "That's... uh...
$4.8 million three weeks from now?"

   "$4.77 million," Max replied.  "Let me lay out what you get each year
with this proposal.  This year you get the $4.77 million signing bonus
along with $405,000 salary.  One sixteenth of the salary is payable after
each game.  You will receive a total of $5.17 million for your first year
in the league."

   "$5 million?" Penny gasped.  "Toto, you're not in Kansas anymore!"

   "Think we can make it on that?" I teased.

   "If we scrimp and save," Penny answered, grinning broadly.

   "You get $1.195 million salary and $1.59 million bonus in your second
year," Max said.  "The third year you get $1.46 million salary and $4.77
million bonus.  The last year of the contract your salary will be $1.56
million.  The bonus stays the same as this year and the third year."

   "OK, what else do we need to talk about with their proposal?" I asked.

   "Two more things - personal appearances and the workout bonus," Max
answered.  "They asked for eight.  I countered with five.  We compromised
with six appearances at $5,000 each."

   "I'm fine with that," I responded.

   "The Broncos are offering you $500,000 workout bonus if you work out
here in Denver between March 15th and April 30th."

   "Doesn't matter," I said.  "They can offer whatever they want.  Penny
will be in Philly then, so I will be there too.  I'm already giving up four
or five months of time with Penny to play here.  I am NOT giving up a month
and a half of time with Penny for any amount of money."

   "It is a lot of money,' Penny said.  "I appreciate the sentiment,
but..."

   "NO!" I insisted.  "One thing I learned from Joe Paterno is to get my
priorities straight - family first, health second, and professional
accomplishment third.  I will dedicate myself to working out and I will
arrive for mini-camps next year in good condition, but it will be done in
Pennsylvania where I can spend time with my family."

   "I warned Joe and John that I expected that would be the case," Max
said. "They understand but they want to put it in the contract anyway.  We
shouldn't argue about it.  Circumstances could change and you may want that
option in the future."

   "You're right," I agreed.  "I wouldn't turn down this proposal because
of the workout clause.  What's the next step?"

   "You should discuss this proposal with your financial planners, lawyer
and your parents, if it sounds acceptable to the two of you," Max said.  "I
will ask the Broncos to draw up the contract for everyone's review and
signature if it is acceptable."

   "Are we being too hasty?" I asked.  "None of the other first round picks
have signed a contract yet."

   "Three or four others are close to signing," Max said.  "You are asking
for reasonable compensation.  The Broncos are willing to meet nearly
everything you have asked for.  This isn't the days of the old CBA
[collective bargaining agreement].  Teams want their first picks signed
early so they know how much money they will have in the rookie pool to pay
the rest of their draft picks."

   "You sold me," I responded.  Penny, what do you think?"

   "I trust your judgment, Max," Penny answered.  "Is this a good
contract?"

   "It is," Max replied.  "You could squeeze a little more money or earlier
pay dates if you wanted to but I don't recommend it.  This agreement shows
that you are a team player, willing to balance the team's interest against
your own needs.  The team is very pleased with you so far, Kyle.  You
managed to do the awards banquet circuit this winter and arrive at camp in
top shape.  You have done well learning the playbook.  This agreement gives
you virtually everything you wanted."

   "OK, I'll run it by our parents and financial advisors," I responded. 
"Will it be all right to take a couple days to make the decision?"

   "That will be fine, Kyle," Max said.  "There is no rush to seal the deal
immediately.  Let me know your decision and I will have the team draw up
the contract for the lawyers to review."

   "Excellent," I said.  "Thanks for all your help, Max."

   "Yes, you've done a great job for us," Penny added.

   ----------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I checked out of the Staybridge Suites early on Thursday
morning.  We drove down to our new house and took some pictures before
heading to the airport.  We wanted to show our families what the place
looked like.  We got that errand done and arrived at the airport well
before our 12:15 pm departure.

   We had a layover in Chicago on the way back to Harrisburg.  Our flight
was delayed a bit.  We didn't get on the ground in Harrisburg until after
7:30 pm.  Penny and I were relieved when we finally pulled up outside our
houses a little before nine that evening.  We called home from Chicago to
let word that we wanted to sit down with both sets of parents that evening
to talk about the contract offer from the Broncos and Penny's pregnancy.

   Penny and I used a few minutes to get settled before joining my parents
and Penny's parents in my family's living room.  Will and Abby had joined
the group.  They were up from Philly for a couple weeks before scout camp
opened.

   "I thought it was past Rose's bedtime," I teased when I saw them sitting
on the couch.  I gave Will a wink.  "...short stuff." I had a lifetime of
teasing about being the little brother to pay back.

   "Well, KID..." my older brother responded, grinning widely.  "Somebody
got themselves in trouble.  We thought maybe we could help out."

   "My parents are looking after Rose for a bit," Abby added.  "I thought
it would be helpful to talk with someone who already faced pregnancy and
medical schooling at the same time."

   "I certainly value your insight, Abby," Penny said.

   "OK, Shortie and his lovely wife can stay," I teased.  "Let's start with
the easy part, the contract." I described the contract terms Max had worked
out with the Broncos over the next couple minutes.  Dad and Jim had a
couple questions, which I was able to answer.

   "Five millions dollars," Jim said, shaking his head when I finished my
presentation.

   "Max thinks this is a good deal?" Dad asked.

   "He does," I confirmed.

   "Run this by Landis and Yost," Dad responded.  "Make sure there aren't
any tax problems with this."

   "I have an appointment with them tomorrow afternoon," I answered.

   "Get your attorney to look over the contract carefully after Landis and
Yost sign off," Dad recommended.  "They need to make sure there aren't any
gotcha's in it."

   "Absolutely," I agreed.

   "Let's move on to the subject of grandchildren," Marilyn suggested. 
"Are you going to be able to cope with a pregnancy while you are doing
veterinary school?"

   "That's exactly the question," Penny agreed.

   "Penny and I talked about this extensively over the past few days," I
said.  "We definitely need to find a bigger place than we have now.  A one
bedroom apartment in the middle of Philadelphia isn't the place to start a
family, if you have other options.  As our conversation about my contract
shows, we have plenty of other options.  What do all of you think about
hiring a live-in nanny or an au pair to help Penny?  We can afford it."

   "That's one way to go," Dad agreed.

   "Doing med school while you're pregnant is no picnic," Abby added. 
"I've been there.  Veterinary school shouldn't be different, other than the
number of legs the patient has.  It can be done if your professors are
willing to work with you.  Getting you good help is the critical thing,
especially while Kyle is stuck in Denver."

   "Abby and I had a brainstorm a couple nights ago," Will interjected. 
"The two of us are getting a little cramped in our apartment now that Rose
is getting beyond the stage of sleeping in a crib in our bedroom.  We've
been planning on looking for a bigger apartment after camp was over."

   "Penny, what do you think of the idea of our two families sharing a
house for a while?" Abby asked.  "I think it would work well for us and
you."

   "It's a really interesting idea," Penny agreed.  I saw the sparkle in
Penny's eye.  I knew she liked this better than having some stranger live
with us and help raise our child.

   "We're not looking for a hand out or anything," Will added.  "Abby and I
will pay rent like any other tenant."

   "You're serious?" I questioned.  Will and Abby confirmed it.  "I love
the idea.  You and Abby really don't need to pay rent.  You can stay with
us for free if you're filling the nanny role.  I would have to pay someone
else if they did this for with us."

   "No, we pay a fair rent," Will insisted.  "Helping you and Penny is just
family helping family.  We don't get paid for doing that.  This is how a
family should work.  I'd much rather pay you rent than pay some landlord I
don't know."

   "I won't argue about the rent if you're adamant about that point," I
responded.

   "I am," Will said.  "Where do you think we should look for this place? I
was thinking somewhere on the western edge of the city... probably in
Delaware County."

   "Would eastern Chester County be too far out?" I asked.  "Al Conwell was
telling us about a place last week.  He described it as a beautiful old
stone farmhouse on a five acre lot that backs up onto a creek.  The best
part is that the property has a summer house on it too."

   "Where's it at?" Abby asked.

   "In Landenberg," I replied.  That drew blank looks from both Will and
Abby.  "...in the general area of Unionville and Kennett Square."

   "That could work," Will said.  "I could get to Princeton from there
without too much trouble.  It certainly works for Abby and Penny to get to
Penn."

   "I asked Trevor for the address earlier this week," I said.  "I think
I'll take a drive tomorrow morning and see what this place looks like."

   "I hope it is as nice as you describe," Will said.  "I would love Rose
to enjoy the trees and streams the way we could when we grew up.  She
shouldn't grow up a city girl seeing nothing but concrete and asphalt."

   "Amen to that," Penny agreed.

   "I'll let you guys know if I think the Landenberg place has potential,"
I said.  "You and Abby can go down and take a look at it while Penny and I
are out in Denver next week.  We will be home next Friday night.  I will be
home for about four days before I have to go back to Denver again.  Penny,
have you decided if you are going out for my next round of OTA's and
mini-camp?"

   "Probably not," my sweetie answered.  "There are so many things to do to
get ready for the wedding.  I most likely will skip the next trip, if
that's OK with you."

   "That's fine," I agreed.

   Penny's parents, my parents, Will and Abby had other questions for us
about our new house in Denver and my training with the Broncos when we got
done with our urgent business.  I passed my smart phone around so everyone
could see the pictures of our new house.

   ----------------------------------------------------------

   May 25th

   I woke up Friday morning earlier than I expected.  I decided to get
moving and take my trip to Landenberg a little earlier than planned.  Penny
slept in.  Noah, Connor and Hunter were delighted to see me when I came
upstairs around 7:30 that morning.  I made some French toast for them
before they left for preschool and day care.

   I took Route 30 east to Gap and then headed down Route 41 into Chester
County.  I turned south onto Route 841 at the crossroads of Chatham.  I
drove down through West Grove, a pretty little town.  I passed a mix of
woodlands, farms and developments south of the town.  I continued south a
couple miles, passing more farms and fewer homes on large lots.  The woods
and open space were pretty.  I turned left off the road and immediately
crossed over the small wooded creek I had paralleled for the last half
mile. A hundred yards up the road I saw the "For Sale" sign in front of the
place Google said was my destination.

   I pulled off to the side of the narrow road.  The house was set back in
the woods a good distance and was not visible from where I was.  I didn't
want to drive back the driveway unannounced.  I sat and thought for a
moment before I realized the realtor had an office in West Grove.  What the
hell did I have to lose?  I gave him a call.

   I got extraordinarily lucky.  He was in and had an hour free.  He told
me to drive in to the house and wait.  He would meet me in fifteen minutes.
The house was a handsome two story gray fieldstone home.  Two chimneys rose
above the slate roof, one at each end of the house.  A modern three car
garage was attached to one end of the house.  The smaller, gray stone
summer house was about thirty feet past the front of the main house, on the
opposite side from the garage.  The summer house had its own driveway and
parking in front.

   Both houses had thick fieldstone walls.  The windows looked modern,
rather than being from the era when the houses were built.  They had to be
well over a hundred years old.  I walked around to the back to see the back
yard.  The main house had a deck on back overlooking a half acre back yard
that sloped down to the creek.

   The stone foundation for a bank barn was off to the side behind the
summer house.  The barn was long gone but the foundation looked sound.  I
spent a couple minutes taking in the view.  Wow!  This place looked
spectacular.

   I headed back to the car to meet the realtor, Michael Hoffman, from the
Roger McLaine Agency.  A nice looking BMW pulled up a couple minutes later.
A gentleman about my Dad's age stepped out of the car.  I saw him do a
double take when he realized how youthful I was.  A true professional, he
didn't miss a beat.

   "You must be Kyle Martin," he exclaimed as we shook hands.  "It's a
pleasure to meet you.  I'm Mike Hoffman."

   "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr.  Hoffman," I answered politely.

   "I'm Mike," Mike Hoffman answered.  "May I call you Kyle?"

   "Certainly," I agreed.  Mike paused for a moment and scanned the house.

   "Isn't this place simply amazing?" Mike asked.

   "It is," I agreed.  "I hope you don't mind.  I walked around outside a
little to see the grounds.  This is an amazing property."

   "Do you mind me being direct, Kyle?" Mike asked.  He appraised my
reaction briefly before adding, "You are, uh... more youthful than most
people that look at this property.  Are you serious about looking at a
property that lists at $649,000?"

   I hadn't really thought about it when I dressed that morning.  I had
thrown on a pair of old jeans and a scout T-shirt.  I drove up in a
seventeen year old Golf VW.  I probably didn't look like good prospect.

   "I don't take offense, Mike," I answered.  "I look like I just graduated
from college because I did... three weeks ago.  Do you know who Trevor
Conwell is?"

   "Sure, he had a great career at Unionville and then at Penn State," Mike
said.  "He was drafted by the Giants.  Everyone in southern Chester County
knows who he is."

   "He was my roommate and teammate at Penn State," I explained.  "We were
co-captains of the Lions.  Trevor's dad is friends with the current owner.
Al Conwell is the one who told me about this property."

   "Martin... Kyle Martin," Mike mused.  He smiled as he got it.  "...of
course, the wide receiver.  I guess you can afford this place.  I remember
you were drafted in the first round too, by... uh..."

   "The Broncos," I explained.  "I'm sure your next question will be why I
am looking for a house in Pennsylvania if I will be playing football in
Colorado.  My fiancée, soon to be wife, is starting veterinary school at
Penn this fall.  We need a place close enough to Philly for her to commute
to school for the first four years and..."

   "...  and then she'll study at New Bolton Center," Mike added.  "It's
about ten miles from here - an easy commute.  Shall we take a look inside?"

   "Sure, that would be great," I agreed.  Mike led me inside.  My first
impression when I stepped inside was... wow!  The foyer was large,
dominated by wide, graceful, `L' shaped stairs.  The place had nicely
finished wide plank floors.  French doors on the left took you to a large
living room.  Mike showed me that front room first.

   He called it the parlor or formal living room.  It had a large
fireplace. An archway led us into the formal dining room.  The windows
overlooked the deck and the big back yard that sloped to the creek.  It was
a money view.  Mike led me through the next archway.

   "The kitchen was extensively remodeled four years ago," he explained. 
"It is state of the art today.  Look at the professional style range.  The
house comes with the oversized refrigerator.  It has a spacious prep island
too."

   I looked over the well appointed kitchen.  It had a breakfast nook
beyond the open range and counter.  Mike showed me the laundry/mud room,
which was past the breakfast nook.  The laundry room had a door out to the
three car garage.

   A door led from the breakfast area to the other front room.  The room
had a big fireplace that matched the one in the parlor on the opposite side
of the house.  Mike explained that years ago families kept a formal parlor
for visitors and a second living room where the family actually lived and
relaxed.  It could be used as another living room or as a study.  This room
had doors for privacy, unlike the parlor at the opposite side of the house.

   We headed back into the breakfast area.  The room had a door way through
the two foot thick stone wall that took you from the breakfast nook out to
the family room.  This section of the house was much more recent
construction.  Mike said it was built about twenty-five years ago when the
garage was built.  Double doors and a bank of windows let you see the `L'
shaped deck and the big back yard.

   Mike took me upstairs to look around.  The older section of the house
had three bedrooms and a spacious, recently remodeled bathroom.  The master
suite was in the new section over the family room.  The bank of windows
facing south gave you a view of the back yard, the creek and the wooded
hill on the far side of the creek.

   I asked Mike to show me the summer house too.  The downstairs had a
large living/dining room, a half bath and an older kitchen.  Two bedrooms
and a bathroom were upstairs.  The place wasn't in as good a condition as
the main house but did have potential.

   Mike and I headed outside to our cars after we finished looking over the
summer house.  "What do you think, Kyle?" Mike asked.  "Are you interested
in the property?"

   "It's an interesting property," I responded.  `I am not prepared to make
any decisions today, Mike.  My aim this morning is to scout the property
and see if it is worth the time for my fiancée, my brother and my
sister-in-law to come see.  The four of us are planning on sharing a place
for the next year or two."

   "OK, would you like to schedule another visit so they can view the
property too?" Mike asked.

   "My fiancée and I are flying to Denver for a week tomorrow morning," I
replied.  "Could my brother and sister-in-law come by next week to look at
the property or would you prefer to see all of us together?"

   "It would be fine if they came next week, Kyle," Mike said.

   "Expect a call from Will... uh, William Henry," I explained.  "He's my
half-brother."

   "I will look forward to his call," Mike asked.  "Do you have any further
questions about the property?  Price?  Financing?" Mike caught himself and
laughed.  "I guess financing really isn't an issue for you."

   "It won't be, assuming my meeting after lunch goes well," I responded.
"My agent has a tentative agreement with the Broncos.  I'm seeing my
financial people today to get their sign off."

   "I hope it goes well for you, Kyle," Mike said.  "It's been a pleasure
showing this property.  If you decide it doesn't suit your needs, I hope
you will let me show you some other properties I have listed.  I'm sure I
can find suitable accommodations for you, your fiancée, and your brother
and sister-in-law."

   "I will keep you in mind," I agreed.  "Thank you for your time and for
coming out here on such short notice."

   Mike drove off.  I followed him out the driveway.  I decided to drive
around the countryside since I had plenty of time until my meeting with
Landis and Yost.  The roads were narrow and wound through the hilly, wooded
terrain.  I made a few turns as I went, getting myself thoroughly lost.  I
didn't recognize anything until I crossed into Delaware and found myself on
Route 7 at an intersection I recognized from my family's many trips down to
Cape Henlopen.  I took Route 7 north into Pennsylvania and headed north on
Route 41 for Gap and then Lancaster.

   I grabbed a sandwich at the Wawa in Gap on the way to Lancaster.  The
meeting with my financial planners went well.  They had no problems with
the proposed payout for my contract.  They promised to have a detailed plan
drawn up when we met in a couple weeks.  They would discuss the quarterly
tax payments I would need to make and a portfolio of investment options
along with planning for my future after football.

   I was surprised that they insisted that I start putting away the maximum
$15,000 a year for retirement.  That seemed like petty change when I was
receiving $20.5 million over the next four years.  Mr.  Yost informed me
that the $15,000 tax free, annual contribution would be worth almost $3
million dollars forty-three years from now when I reached sixty-five.

   I discussed the house I had looked at down in Chester County.  I was
concerned that perhaps I was getting too profligate with my new found
wealth.  They assured me, assuming the home passed inspections, that real
estate in Chester County was fairly valued compared to many parts of the
country.  I should be able to get the $649,000 back in five years.  Rent
alone on the summer house made the deal financially favorable.

   I made it home before Penny returned from her doctor's appointment.  I
studied the second package of plays in the ePlaybook until my sweetie
returned.  She stopped off at her house and called when she got home.  I
hustled over and met her in her kitchen.

   "What did the doctor have to say?" I queried even before sat down.  "Is
everything OK?"

   "Everything is fine," Penny answered reassuringly.

   "Did they do an ultrasound?"

   "No, they don't do that yet unless they suspect a problem," Penny
answered.  "I have appointments on June 18th and July 5th for further
checkups.  They plan to do the first ultrasound on July 5th."

   "The day before the wedding?" I asked.  Penny smiled and nodded yes. 
"What else did the doctor say?"

   Penny went through the nutritional program and exercise that he wanted
her to do.  She went over all the do's and don't's.

   "Are you OK with everything?" I asked when she finished telling me about
the visit.  The doctor confirmed her due date to be January 17th.  He
agreed our night of bronco and mare when I got drafted was the most likely
day for conception - that or the morning after when we did it again without
role playing or protection.

   "I guess," Penny sighed.  "None of this is how we planned, but we will
manage.  How did the meeting at Landis and Yost go?"

   I filled Penny in on that meeting and my tour of the house down in
Landenberg.  Penny agreed that I should call Max Solomon and have him tell
the Broncos to draw up the contract.  I would accept their offer.

   Penny was excited to hear about the house.  We went on-line and checked
it out on Google Earth and also on Bing Map.  Bing had some nice aerial
shots of the house and adjoining property.  Penny loved the wooded
surroundings, the big backyard and the creek at the back of the property.
We called Will and Abby.  They invited us to come over and have dinner with
them and Abby's parents.

   Penny and I found the house on McLaine Realty's website.  We printed out
six pictures of the house and property along with the Bing aerial views
before heading over to the Hendricks' house for dinner.

   I enjoyed the dinner with Mr.  and Mrs.  Hendricks.  They loved the idea
of Will, Abby and Rose getting out of the city.  Everyone was enthusiastic
about the Landenberg place after they saw the pictures and heard my
description of the houses.  Abby and Will would contact Mike Hoffman and
set up a tour next week.

   --------------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I packed our bags and headed for our apartment in Philly that
evening.  We were up before dawn to make our 7:00 am flight out to Denver.
It was direct so the local time was 9:07 am when our plane touched down in
DIA.  Penny gave Kate Goebel a call as we headed south.  She met us at our
new house forty minutes later to give us the keys and make sure water and
electricity were on.

   "Penny!  Kyle!  Are you ready for your new house?" Kate asked
enthusiastically when we stepped out of our car.

   "I guess so," Penny agreed.  I heard her mutter, "Toto, you're not in
Kansas anymore!"

   "Ready or not," I added.  "Let's do this, Kate."

   She turned over the keys to us.  I unlocked the door and we walked
inside.  Kate checked the lights to confirm we had electricity.  We headed
to the kitchen and tested the water.  It was ready to go too.

   "It looks like you two are set to go," Kate said.

   "Thank you for everything, Kate," I said as I shook her hand.  "Set up
the closing for some time between July 15th and 25th.  We can make any date
in that range work."

   "I'll do that," Kate agreed.  "Enjoy your new home."

   Penny and I took a quick tour of the place.  Everything was in order and
as we remembered from our visit a last week.  We stopped off at the deli
down the road for sandwiches and then got to work.  Our storage locker was
a few miles north of here near Staybridge Suites.  We loaded up the Jetta's
trunk and back seat with everything that would fit.

   Two kids were playing basketball in the driveway beside our half of the
double house when we returned.  They looked to be about thirteen or so.  I
popped the trunk so we could unload.  The shorter of the two kids tried a
layup in front of his friend.  The taller kid managed to jump and bat the
ball away, sending it flying towards my car.  I intercepted it without
trouble.

   "Sorry, sir," the tall one said as I tossed the ball back to him.  He
was tall for his age and built like... well, me at thirteen.  All elbows,
knees, and long gangly limbs.  He had to be at least 6'-0" tall and
couldn't weigh more than 125 pounds.  He was wearing a Broncos T-shirt.

   "No problem, no harm and no foul," I responded.

   "I guess you're the new neighbors," the tall boy observed.  "I saw the
`Sold' sign go up last weekend.  Welcome to the neighborhood."

   "Thank you," I responded.  "Are you a big Broncos fan?"

   "I love'em!" the boy declared.  "They're the best team around!  Are you
a fan too?  I see you're wearing one of their shirts." I was wearing a blue
polo with an embroidered Bronco logo.

   "You could say I root for them to do well," I answered.  I saw Penny
surpass a smile.

   "Matt..." the second boy said quietly as he poked his friend in the arm.
"Matt... MATT!"

   "What?" the tall boy asked when he turned back to his friend.

   "He's Amish Lightning!" the shorter boy insisted.  The taller boy's eyes
grew wide.

   "I prefer Kyle," I said as I stepped up to the narrow border of shrubs
between our driveways.  I offered my hand to him.  He shook.  "I'm Kyle
Martin.  It's very nice to meet you."

   "Um... Matt..." the boy stammered.  "Matt Waldron... I live here." He
waved towards his half of the double house.

   "It's good to meet you Matt," I said.  "This is my fiancée, Penny
Edwards." Penny and Matt greeted each other.  "Are you going to introduce
your friend?" I asked.  The other boy was fidgeting and bouncing, obviously
anxious to be introduced too.

   "Oh... yeah.  This is Nick," Matt managed.  "Nick Brewer." I shook
Nick's hand.

   "It's good to meet you, Nick," I said.

   "Wow!  This is amazing!" Nick stammered as we shook hands.  "It's great
to meet you, Mr.  Martin."

   "Kyle's fine," I responded.  "You guys can call me Kyle.  Where do you
live, Nick?"

   "Down on the corner," Nick answered as he pointed towards the bend in
the street that led out of the development.  I chatted with the boys for a
few minutes.  They had lots of questions about the Broncos, which I
answered as best I could.

   "Say, Penny and I could use a hand unloading the car," I suggested. 
"Would you two like to earn say... ten dollars each helping us unload our
car this afternoon?  We need to make three or four trips to the storage
locker where our things are at."

   "Sure!" Matt gushed.  "We'd be happy to help," Nick added.

   "Double check with your mom or dad and make sure it's OK," I added.  The
boys were back a minute later with a good looking blonde in her late
thirties.

   "Can we, Mom... can we?" Matt begged.  "Please... Mom?"

   "How do you do, Mrs.  Waldron," I said as she stopped beside Penny and
me.  "I'm Kyle Martin and this is my fiancée, Penny Edwards.  We are your
new neighbors."

   "It's nice to meet you, Mr.  Martin," Mrs.  Waldron responded.  "Miss
Edwards."

   "Please call me Kyle," I said as we shook hands.

   "I'm Julie," Mrs.  Waldron responded.

   "I go by Penny," my sweetie added.

   "Matthew tells me you are a professional football player?" Julie
commented.

   "I am," I acknowledged.  "The Broncos drafted me in April.  Penny and I
are getting ourselves settled now that we found a house."

   "Welcome to the neighborhood," Julie said.  "Matthew said you were
looking for some help?"

   "I could use Nick's and Matt's help carrying boxes in from the car," I
explained.  "Penny and I need to make three or four trips between here and
the storage unit we rented.  The boys help unloading the car after each
trip would be wonderful.  I would be happy to pay them... say ten dollars
each."

   "I suppose that would be all right," Julie agreed.  "Let me know if they
are any trouble at all."

   "We'll let you know," Penny promised.  "I'm sure the boys will do fine."

   "I know they will," I added.

   Julie Waldron headed inside.  Penny, Matt, Nick and I spent about ten
minutes unloading the car and putting everything in the correct room.  The
boys went back to playing basketball.  Penny and I went for the next load
of our things.  We spent most of the afternoon on the four trips it took to
empty our storage locker.  Nick and Matt did a good job.  I gave them
fifteen dollars each, to thank them for the good work.

   We headed down to the Walmart to get food for our meals over the
weekend. We also picked up a couple folding camp chairs so we had someplace
to sit until the furniture came on Monday and Tuesday.

   I headed over to Dove Valley after dinner to work out.  I bumped into
Coach Baldwin in the hallway after I finished my workout.

   "It's a Saturday night, Kyle," Coach teased.  "You're in here?"

   "I needed to work out," I explained.  "Penny and I started moving into
our new house today.  I have no workout equipment at all at home."

   "Keep up the good work," Coach said.  He gave me a wink.  "Have you
started studying the third package of plays yet?"

   "Not yet, Coach," I answered.  "I wanted to review the first package
first.  I wouldn't be surprised to see those plays pop up during our
practice next week."

   "You're catching on, Kyle," Coach acknowledged, laughing.  "I plan to
test the rookies Thursday afternoon with everything." He gave me a wink. 
"It would be great if you and Brady test the defense with a couple plays
from the third package.  Keep them on their toes."

   "We'll do our best, Coach," I promised.

   I headed back to the house.  Penny and I watched TV a bit before
retiring for the night.  We laid out our two Thermo-O-Rests side by side
and covered them with a sheet.  Two pillows, a sheet and a bedspread
completed our "bed" for the next three evenings.  The bedroom suite
wouldn't arrive until Tuesday.  We christened our new bedroom properly,
making love tenderly, twice.

   We were lying on our backs after our climaxes, side by side.  Penny had
her arm around my shoulder, her hand resting on top.  I gave my sweetie a
tummy rub.

   "Does all of this just blow your mind or what?" I asked.  "I guess this
is what being a grown up is like."

   "I don't feel any different," Penny responded.

   "We have a house, two cars and a family on the way and I have a job," I
answered.  "That's being grownups, if anything is."

   "I know we're going to have our troubles," Penny said.  "We will get
through this together."

   "Yes, together," I agreed.  My sweetie rolled on top of me and gave me a
kiss as we cuddled.  We would, together.

   Chapter 88

   ==========

   Penny found she could tolerate some cinnamon sugar sprinkled on her
buttered toast at breakfast time without too much stomach distress.  With
care, the morning sickness wasn't so unbearable.  I had a bagel, yogurt and
some fruit.  The smell of anything fancier, like eggs and sausage that I
would have referred, would set my honey off too.

   After breakfast we tried another Presbyterian Church, one of the ones
over in Parker, about seven miles east of our home.  It was a nice service,
though more traditional than the service we went to the previous week. 
Given the number of Presbyterian churches within six to ten miles of our
house, I suspected Penny and I would probably spend most of the summer
checking all of them out.

   Penny and I would have liked to have gone out for a hike but it was a
chilly, dreary day.  We had light rain and thunderstorms all afternoon and
evening.  Penny and I had to turn the heat on!  The temperature was 40
degrees at mid-day!  We passed that afternoon digesting the newspaper and
watching some DVDs we picked up on the way home from church.

   Penny drove me over to Dove Valley Monday morning for practice.  My day
was more drills, meetings with Coach Holt and the offensive assistants,
meetings with Coach Franks and the rest of the receiving corps and running
through plays without pads outside on our practice fields.

   John Elway tracked me down after morning practice to let me know my
contract went off to Max Solomon and my lawyers for their review.  He
wanted to schedule a press conference after lunch on Wednesday to announce
my signing.

   Russ Girard, the Denver Post's beat reporter, caught me as we finished
our afternoon drills late in the afternoon.  We had talked a couple times,
though nothing that had led to a story yet.  Brady told me Girard was a
straight shooter.

   "I'm running down a possible story, Kyle," Russ said when he got my
attention.  "I overheard that John Elway is planning a press conference
with you Wednesday afternoon.  Have you finalized a deal with Broncos?"

   "On the record?" I asked.  Russ nodded yes.  "My agent has had
discussions and an excellent meeting with the Broncos.  Nothing is
finalized today."

   "How about off the record?" Russ asked.

   "How about this... I expect I can afford the house my fiancée and I are
buying," I responded.

   "How much is the contract worth?" Russ asked.

   "I think John will want to talk about that at the press conference you
think he's setting up," I answered.

   "Tell me about the transition from college play to professional level,"
Russ asked.

   "Still on background?" I asked.  Russ agreed.  We must have talked for
fifteen minutes.  I made sure I was complimentary to all my teammates and
didn't bad mouth any other teams.  I stuck to my themes: `I'm just glad to
be here,' and "I just want to help out any way I can.' I praised Brady and
how much I enjoyed working with him.  That wasn't me being diplomatic.  I
truly believed I was fortunate to end up on the same team with a QB as
talented as him AND that he was a good guy too.

   The locker room was emptying when I got inside for my shower.  Five
minutes later I was heading back to my locker when I overheard a guy around
the corner say, "C'mon Book.  It'll be fun to punk the rook."

   "Ain't want no part of that," I heard Antwaan Booker insist.  "That
kid's nas-TY when it comes to pay-back.  I seen what he done to the guys
that pranked him when he was a freshman.  I ain't want no part of this!"

   I stopped so I could overhear more of the plot.  The guys talking with
Antwaan gave up.  I wasn't surprised that some of the veterans were
planning a prank on me.  I was the rookie with the highest visibility.  I
would need to be on my guard.

   Antwaan gave me a smile and friendly, "Hey, kid," when I came around the
corner into the locker room.  I checked my things carefully as I dressed.
Nothing obvious was wrong.  I headed to lunch.  I briefed the other rookies
on the conversation I overheard.  We agreed it would be safest for us to
stick together.

   Nothing unusual happened in the afternoon or after dinner.  The other
shoe didn't fall until our team finished our snacks and were ready to head
home for the night.  I gave Penny a call to come pick me up.

   I knew something was up because the veterans didn't stampede for the
parking lot to get out of Dove Valley immediately after we were dismissed.
I headed out to the parking lot with the crowd.  I kept my eye out but no
one bothered me.  The victim soon became clear.

   Chris Powell walked over to his car, took a look and barked, "What the
FUCK?"

   "Something wrong, Chris?" Billy Wilson, the fifth year cornerback from
Arizona, asked innocently.

   "Peanuts!" Chris growled.  "Fucking peanuts!" His wail was met with
derisive laughter from most of the veterans.  Guys crowded around to see
his car.  The perpetrators had filled the inside to the roof with packing
peanuts.

   "No worries about the interior in your car getting damaged," some wag
teased.  "You're protected completely." The crowd dispersed to head for
home.  Devon Ford, Zane Bell, Rashad Jones, Ryan Williamson, Marquis Lewis
and I stuck around to help Chris clean up the mess they left him.

   "What in the hell am I supposed to do with a car full of packing
peanuts?" Chris grumbled.

   "I'll go inside and get some trash bags," I offered.

   "That reminds me, I have a box of them in the trunk," Chris said.  He
popped the trunk open to find how thorough the pranksters had been.  His
trunk was stuffed with packing peanuts too.  I went inside and grabbed half
a dozen trash bags.

   I bumped into Brady inside.  "Where the hell is your car, Kyle?" my
friend demanded, laughing.  "We had your keys and everything at lunch.  No
car!"

   "Penny has it," I answered.

   "You got lucky, buddy," Brady said.  "You got very lucky."

   "Any idea who did this?" I asked.

   "Certainly, but I'm not going to tell you," Brady said before heading
upstairs.

   We helped Chris empty his car.  Penny arrived in the middle of the
cleanup.  She helped the rest of us.  We ended up with ten trash bags of
packing peanuts.  We dumped most of the bags in the dumpster.  I told Chris
to save a couple.  They might come handy for pay back.

   Penny showed me around the house when we got home.  The dining room set
had arrived and was set up.  The living room and family room furniture had
arrived.  The two bedrooms were still empty, except for our mats and
sleeping bags.  Those rooms would get filled tomorrow.  We also had cable
TV and internet service now.

   ---------------------------------------------------------

   Chris Powell got some teasing Tuesday morning as we dressed for the
start of the day.  No one hazed anyone else during the morning.  The
morning meetings, workouts and drills went normally.  Brendan Hayden, Zane,
Bell, Devon Ford, Rashad Jones, Ryan Willliamson, Marquis Lewis and I got
together over lunch to discuss payback for the veterans involved in
"peanuting" Chris car.  I revealed that I had been the original target of
the prank and that the guilty parties had "borrowed" my keys but hadn't
found my car yesterday.  We agreed the first step was finding the culprits.


   Brendan and I would work on Antwaan, since he knew who did it.  Zane
offered to help too.  Antwaan had taken the young defensive end under his
wing and was helping him prepare to earn a spot on the team.  Chris was
developing a good rapport with John Hansen, the fifth year player from Utah
who started at free safety last season, who struggled at replacing the
popular Brian Dawkins.

   Chris was drafted with the expectation that he would eventually replace
John.  John, a Mormon and a true gentleman, mentored Chris anyway.  Our
team could use more players like John.

   Keenan was friendly to me and helpful to an extent.  Omar Harris, our
starting split end, was surly and uncommunicative around me.  It wasn't an
ideal situation for me to break into the NFL but I did have Brady backing
me up.  I would manage.

   I got e-mails before lunch from Max Solomon and from my attorneys
reporting that the contract was acceptable as drafted.  Max let me know he
would fly into Denver tomorrow for the contract signing and the press
conference the Broncos planned afterward.

   Brian Xanders, our GM, called me in after lunch for a brief meeting.  He
received word from my attorneys that the contract was ready too.  He was
scheduling the signing for 1:00 pm tomorrow and the press conference for
1:30 pm.  Brian asked me to keep things quiet until the press conference.

   Scuttlebutt got around the team about my contract negotiations.  Some
guys offered congratulations.  Most didn't pay much attention.  Business
continued as usual during the afternoon practice and meetings.  Russ
Girard, along with Channel 7 (ABC) and Channel 31 (Fox) reporters, caught
wind of my contract.  I gave all of them a polite "No comment" in response
to their questions.

   I found out Wednesday morning how quickly information got out.  Penny
and I bumped into Matt Waldron as we headed to the car for the trip over to
Dove Valley.  He was heading down his driveway to head to the school bus
stop at the end of our street.

   "Morning, Kyle... morning, Penny," Matt said cheerily.  "I saw you are
signing your contract with the Broncos.  $34 million... very cool!"

   "$34 million?  Where did you hear that?" I gasped.  "I am signing my
contract today but it isn't worth nearly that much money."

   "It's still millions, right?" Matt responded.  I nodded yes.  "The paper
said you're going to be a Bronco for the next five years.  That's just what
our team needs."

   "The contract is for four years," I said.  "Don't believe everything you
read in the papers.  The Broncos do have an option to keep me a fifth year,
if I do well."

   "I'm sure you'll play great, Kyle," Matt said as he started down the
street.  "I'm glad you're playing for my team."

   "I'm glad to be a Bronco too," I agreed as I hopped in the car.  I
backed out of the driveway and headed down the street.  Penny and I gave
Matt a wave as we passed him.  I glanced over at Penny and asked, "Can you
believe how far off the paper is on the value of my contract?"

   "They aren't that far off, depending on how you calculate it," Penny
responded.  "Max said the option year could be worth as much as $12
million. If you count the workout bonuses too, the total would be around
$34 million dollars."

   "I doubt I'll ever see the team take that fifth year option," I
observed. "If I play well, I expect the Broncos to try to lock me into a
longer and more lucrative contract.  I'll be let go if I don't play as well
as the team expects."

   Penny and I stopped off at the Valero convenience store for coffee and a
newspaper before we headed up Peoria Street towards the airport.  A couple
customers congratulated me on my contract when I was getting my coffee.  I
saw why when I got to the newspaper stand.  The Denver Post had a front
page picture of me and a banner across the top, "Amish Lightning Signs for
$34 Mil."

   "Ah... the man of the hour," the clerk said as I stepped up to pay for
my coffee and paper.  "Congratulations, Mr.  Martin.  I hope you have great
success with our Broncos."

   "Thank you, I will do my best," I promised.  More people congratulated
me or gave me a thumbs-up as Penny and I headed to our car.  Denver
residents sure do love their Broncos.

   I got a lot of teasing, mostly good natured, from the veterans about the
article in the Post.  The other draftees were all happy for me.  My signing
meant the team could divvy up the remainder of the rookie pool among them
and get them under contract too.

   One team member was decidedly unhappy with my signing.  I was within
earshot when Omar took exception.  Brady reminded Omar that the $34 million
mentioned in the paper was erroneous.  He assured the prickly receiver that
I was getting much less.  That set Omar off.

   "I've got 123 receptions, 1,359 yards and 13 touchdowns in this league,"
Omar snapped.  "That kid is making over four times as much as me this
season.  Where's the justice?  You ought'a have to show you know what the
hell you're doing before they give you the damn bank."

   "You know high first round picks make out like bandits," Brady
countered. "Hell, Kyle is making more than me this season too and I won the
Heisman.  He was only a runner-up.  Kyle's getting paid for performance...
outstanding college performance.  How many Maxwells did you get?" Omar was
silent.  "How many Biletnikoffs?"

   "None," Omar admitted.

   "Our paydays are coming," Brady continued.  "In a year or two we will
get free agent style money.  Play your ass off and you hit your big payday.
Don't... well, playing football still beats real work."

   "Yeah..." Omar acknowledged.  "Still... $7 million a year to HIM isn't
right."

   "You know full well that you can't trust what the reporters write,"
Brady said.  "Kyle can't have a five year deal worth $34 million.  The CBA
caps rookie deals at four years.  Girard dumped in the option year at Larry
Fitzgerald numbers.  Kyle isn't getting anywhere near $34 million.  It's
probably around $20 million."

   "That's $5 million a year," Omar snapped.  "I get $4.7 million for all
four of my years."

   Brady left Omar to stew at the perceived slight to his abilities.  He
walked past me and saw I had overheard the conversation.  He gave a rueful
look and shrugged his shoulders as he went by.

   I didn't feel all that sorry for Omar.  He had a very high opinion of
his own talents.  He had a decent career at Oregon in college but not an
elite one.  Shawn Byrd shut Omar down in the Rose Bowl two years ago.  That
couldn't have helped his case when teams were drafting.

   I had done much more than him in college.  My draft position and pay
reflected that fact.  Now I needed to go out and prove I could do as well
on the professional level.

   Max Solomon arrived during the late morning drills.  He watched me work
out and then fended off reporters after practice.  I was the big story that
day at Dove Valley.  Max assured all the reporters they would get their
shot at me at the press conference in the afternoon.

   Max and I had lunch together.  Max asked about how Penny and I were
settling in at our new house.  We talked about my family and the wedding
plans.  I got to hear how Trevor and Marshon Wilkins were doing.  Trevor
was close to agreement with the Jets.  Max still had some work to do for
Marshon with Mike Brown and the Bengals.  He also let me know I wasn't
going to be the first first-rounder to sign.  Todd Landry signed yesterday
with the Seahawks for $24.9 million.

   Rumor had it that Shawn Byrd was signing with the Eagles today too.  I
texted a quick "WHATS UP?" to my friend.  He replied a few minutes later.
"SIGN 2DAY.  9.35 MIL 3 YR GUAR." I texted him with my news and offered my
congratulations for his.

   My actual contract signing was anti-climactic.  Pat Bowlen, Joe Ellis,
John Elway, Brian Xanders and Coach Baldwin attended with Max and me.  Mr.
Bowlen and Mr.  Ellis signed copies as the team's representatives.  I
signed the copies.  The whole thing was done in five minutes.  We talked
for a few minutes until the PR people came to brief us.  John, Coach
Baldwin and I would be out front with the media for the press conference at
1:30.
John, Coach Baldwin and I headed over to the press room with the two PR
guys.  John made the initial announcement to the media about my contract.
He outlined it in general terms.  John put the value of my contract at

$22.3 million over four years.

   "It's been reported elsewhere that the contract was worth $34 million,"
the Fox 31 reporter asked, nodding towards Russ Girard.  "What's with the
discrepancy?  Was that report incorrect?"

   "It's all in how you count things," John reportedly smoothly.  "Russ did
a good job snooping and essentially was pretty close.  I'm sure he counted
the team's fifth year option in his total.  The Broncos have a team option
to keep Kyle with the team and pay him the average of the top ten highest
paid receivers in the league." John chuckled.  "If any of you know how much
that will be four years from now... well, I'd like to hire you to work for
the team.  I certainly don't know whether that would cost $10 million, $12
million or whatever."

   "How is Kyle fitting into the team?" another reporter asked.  "We see
him break a lot of passes for big gains when we're allowed to watch the
team drill.  Will he be a starter soon?"

   "I'll let Jeff answer that one," John said.

   "Kyle is studying hard and doing a nice job learning our offense," Coach
Baldwin explained.  "He's learned a fair portion of our playbook and is
fitting in well with Brady Rasmussen and our other starters."

   "How about when he'll start?" the same reporter asked.  "Where is he at
on the depth chart?"

   "Kyle is our #1 at slot receiver," Coach answered.  "You guys know my
reputation.  We run 60-70% of our plays with three receivers on the field.
I expect Kyle will see a lot of playing time this season, once he learns
our playbook."

   "Kyle, how's that coming?" Russ Girard asked.  "How does the Broncos'
playbook compare to what you were used to in college?"

   "The Broncos playbook weighs a heck of a lot less than the college one,"
I teased, "...of course it's electronic, not a massive binder." I wiped the
smile off my face.  "I was warned by my good friend up in Green Bay how
complex a West Coast offense is.  Zack Hayes didn't exaggerate.  What they
run here is Bob Burton's offense squared... and Coach Burton is noted for
running a complex, pro style college offense.  I'm working my way through
it.  I expect I will be ready when the season comes."

   "I'd like to add that Kyle is making excellent progress learning our
offense," Coach Baldwin said.

   The reporter followed up with another question.  "What about the long
passes in practice, Kyle?  You seem to be dominating the defensive backs
here as easily as you abused the ones you faced in college."

   "Don't read too much into long passes on our drills," I responded. 
"Brady is in a red jersey so Antwaan and his line mates can't touch him. 
No one is in pads or allowed to hit.  Eddie [Mayes, our nickel back],
Terrelle [Allen, right cornerback], Billy [Wilson, left cornerback], John
[Hanson, free safety] and Derrick [Talbot, strong safety] are excellent
defensive backs.  They are easily the best secondary I've ever worked
against."

   "Are you getting settled into Denver, Kyle?" the Channel 4 (CBS)
reporter asked.

   "My fiancée and I are," I answered.  "We moved into our new house last
weekend.  Our furniture has been arriving for the past couple days." I gave
the crowd a big smile.  "It felt great to finally sleep in a real bed last
night.  My fiancée and I have been `camping out' in our house since
Saturday.  I think Penny and I are going to enjoy living in Denver."

   The reporters had a couple questions for Coach Baldwin and a question
for John Elway before they got to me again.  George Pannell, the reporter
from KUSA, Channel 9, Denver's NBC affiliate, asked, "You've had a couple
team-wide training sessions this month.  Can you give us any idea what we
can expect from the Broncos' offense next fall, Kyle?"

   "I think we're coming together well," I offered.  "Brady, the other
receivers and I are getting comfortable working together.  I expect we
should be able to move the ball and score some this coming season."

   "Any prediction about how things will turn out when you face your `good
buddy's' team to start the season next September?" George queried.

   "Good buddy?" I asked.  "I've been concentrating on learning our
playbook as quickly as I can.  I have no idea who we play first.  I haven't
looked at the schedule.  Who do we play first?"

   "You play your `good buddy' Al Davis' Raiders to open the season,"
George said.  "Any predictions?"

   "It will be a hard played game," I offered.  "The Raiders are a tough
team and we will have our hands full with them."

   "You publicly snubbed Al Davis and the Raiders back in February," George
said.  "No animosity between you and him?  Why did you refuse to play for
Davis?"

   "I was asked a question at an interview and I answered it," I explained.
"I was looking for a team that was a good fit for me.  I didn't feel my
skill set was a good fit for the Raiders and what I felt that team needed
to be successful.  Having a fast receiver doesn't do much good on a team
without a good quarterback to get him the ball."

   Half a dozen hands shot up as soon as the words slipped out of my mouth.
I held up my hand and announced, "Don't ask that question.  Elijah Carter
is an excellent quarterback.  He is a friend of one of my closest friends.
I hear nothing but how good he is when I talk with my friend down in
Gainesville.  I understand Elijah has blown out both his ACL and MCL.  I
know how it is to recover from that kind of injury since I blew out an ACL
in high school.  I was on the football field seven months later but I
wasn't 100% ready until ten or eleven months had passed.  I will be very
surprised if Elijah is ready to play when we face the Raiders in
September."

   "Do you think the Raiders will play well if Cochrane lines up behind
center?" a reporter I didn't know asked.  "You probably know him from
playing against him in the Big Ten."

   "I first met Pete five years ago when I was being recruited by
Michigan," I explained.  "Pete has as strong an arm as any quarterback I
know.  Pete is a fiery competitor and knows X's and O's as well as any QB I
have seen." I stopped short of revealing everything.  I didn't want to
provide bulletin board material to the Raiders by telling them everything I
knew about their probable starter next season.  They would find out about
his toxic personality soon enough.

   Thankfully the last two questions were addressed to John.  The PR staff
ended the press conference before I had to dodge anymore hand grenades.  I
left the conference room with John and Coach Baldwin.

   "That was deftly handled, Kyle," John commented when we were out of
earshot of the media.  "I was ready to jump in when they were pressing you
on the Raiders.  You handled the questions without adding extra motivation
for a team that hates us to begin with."

   "You left something out in your evaluation of Cochrane," Coach Baldwin
commented.  "I saw that slight hesitation while you were answering that
question."

   "I did," I agreed.  "Pete Cochrane is more than a Michigan Wolverine. 
He's a real wolverine - all claws and teeth.  He has the most obnoxious,
toxic personality of any football player I have ever met.  He is the major
reason I didn't seriously consider playing at Michigan when I was choosing
a college.  Al Davis planted a time bomb on his team when he traded for
Pete.  The team is going to be hopelessly divided by Pete or they're going
unite - in their hatred of Pete.  We'll see in time which way it goes."

   "I'm not surprised to hear you say that," Coach answered.  "Tyler Murphy
[right tackle] heard the same thing from his Michigan sources." I knew the
seven year vet was a Michigan alum.

   I headed back to the receivers meeting, already in progress.  We spent
the afternoon practice outside in a drizzle doing seven on seven drills.  I
felt comfortable with my knowledge of the plays.  The other rookies seemed
to be getting it too.

   Christian Powell, Brendan Hayden, Zane Bell and I showered and changed
quickly.  We were looking for an opportunity to talk with Antwaan Booker
privately before dinner.  We got lucky.  We found Antwaan heading to the
cafeteria on his own.  We sat down around our big friend when he took a
seat at an empty table.

   "What's up, guys?" Antwaan asked as we sat down with him.

   "We could use your help, Boss," Brendan said.  Antwaan was acknowledged
by everyone as the leader of our defense.

   "You know how some guys filled Chris' car with packing peanuts last
night, don't you?" Zane explained.

   "I saw that," Antwaan agreed.  "I didn't have nothing to do with that."

   "I know you didn't," I responded.  "I overheard the plotters trying to
recruit you to help get me.  They went after Chris when they found that
Penny had my car.  We're trying to figure out who we owe the payback to."

   "I can't tell you that," Antwaan said.  "I ain't no snitch."

   "No, it wouldn't be snitching," Chris said.  "You're our leader, Book. A
good leader looks after his charges... us." Zane and Brendan nodded their
agreement.

   "We're making a list, Antwaan," I explained.  "I'd hate to see you end
up on this list when any involvement you had was strictly peripheral."

   "I didn't..." Antwaan began.  He hesitated as my words sank in.  "No!"
my friend insisted as his eyes grew larger.  "You keep your hands off
Sheree's wedding ring."

   "Me?" I said innocently.  "Whatever do you mean?"

   "I know what you did to Hayes a few years ago," Antwaan insisted. 
"Sherree will have my balls if anything happens to her ring before the
wedding."

   "Moi?  I'm hurt, Antwaan," I retorted.  "I've never done anything to
hurt you... but accidents do happen.  I'd hate to have you get involved in
anything... unfortunate."

   "C'mon, Book," Zane begged.  "All we want to know is who we need to pay
back.  Us defensive players should stick together.  C'mon, Book.  Tell us
who." Antwaan pursed his lips and grimaced.

   "You didn't hear this from me," Antwaan insisted.  "If I were looking
for payback, I would look at Montel Anderson, Cody Jones and LaVelle
Barnett." Antwaan paused and stole a quick glance around the room.  "You
didn't hear it from me... now get out of here before somebody sees us
talking."

   "You're the man, Book," Zane said.  The four of us headed over to pick
up our lunch.  We took a different table, well away from our stoolie.

   "What was all that about a wedding ring?" Zane asked.  I related the
story about how Zack Hayes "misplaced" his brother's wedding ring the day
of the wedding three years ago.  "You did that?"

   "It has been alleged," I replied.  "I can state as a fact that I was two
hundred miles away from the wedding and never, ever touched the ring." I
gave me friends a wink.  "My brother did happen to be a member of Sam Hayes
wedding party, but I assure you that was purely coincidental."

   The guys got a good laugh at my claim of innocence.  More of the rookies
joined our table as we talked.  All of us had some good stories from
college about pranks and mild hazing we received or gave in the past four
years.  The group of us at the lunch table put our heads together and came
up with a good plan for paying back Montel, Cody and LaVelle.  The
operation would commence in the morning.

   Penny had great news for me when she picked me up Wednesday evening. 
She had gone to the medical center at the entrance to our development to
meet the obstetrician who had an office there.  She wanted someone in
Denver that knew her and had access to her medical records in case she had
any problems while she was out here.  She liked Dr.  Garcia and arranged
for him to share records with her doctor back in Pennsylvania.

   The visit proved fortuitous.  She noticed another building in the back
of the complex that you couldn't see from the street.  It housed a
veterinary clinic.  Penny stopped in to check the place out.  The head vet
had a couple minutes to talk with my honey.  He agreed to let Penny help
out this summer as her schedule allowed.  He was delighted to take on a
budding veterinary student and he appreciated the help.  He was shorthanded
and could use someone who knew and loved animals to help out.

   ---------------------------------------------------------------

   Penny took me over to Dove Valley early so I could get to the locker
room ahead of most of the team.  I placed one packing peanut on the stool
in front of Montel Anderson's, LaVelle Barnett's and Cody Jones' lockers.
One and only one.  I got changed and hung out in the locker room studying
my playbook.

   Montel Anderson was the first culprit to show up.  He barely noticed the
peanut, brushing it onto the floor as he sat down.  Cody Jones noticed his.
He casually tossed it in a nearby waste basket before getting dressed for
practice.  Chris arrived before LaVelle came in that morning.  LaVelle's
arrival was anti-climactic.  Our fullback plopped his ample butt right on
the packing peanut, smashing it.

   "Well, that wasn't much of a start," Chris commented.

   "Patience," I counseled.  "We knew that this was going to take time. 
They will start noticing by the mini-camp.  I guarantee it."

   "I guess so," Chris agreed.

   The last day of the OTA went well.  Brady and I threw our first string
defense for a loop at the afternoon practice.  We ran a couple of the third
package plays during the seven on seven drills.  Both would have been
touchdowns if this had been a real game.

   Coach Baldwin had a post dinner meeting for the whole team.  He assigned
study material to everyone that we had to know for next week's OTA.  There
was one other extremely popular item of business to be done - get paid! 
The NFLPA's agreement with the league called for everyone to receive $175 a
day for participating in OTA's.  The Broncos issued checks every two weeks.
That evening was payday.  I knew the rookies, especially the free agents,
needed the cash.

   Most everyone split as soon as Coach finished his meeting.  I called
Penny to let her know I was ready to go.  I headed for the locker room and
placed two packing peanuts on Montel's, Cody's and LaVelle's stools.  They
were going to get the message that we knew their identities and that pay
back would come - slowly but surely.

   Penny had packed our luggage that afternoon.  I took the driver's seat
and we headed north for the airport.  We were catching a red eye flight
back to Philly that evening.  I wanted to maximize my time home before I
returned to Denver for the OTA's that book-ended our mandatory mini-camp.
My next trip out here would be for eight days of practice - two days of
OTA, three days of mandatory mini-camp, a day off and two more days of OTA.

   I headed down to the E-470 toll road and headed for the airport.  "I got
a call from Abby earlier this evening," Penny explained when we were on the
road.  "She and Will toured that house in Landenberg this morning."

   "What did they think?"

   "They fell in love with it, same as you," Penny replied.  "I suppose
that means I need to go down and look at it too."

   "I think you'll love this place as much as I do," I said.  "It will be a
great place to raise our family.  We can call the realtor and set up an
appointment before I have to fly back to Denver next Tuesday night."

   "We can give the realtor a call when we get on the ground in Philly
tomorrow morning," Penny agreed.  "Maybe we can stop on our way home."

   Penny and I got into DIA around 9:30 in the evening.  The big terminal
was pretty deserted.  We made our way through check-in, security and to the
tram quickly.  Penny read while we waited at the gate.  I continued
studying the ePlaybook.  The attendants boarded us on our flight about a
quarter to midnight.  We settled in and slept fitfully as we flew out to
Charlotte.  We landed a couple minutes before 6:00 am, Eastern time.  An
hour later we boarded the flight to Philly, getting on the ground in
Philly's airport around 7:30 in the morning.

   -------------------------------------------------

   Friday, May 31st

   I called Mike Hoffman, the realtor in West Grove, while Penny and I rode
from the airport terminal to long term parking to pick up my VW Golf.  Mike
was tied up this morning but he could show us the house tomorrow at 10:00
am.  I made the appointment to meet him.  I asked if Mike minded if we
drove into the property so Penny could see why Will, Abby and I loved the
property so much.  He said it would be fine.

   I headed down I-95 to Chester, picked up Route 322 and headed west for
Chester County.  I took Route 1 west to West Grove and then headed south
for the house.

   "This is pretty countryside," Penny commented as we headed south below
West Grove.  I was encouraged by Penny's comment.  My sweetie looked around
and smiled as I drove us by the woods along the driveway as we headed in
toward the house.  The smile turned into a big grin when she saw the two
houses.

   "This is amazing, Kyle," Penny commented as we stepped out of the car.
"Are they as nice inside as outside?"

   "If anything, the big house is better inside than out," I replied. 
"Let's walk around the house so you can see the back."

   Penny loved the big backyard as much as I did.  We snooped around
outside for about fifteen minutes before heading for home.  Will and Abby
invited us to have lunch with them over at Abby's parents' house when we
got back to Paradise.

   Andy was finished with his spring semester at Delaware and home that
morning.  He was working the late shift at the restaurant that day.  He
came along.

   We talked about the houses over lunch.  Everyone was sold on the idea of
making an offer, if everything else checked out and Penny liked the
interior as much as the rest of us.  We went on-line and checked real
estate prices in southern Chester County.  We would be getting a bargain to
get the two houses and five acres for $649,000.

   Andy loved the idea of Will, Abby, Penny and me living in southern
Chester County.  The house we were looking at was about nine miles from his
campus.  He could slip over and bum home cooked meals anytime he got tired
of dorm food during the week.

   Penny and I split time between my home and her home during my four days
home.  Friday and Saturday we stayed with my parents.  Penny and I both
enjoyed playing with the twins and Hunter.  We had the honor to read them
their bedtime story Friday night.

   -------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I made a nice breakfast for the kids before heading down to
Landenberg.  We had time for a leisurely drive through the pretty
countryside for our ten o'clock appointment with Mike Hoffman.  He showed
us every nook and cranny of the two houses, from basement to attic.  Dad
had counseled us to check out the heating, cooling and water heater
systems.

   Mr.  Keefer, the current owner, had put in a new geothermal heating
system and central air conditioning in the big house about ten years ago.
The summer house had a twenty-five year old hot air, oil fired furnace and
two window unit air conditioners.  Both houses had on-lot well water and
underground sewage disposal systems.

   Mike told us we shouldn't have any trouble with the sewage systems.  The
soils on the upper side of the property around the houses had excellent
percolation rates.  We wouldn't have any trouble getting replacement sewage
areas if one of the existing sewage systems failed.  The ground in the back
yard closer to the creek had a periodically high water table, which is why
the grass in the backyard was so green and lush.

   We headed inside again after we finished looking at the water and sewage
systems.  "Can you give Penny and me a few minutes to talk, Mike?" I asked
when we reached the living room.

   "Certainly," Mike agreed.  "I'll step out onto the porch." He
disappeared.

   "What do you think?" I asked after a few moments of us staring at the
beautiful stone fireplace.

   "It's everything you, Abby and Will said," Penny answered.  "I like it.
I think this would be a great home for our family." The two of us headed
out to the big porch to meet Mike.

   "Mike, Penny and I talked it over," I said.  "We will take the place for
the $649,000 asking price.  Can you draw up the agreement of sale by Monday
or Tuesday morning?  I'd like to get it signed before I head back to Denver
for my next mini-camp."

   "Certainly," Mike agreed as he shook my hand.  "I will get them drawn up
as soon as possible and get back to you when they are ready for your
signature."

   "Of course the agreement will be conditioned on no liens on the property
and it passing all the usual inspections," I added.

   "Of course," Mike agreed.  "You and Penny will love this place." Mike
shook Penny's hand too.  "You know, buyers like the two of you make my job
so easy.  Usually young couples are nervous and pretty inexperienced at
buying a home when I work with them.  I normally need to do a lot of hand
holding to get them through the process."

   "Our parents have given us a lot of advice about the process," Penny
said.

   "That... and the fact that this is the second home we bought in the past
month," I added.  "The realtor out in Denver had to do some hand holding
with us a few weeks ago before we committed to our Denver home."

   Mike and I compared schedules.  He understood my need to get the
agreement done early next week.  We talked about settlement dates too.  I
asked that we try to get all the inspections done so we could do settlement
the last week in June, between the NFL Rookie Symposium and filming the
recruiting commercial for the Boy Scouts in the beginning of July.

   Penny and I were floating on a cloud as we drove north and west for home
again that morning.  "All of this just blows my mind," Penny commented. 
"April [Chaney, the ex-roommate studying in Scotland] just texted me, `OMG
U BOUGHT 2ND HOUSE!' My friends are searching for jobs and hoping to find a
cheap apartment to live in.  We just spent a million dollars on two houses.
Will our lives ever be normal?"

   "You knew they weren't going to be," I countered.  "We have to deal with
the press, the fans and everyone's high expectations.  In return we get a
boatload of money and chance for a very comfortable life."

   Penny and I talked further about the two houses on the way home.  The
main house was huge.  Penny was worried about her rattling around in that
big place by herself that fall.  The summer house needed work.  Maybe it
could be done by the middle of August so it was ready for Will, Abby and
Rose, but it would take someone pushing the contractor to get it done.

   Penny had a wonderful idea.  She would invite Will and Abby to live in
the main house with her while renovations were done over the summer and
fall.  The summer house should be ready for them by the time my football
season was over and I moved back to Pennsylvania for the off season.  Will
and Abby agreed to the idea when we met them for lunch.

   Will gave us other news over lunch too.  His half-brothers Ethan and
Cody Henry were coming to Pennsylvania for a month right after they got out
of school next week.  They would spend most of their time with their
step-grandfather, Grampy Esh.  They were spending the Fourth of July week
at camp, sharing Will and Abby's cabin.

   John Holloway agreed to take the boys on for the week as CITs.  The
twins were scouts out in California and would fit in fine at camp.  Both
boys would be assigned to work at the pool for Will.

   Penny and I insisted that Cody and Ethan come to our wedding if they
were going to be here that weekend.  Our brother's brothers were family, as
far were we were concerned.  Will would warn the boys to pack suits for
their trip.  Penny would get them the formal invitations next week after
they got in from the west coast.

   I got to hear how the aquatics staff was shaping up.  Dustin Carter
would continue as the boatyard director.  Eric Connell was stepping up and
taking my place as the pool director.  Gary Harrison would take Eric's
place at the boatyard.  Will hoped to groom Gary to be a director in a year
or two, when the camp lost Dustin or Eric.

   There was a lot of turnover in the staff this summer.  Will lost Matt
Sauder and Josh Hunsecker to Penn State.  Both guys wanted to lessen their
fall academic load by taking summer classes.  Patrick Finnegan needed a
summer job that paid more so he could help pay for college.  He wouldn't be
back.  Cody Stevens, Alex Maddox, Adam Zimmerman, Tyler Moyer and Zac
Connell all were returning.  The other five openings on the aquatic staff
were being filled with fifteen and sixteen year olds who were CITs last
season.

   Jeremy and Kathy flew home from Chicago late Friday night.  Penny and I
headed out for an evening of dancing and some beers with our friends. 
Penny volunteered to be our designated driver.  We didn't reveal why to our
friends yet.  Penny's pregnancy was still on a need-to-know basis and we
weren't ready to tell the world just yet.

   Jeremy and I swapped stories about our experiences at our team's OTA's.
Jeremy enjoyed working with Coach Lovie Smith.  He was glad that no hitting
was allowed right now.  He was going to be rocked when he had to tackle
Damian when training camp and hitting started.

   Jeremy and Kathy bought a condo in the Chicago suburbs.  Damian and his
lover, Billy Robinson, had an apartment downtown.  On my advice, Damian had
revealed his deep secret to Jeremy about being gay.  My friend was fine
with the news.  Damian was relieved to have someone on the team that he
could confide in.  Billy Robinson had taken a job with a website design
firm.  Kathy was still looking for work.

   Jeremy had signed his rookie contract yesterday before flying home.  He
was receiving $9.3 million dollars over four years, including a $4.7
million dollar bonus.  The first three years of his contract were
guaranteed.  Like my contract, the Bears had an option to hold him for a
fifth year.  Jeremy's agent estimated the option year to be worth about
$2.5 million dollars.  Later first round picks options cost the average of
the salaries of the 25th through roughly the 85th linebacker (top third) in
the league.

   All of us enjoyed a night of dancing, visiting with friends and a few
beers.  Jeremy and I both limited ourselves to two beers.  We were in
training for the season.  More wouldn't do us any good.

   Penny dropped Kathy and Jeremy off at his house on our way home.  I
teased Jeremy before he got out about stealing my roommate from me for the
NFL Rookie Symposium.  He was rooming with Damian.  I ended asking to room
with Trevor, which was fine.  I told Jeremy I'd see him on the 23rd.  We
planned to fly out to California together.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------------

   June 1-4th - Paradise, Pa.

   My four day interlude at home flew by.  Penny and I confirmed our
marriage counseling session with Reverend Hollinger after church on Sunday.
We would meet with him twice the week after I finished OTA's with the
Broncos.  Penny and I spent time together.  I continued studying my
ePlaybook to get the last package of plays down before the team met again.

   Penny and I met with our financial planners on Monday morning.  We
filled them in on the second home we were buying and the details of my
contract.  I would meet with them one more time this spring after I
received my first check from the Broncos.  They would take care sending in
the quarterly tax payments that we owed.  We talked about investments. 
They recommended a mix of bonds and mutual funds this year to maximize our
profit while minimizing risk to our principal.

   I reviewed their plan with Dad on Monday evening.  He was OK with the
plan.  Dad handled financial planning with his clients in addition to
selling insurance.  In my case he wanted to be my dad, not my financial
planner, which is why he recommended that I use one of his competitors
instead of managing my money for me.  I knew I didn't want to mix money and
family together.  Nothing good would come of that.

   Mike Hoffman called Monday morning to let us know the agreement of sale
was ready.  He e-mailed a PDF of the document to me to review.  Penny and I
headed down to West Grove Tuesday morning to sign the agreement and put
down a 2% good faith payment.

   Penny helped me pack my things for the trip after lunch on Tuesday.  The
two of us ended up having a good bye romp in bed before I left.  The next
ten days apart would be our longest separation since I came back to Philly
after the National Championship Game.

   I stopped off at the high school athletic fields on the way to the
airport.  The spring drills were still going on that afternoon.  Gary
Harrison and Cody Stevens coaxed me into giving the receivers and d-backs
about fifteen minutes of coaching before I left.

   "Are you going to coach a squad for next Tuesday's final scrimmage,
Coach?" Gary asked when I absolutely had to leave for the airport.

   "I wish I could," I responded.  "My coach expects me to be in Denver
learning his plays next Tuesday, not here coaching you guys."

   "We're going to miss you," Gary answered.  "You've done so much for us
over the years.  It won't seem right to play the game without you."

   "You'll do fine," I promised.  "Who do you have confirmed to coach?"

   "Kenny Weaver, Cody, Garrett [Houseman], your brother Andy and Mike
Johanson," Gary said.

   "They'll do fine," I said as I pulled away.  "Good luck with the
scrimmage and have a good summer.  I'll see you on the Fourth of July."
Gary gave me a funny look.  "I'll be visiting camp that day."

   "Cool!" Gary responded.  "Good luck in Denver."

   I hopped in my old VW and headed for Lancaster and Harrisburg.  The
flight out to Denver was a pain in the ass, as usual.  I had an hour
layover in Chicago and didn't get on the ground in Denver until 9:43 pm. 
It was nearly midnight, Mountain Time, when I pulled into my driveway.

   ------------------------------------------------------

   June 5-6th - Broncos Voluntary OTA

   I grabbed a newspaper and coffee at the Valero on the way to Dove Valley
Wednesday morning.  The sports section headlined, `Harris Demands Trade or
New Contract.' I browsed the article after I got in my car.  Russ Girard
reported that Omar felt undervalued and underpaid by the team.  He was
boycotting the voluntary "mini-camp" the team was holding this week. 
Girard apparently didn't know the difference between OTA's and mini-camps.
The collective bargaining agreement carefully proscribed the permitted
activities at each type of training event.

   Omar's boycott must have dialed up the media's interest in the team's
activities.  Three reporters met me in the parking lot before I had time to
get out of the car.

   "What do you think of Omar's demands?" "Is Harris being paid fairly?"
"How much do you think your new contract affected Omar?"

   "Guys, I can't comment on this," I insisted as I climbed out of the car.
"This matter is between Omar and the team management.  I have NO comment."

   The cluster of reporters followed me to the door, pestering me with more
questions that I ignored.  They spotted Brady's SUV pull in as I reached
the door and rushed over to interrogate him.  I waited inside the building
until my friend got clear of the noisy throng.

   "They ambush you too?" Brady asked.

   "Oh yeah," I agreed.

   "What did you say?"

   "No comment," I replied.

   "Good," Brady said as we headed for the locker room to change.  "That
was the only answer that you can give them."

   The team's answer to Omar's demands played out on the field later that
morning.  I was put in as the split end for the first team throughout the
morning practice.  That was normally Omar's spot.  The team pointedly
invited the media to film and photograph the practice.  The answer to
Omar's challenge was unmistakable - `we will be fine without you.'

   Montel, LaVelle and Cody found a pile of four packing peanuts on their
stools in the morning.  The rookie revenge plan involved doubling the
message until the three culprits admitted guilt and asked for Chris'
forgiveness.  It wasn't much now but geometric progression would have them
asking for mercy before OTA's and mini-camp were over next week.

   Brendan Hayden put eight peanuts on their stools after the afternoon
practice.  They were tossed later in the evening when the guilty parties
found them.  I put sixteen peanuts in the locker room early Thursday
morning.  Zane Bell strolled by when Montel arrived.

   "Starting a collection?" he asked innocently.  "I love collecting. 
Personally, I prefer coins, but to each their own."

   Montel swiped his hand across the stool, sending the peanuts flying
across the locker room.  "Knock this shit off, Powell!" the big tackle
growled.

   "Me?" Chris responded in mock indignation.  "I... did not put them
there!" Of course not - it had been my turn to torment the guilty that
morning.  That protestation of innocence drew snickers from all the rookies
and some of veterans too.

   Zane Bell piled the thirty-two peanuts on each of the three stools late
that afternoon.  The pile nearly overflowed the seat.  The rookies didn't
need to say a word.  The veterans were quite happy to tease Montel, LaVelle
and Cody for us.

   June 5-7th - Mini-Camp

   Omar Harris showed up for the mandatory mini-camp on Friday morning. 
That was expected.  He'd be crazy to risk a substantial fine for missing
the mandatory mini-camp.  Ryan Williamson handled the peanut placement
chores early that morning.  Sixty-four peanuts (or so, we stopped counting)
overflowed the stool tops and ended up in their lockers too.

   Omar gave an impromptu press conference in the parking lot that
afternoon.  He let the press know he felt underpaid and unappreciated for
his efforts for the team the last two years.  He wanted a new contract or a
trade to somewhere he would be appreciated more.

   I didn't understand what he and his agent, Andrew Faulkner, were trying
to accomplish.  If they wanted to piss off the Broncos, they were
succeeding.  If they really expected a new contract from this stunt... well
I don't know how this would help.

   I had brief dealings with Faulkner when I was considering agents.  He
was one of the assholes who called me directly after I established the
website and questionnaire.  It had taken two unwanted phone calls from him
for me to get the message across that I would not be considering him to be
my agent.

   The three days of mini-camp were more physical than the OTA session had
been.  We were allowed to do one on one tackling and blocking drills.  We
wore our helmets but no pads.  We were not allowed to make contact as we
did full team drills of our plays.  The drills were nearly full speed,
other than contact.  I kept up and I knew the plays as Brady called them. I
felt more confident.  I was reacting more and thinking less.

   The packing peanuts kept doubling every morning and afternoon.  Sunday
morning, when it was my turn again, we were supposed to putting 1,024
peanuts at each locker.  I brought Saran Wrap and clear packing tape.  I
strung two pieces of Saran Wrap across the bottom foot of their lockers and
sealed them in place with the packing tape.  I poured the peanuts into the
lockers, filling it to almost overflowing.  I sprinkled some peanuts on the
three stools too.

   I disappeared to the film room so no one would discover that I was the
first one at the locker room that morning.  I returned to the locker room
to change about twenty minutes later when more of the team was arriving. 
Everyone looked over Montel's, LaVelle's and Cody's locker and laughed when
they arrived.

   Montel greeted the sight of his locker with a string of expletives. 
Cody showed up and just stared when he got in.  He ripped down the Saran
Wrap and scattered the peanuts across the locker room floor.  Kellen Brown
inquired, "You planning on shipping something, Cody?" He laughed and added,
"...like a car or something?"

   "FUCK YOU!" Cody snarled.  The locker room answered with a chorus of
laughter.

   "Powell, you better knock this shit off!" LaVelle added.

   George Ceja, one of the assistant equipment managers, came through a
minute later.  "Barnett, Jones and Anderson!  Clean this mess up.  We're
not your personal janitors."

   "But we didn't..." Montel protested.

   "I don't care who did," George answered crossly.  "They're your lockers.
Clean this shit up!"

   George knew full well who was responsible.  He watched me fill the three
lockers earlier that morning.  George handed the three culprits trash bags
to put their peanuts in.  It was very kind of George.  He collected the
bags when they were done.  We appreciated George's help too.  He had
enlisted in our crusade.  He would give the bags of peanuts to Devon Ford
tonight when it was time for the peanuts to double again.

   Coach Baldwin gave everyone Monday off.  OTA's would resume on Tuesday
and Wednesday.  Brady invited me to go hiking with him on Monday.  He
planned an excursion up into the mountains.

   I met Brady Monday morning at the Egg and I restaurant where we had our
first breakfast together after I joined the team.  I left my car at the
shopping mall and rode with Brady, who knew the roads much better.  We
headed north on I-25 until we got to I-70, and then headed west for the
mountains.

   We decided to go to Vail for our climb.  It was a nice looking little
town at the base of a series of tall mountains.  We had packed lunch and
three liters of water for our excursion.  I expected after five weeks in
Denver that I was fully acclimatized.  Hah!  I was out of breath was we
climbed to over 12,000 feet, the top of the mountain.  We followed one of
the flatter ski trails as it wound up the mountain, in and out of the
trees. We had lunch on top.  The view was spectacular.

   I enjoyed spending the day out in nature and spending time with Brady. I
had been truly blessed in my football career to play with one QB after
another that were talented and that I liked as a person - Zack Hayes, Ed
Fritz, Zack again, Chip and finally Brady.  That wasn't always the case
with a quarterback and his receivers.

   I was starting to follow Brady's thinking as he scanned the field.  Our
timing was coming together.  We were going to be hard to stop when the
season started.  At least, that is the way it looked to my rookie eyes.  I
might be in for a big shock in the fall when the games were counted and
people started hitting.

   ----------------------------------------------------

   June 11-12th - Final OTA

   The 4,096 peanuts (or so) filled the first four feet of Montel's,
LaVelle's and Cody's lockers.  The vets greeted their expletives with
laughter.

   "Knock this shit off, Powell!" Montel demanded.

   "I did NOT put them there," Chris answered truthfully.  Devon had put
them there on Sunday night.  The mountain of peanuts had grown too big to
place twice a day.  We would settle for once a day, to keep the culprits
from realizing the extent of our conspiracy.  George Ceja thoughtfully
provided trash bags so they three could clean out their lockers before they
dressed.

   Omar Harris continued his boycott by avoiding the voluntary OTA.  I
lined up at split end again.  I thought the day's practices went well.

   I helped Chris fill the three lockers with peanuts the whole way to the
ceiling after the team was dismissed on Wednesday evening.  I doubt any
office supply store in southeast Denver had packing peanuts anymore.  We
rookies had bought them all for this prank.

   LaVelle Barnett was the first culprit to show up Thursday morning.  He
simply stood and stared at the wall of peanuts where his locker was
supposed to be.  He turned and walked over to Chris' locker.

   "I'm sorry we peanuted your car," I said abjectly.  "We shouldn't have
done that to a teammate."

   "What about stealing Kyle's keys so you could do his car too?" Chris
asked as he looked over at me.  "Do you think he's sincere?"

   "I think he is," I answered.  "Are Montel and Cody sorry too?"

   "I'm sure they will be," LaVelle replied.  "Please stop this."

   "We'll see," I said, "... when we hear from your confederates."

   Montel and Cody delivered acceptable apologies when they arrived at the
locker room.  Chris, Devon, Zane and I helped the three clean out their
lockers to show there were no hard feelings.

   Chris and I got called to Coach Baldwin's office before lunch.  "Are we
done with the packing peanut foolishness?" he asked directly when we were
seated.

   "The guys who peanuted my car have apologized," Chris said.

   "They seemed sincere," I agreed.  "It's done."

   "How many people were in on all this?" Coach asked.

   "All the rookies," Chris answered.

   "A few of the veterans too," I added.  "They looked the other way while
we were filling the lockers the last couple days."

   "How did you guys get all the rookies together on this?" Coach asked.

   "We're all the low men on the totem pole," I explained.  "If we didn't
stick together, the vets would haze each of us individually."

   "There is strength in numbers," Chris added.

   "True... very true," Coach agreed.  He dismissed us.  We overheard him
mutter, "Floor to ceiling... I had to see that one..."

   Antwaan Booker waved Chris and me over to his table at lunch.  "You guys
got some respect from that prank," my big friend commented.  "You done
good. You kept the rooks together... and that ain't easy since you all are
competing for the same spots on the team."

   "Thanks for saying that, Book," Chris said.  "I appreciate it."

   "I do too," I agreed.

   "I told them fools to let you alone," Antwaan responded.  "They didn't
want to listen.  Now they know."

   I appreciated his kind words.  Antwaan Booker was the heart and soul of
this team.  His approval confirmed our place as full members of the team.

   Brian Xanders distributed paychecks for the OTA's and mini-camps before
dinner.  Chris and I had larger checks than most.  He signed his contract
and was receiving his $1.15 million bonus that day.  The $1,750 for the ten
days of OTA's and mini-camps barely registered on my $4.77 million dollar
check.  I put the check in my car's glove box for safe keeping.  My car
keys stayed on my person to avoid any repeat of the nonsense a few weeks
ago - as if any of the vets dared fool with the twenty-some rookies
anymore.

   Coach Baldwin had a brief meeting after dinner Wednesday night.  He
reminded us to continue our conditioning.  We needed to come to training
camp in top shape.  He also said he wanted all of us to take some time off
from football and get our heads clear.  We needed to be fresh and ready to
hit the ground running on July 29th when camp started.

   -----------------------------------------------------------

   June 13-22nd - Paradise, Pa.

   I left my house in Lone Tree at a quarter to five on Thursday morning to
get to the airport in time to catch my 7:03 am flight to Kansas City.  I
had a two hour layover there before my flight to Chicago.  I had
thirty-five minutes in Chicago, barely enough time to grab a sandwich as I
ran from one gate to the next.  The tailwinds were with us.  The flight
from Chicago dropped in seven minutes ahead of its scheduled 4:30 pm
arrival in Harrisburg.

   Traffic was heavy on I-283.  I stopped off and bought a sandwich, chips
and a soda at a Sheetz convenience store in Elizabethtown.  I knew I
wouldn't make it back to Paradise for dinner with my family or Penny's
family.  Penny came over and spent the night at my house when I got home.

   Penny had started her summer job with Dr.  Chu while I was out in
Denver. Dr.  Chu was very forgiving about hours.  Penny could take off when
she needed to for wedding preparations.  I headed to the bank with my
paycheck after breakfast Friday morning.

   I was in a playful mood when I stepped up to the teller's window.  I
asked politely, "Can I cash this check?  It's drawn on this bank." The
Broncos happened to use the Bank of America too.

   "Sure," the lady teller answered.  "Do you have an account with us?"

   "I do,"

   "I'll need two forms of ID," she replied.

   "Do thousand dollar bills circulate or do I need to take this in
hundreds?" I asked as I handed the check over to her.  She gave me a funny
look before she looked down at the check.

   "OH!  Uh... I need to get the manager for this," she stammered.  "I
don't have... actually I don't know if this branch has this much... money."

   "Stop, I'm just teasing," I explained.  I handed her the deposit slip.
"Actually all I need is $200 in twenties.  I would like to deposit the
rest. I hope this is legible.  It really doesn't have enough room for all
the zeros."

   "Um... it's fine," the teller said.  She seemed to clear her head a
little.  "I'm sorry for being flustered.  This check is a little unusual,"
she commented as she processed it.

   "It's my paycheck," I explained.

   "What in the world do you do for a living?" the teller asked.

   "I catch footballs... professionally," I answered.  She looked down at
the check again and nodded.

   "The Broncos football team," she said.  "I see now."

   The teller completed my transaction and gave me my cash.  The Broncos
had already deducted Max Solomon's 3%.  They would send it direct to him.

   Andy and I had time to catch up with each other over lunch that day. 
Andy had made the Dean's List this past semester.  He told me about the
Wolverines' final spring scrimmage on Tuesday.  Andy was the lead coach for
the White Team with Kenny Weaver's assistance.  Mike Johanson ran the Red
Team with Cody Stevens helping on defense and Garrett Houseman helping with
the offense.  The White Team edged the Red 31-30.

   Andy attributed the loss to the way the quarterbacks were divided up. 
Andy ended up with Jake Baughman.  Mike and Garrett had Ryan Newswanger. 
Jake didn't have a strong arm, which limited Andy's options offensively. 
Ryan was a ninth grader with a gun for an arm and was just as fearless as
Matt Sauder was three years ago.  Coach Turner and Coach Brady were going
to have a hard choice to make at the end of August when they chose the
starting QB.

   Will called me later in the afternoon.  He and Abby left for camp that
morning.  Will called to convey a request from the camp director, John
Holloway.  John wanted to know if I could come up to camp next Tuesday
night and give the Teaching EDGE lecture to the staff.  I agreed.

   -----------------------------------------------------

   My nine days at home were great.  Andy and I worked out in the mornings.
Penny had a few errands for me to do to help get ready for the wedding.  I
had an appointment with my financial planners on Monday.  Mostly I spent my
time reviewing the ePlaybook and film of the Broncos running our plays.

   I enjoyed the evening at scout camp Tuesday night.  I went up to have
dinner with the staff.  I delivered my lecture on teaching techniques after
dinner.  I even had a little time to join in the staff swim before the
staff crack barrel (snack) that evening.

   Penny and I swapped homes every couple days.  I enjoyed spending time
with Jim and Marilyn Edwards.  After fifteen months of dating Penny and six
months engaged, I felt just as comfortable and at-home with the Edwards
family as I did with my own family.

   I drove Jeremy down to the Philly airport on the following Saturday
(June 22nd).  We met Trevor Conwell, Shawn Byrd and couple of Shawn's
rookie teammates at our gate.  Our flight took off promptly, five minutes
before six o'clock that evening.  We were fortunate.  We had a direct
flight to San Diego, getting in around 9:00 in the evening.

   Trevor, Shawn, Jeremy, Jared Best, Nick Bertrand and I took an airport
shuttle for the half hour drive north to the La Costa Resort and Spa in
Carlsbad, Ca.  We got into the resort around 10:30 pm.  Our bodies told us
it was 2:30 in the morning, so everyone headed straight to their rooms.  We
teased Shawn to be quiet.  Christian Hunsecker, his roommate this weekend,
probably went to bed three or four hours ago.

   A lot of the rookies came in Sunday morning.  Guys from the East Coast
didn't have that choice.  We couldn't catch flights to San Diego and make
it in time for check-in between 2:00 and 3:00 pm.

   My friends from Penn State, Notre Dame, Michigan and Ohio State met over
brunch Sunday around noon.  Zane Bell joined us.  His flight from his
parents' home in Florida came in yesterday evening too.  It was good to
catch up with Damian, Christian, Josh Bruno and Greg Nowicki.  It was good
to hear my friends were getting comfortable with their new teams.  My
friends and I hung out until it was time for check-in.

   Buses brought more rookies up from the airport throughout the early
afternoon.  My friends and I checked in when registration opened up.  We
hung out, greeting friends we'd made on our new teams or at the Senior Bowl
and Combine.

   Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA President DeMaurice Smith presided
over the opening gathering of the 254 rookies.  They welcomed us and began
with a video recap of the 2012 season, ending with New England's demolition
of the Vikings at the Super Bowl.

   Commissioner Goodell talked about the agenda for the next four days. 
The symposium had two aims, to help us transition from college to the pros
successfully and to help us transition from the pros to real life after our
careers were finished.  DeMaurice Smith talked about what professionalism
meant in our dealing with our team, our coaches, our teammates, the
opposing team and their coaches, the media, the league and the fans who
supported our game.

   Commissioner Goodell ended the opening talk with a pointed reminder. 
"There are only 254 of you, and there are more than 10 million males your
age in America who would love to trade places with you.  Everyone in the
NFL must take part in the integrity of the NFL."

   Dinner was buffet style.  There were long lines to feed all these hungry
football players.  Coach Herman Edwards gave the after dinner keynote
speech.  "Herm" had always been one of my Dad's favorite Eagles players,
since the first Miracle of the Meadowlands.  Dad was ten years old at the
time and had watched the game with Grandpa Martin.  They had cheered
themselves hoarse when Herm Edwards grabbed the fumbled handoff from Joe
Pisarcek to Larry Csonka and dashed twenty-six yards for the winning TD on
the final play of the game.  The win propelled the Eagles into the playoffs
later that season and to the Super Bowl two years later.

   Coach Edwards was a fiery speaker who spoke bluntly about some of the
things we would face as NFL players.  He warned about friends and family
who would show up with the hands out, expecting us to provide a free ride
for them.  He talked about the temptations to go out drinking and partying.
He talked about the cute girls that would hop in bed with us at the drop of
a hat.

   "Don't go falling for these cuties," he warned.  "They'd like nothing
more than to bag a rich kid like you by getting pregnant.  You don't want
to be paying somebody $10,000 a month in child support."

   "Oops," I muttered.  "Too late on that one." Trevor, who was sitting to
my left, and Damian, on my right, both turned and stared at me in
disbelief.

   "You didn't," Trevor shot back.

   "Yeah," I admitted, sheepishly.  "Penny and I celebrated my becoming a
Bronco a little too heartily."

   "Did I hear correctly?" Jeremy demanded.  He was seated beside Damian. I
nodded yes.  We had to get quiet so we could hear the rest of Coach
Edwards' speech.  The guys peppered me with questions afterward.  I texted
Penny to let her know I let our secret slip and she should expect to hear
from her friends shortly, thanks to our "Paradise grapevine." My honey
wasn't too mad at me for leaking the news.  It would have become apparent
sooner rather than later.

   ----------------------------------------------------

   Monday morning was devoted to talking about drugs, steroid abuse and the
league's teting policies.  I paid close attention to the afternoon session
devoted to financial planning.  Max, Dad and I had done a good job figuring
things out on our own.  I was diversifying my portfolio of investments
already.

   I wasn't worried about my family trying to live off my money.  Mom and
Dad were comfortable already.  Will was the poorest among my siblings and
he turned down an offer of free rent.  Andy learned responsibility and
handing his money thanks to Mom, Dad and the twins.  I certainly had no
intent to accumulate a posse of yes men to follow me around.

   Many of the presentations were done by current and former players.  I
think everyone who was paying attention understood better hearing the
message from someone like us rather than an outsider.  David Akers story
about investing in an oil well really hit home.  I knew of David from his
dozen years with Eagles.  I always considered him a sensible family guy who
wouldn't do something crazy.  His talk was a reminder to seek diversified
AND safe investments that gave a reasonable rate of return.  If the
investment sounded too good to be, IT WAS!  Take the safe 5% return instead
of chasing the 25-30% return.

   Five old timers had talked about the history of the NFL after dinner on
Monday.  It was good for us to understand the heritage of this enterprise
we were joining.  I enjoyed hearing about all these long ago players and
coaches I was only vaguely aware of before this symposium.

   Tuesday morning we focused on preparing for the long NFL season.  We
attended a series of roundtable discussions with panels of current players
to discuss life as a rookie in the NFL.  Most of us had played a dozen
regular season games in college over twelve or thirteen weekends, and may
have had a conference championship game and a bowl game after a month off.
Every NFL player had twenty games in a row with at most a single week off.
The luckiest of us could have up to four more playoff games, culminating at
the Super Bowl.

   They told us to expect to hit a physical and mental wall around the
beginning of November, when our experience told us the season should be
over soon.  We had two or three months to go at the point.  The season
would be a long marathon, not a sprint.

   Aaron Morano was one of the featured speakers at the afternoon session
on giving back to our communities.  Aaron spoke about the Morano Children's
Fund he and Tania started three years ago to help children with cancer.  I
had no idea he and Tania were doing that.

   When it was time for questions, Danny Clay asked, "How did you and your
wife choose that charity?  What inspired you?"

   "Tania's mother is a breast cancer survivor," Aaron answered.  "That was
a part of our decision to create this fund.  The other part I owe to a
rookie here this week.  Stand up, Kyle." I know I blushed as I stood up in
front of my peers.

   "I was a team captain my final season at Penn State," Aaron explained.
"One of the freshmen on our team came to me in the fall with a request. 
Could he recruit a few team members to help raise money for a dance
marathon to raise money for kids with cancer?  The other captains and I
told him to go ahead.  All of us were surprised when he raised close to
$22,000.  He asked my wife... then my girlfriend, and I to dance for the
marathon.  That sparked our interest in taking action, rather than simply
talking or writing a check.

   "I'm going to put you on the spot, Kyle," Aaron said.  "Have you and
Penny decided on any charities that you want to work with?"

   "We've discussed it a little," I responded.  "We are leaning towards
setting something up to provide mentoring and tutoring for students in
underperforming schools."

   "That's a worthy cause... especially for a future school teacher like
you," Aaron answered.  "Make sure you do what I did, Kyle.  Use your
charity as bait to get others involved to multiply your efforts." Aaron
chuckled.  "I used a few thousand dollars for bait to motivate Nittany
Lions team members to help Penn State's dance marathon.  They multiplied my
contributions a hundredfold.  Members of the team raised over $700,000 in
the past four years.

   "Give a man a fish and he eats dinner," Aaron concluded.  "Teach a man
to fish and he eats for a lifetime.  Go and use your advantages and teach
men to fish."

   I stayed on my feet and applauded my friend's talk.  The other Penn
Staters and our friends rose too as the room filled with applause.  I knew
Aaron generous donations had helped motivate team members to win prizes and
raise more money.  I never looked at the bigger picture.  He challenged us
to do better.  Aaron might have donated $50,000 total to the amount the
team raised in four years.  His small prizes had yielded big results.

   Penny and I needed to think about this more.  $20.5 million dollars over
four years sounds like a lot but when you considered the scope of the
education deficit in inner city schools, it was a drop in the bucket.  We
needed to figure out how to leverage our small donations to yield much
greater results.

   We had a Play 60 cook out with local youth that evening.  One of the
NFL's pet initiatives was to get every child in the country to go outside
and play 60 minutes every day.  I hadn't needed it when I was growing up
but I understood the need.  Too many kids today sat and watched TV, surfed
the internet on the computer or played video games now.  They needed to get
outside and play catch, toss a football around or go ride their bikes.

   At breakfast Wednesday morning Eldon Burkholder introduced me to one his
college's alums that I hadn't met before.  Chris Carter was one of the best
receivers to ever play in the league.  He currently was number four on the
all-time receptions list, behind Jerry Rice, Tony Gonzalez and Marvin
Harrison.  Jerry, Chris and Marvin all were Hall of Famers.  Tony was
certain to be one in five years when he was eligible.  He retired a few
months ago, after fifteen spectacular seasons.  I enjoyed talking with
Chris.  He seemed as nice in person as he did on TV.

   Wednesday morning's topic was sexual education and HIV.  We were
considered to be at risk since we would have to face groupies and fans
ready to throw themselves at us.  HIV and other STDs were a distinct
possibility if we didn't watch after ourselves.  I listened, though I
didn't feel it applied to me necessarily.  I was keeping my thing in my
pants unless I was with Penny.  I had done enough sleeping around in
college for my lifetime.

   One of the panelists talked about an unnamed player who sat through this
same lecture a few years ago without listening.  He managed to father eight
kids with eight different women.  Can you say child support?  Even first
round picks are going to be pretty broke if they have to pay child support
for eight kids.

   Shawn Byrd introduced me to Michael Vick at lunch.  He hadn't been at
the Novacare Complex when I visited a couple months ago.  I enjoyed talking
with him and Shawn.  I was surprised at how small he was.  I towered over
him.

   Plaxico Burress and Michael Vick led a roundtable on Choices, Decisions
and Consequences after lunch.  The two told their personal stories of their
bad choices and the consequences they suffered.  Plaxico talked about
taking the gun into the night club because he was worried about some of the
crazy fans he could meet.  He hadn't expected that he would be the crazy
person who shot himself in the leg.

   Mike talked about how he metaphorically shot his career in the head by
keeping a posse, letting them waste much of his first $100 million contract
and enabling his efforts in the dog fighting business.  Prison was a damn
hard wakeup call.  Both Plaxico and Mike were fortunate to resurrect their
careers after prison.  Their predicaments certainly got my attention.

   Chris Carter gave the final talk of the symposium.  Chris stepped to the
stage and smiled as he scanned the crowd.  "Y'all made it!" he declared. 
"Boys growing up DREAM of playing in the NFL... and y'all made it!  You
fought your way up through the ranks...  midgets... high school...
college... and now you're here... in the NFL.

   "The question is... what are you going to do now?  I've been watching
y'all this week.  Some of you have been sitting on the edge of your seats,
leaning forward and listening intently to every word spoken up here.  More
of you have been too cool for all this.  You been goofing with your
buddies. You don't need to listen to these old guys up here droning on and
boring you to tears.

   "There's two kinds of guys in this room.  Some of you are going to be in
the NFL about ten months.  Others are going to be here for ten years.  You
already know which you are.  The ten month guys are the knuckleheads that
have been goofing and sleeping while we veterans have been trying to
educate y'all.

   "I know.  I would'a been one of them knuckleheads, if they had this
symposium in 1987 when I started in the league.  I didn't need any advice
from the experienced receivers.  I knew it all.  How many of you were
picked in the fourth round?"

   Around thirty or so hands went up.  "I had the world, man!" Chris said.
"I was IN the NFL.  My coach, Buddy Ryan, had a dozen receivers at training
camp.  I knew I wasn't beating Mike Quick.  He was one of the best
receivers in the league.  I wasn't beating Kenny Jackson.  He was a first
round pick with half a dozen years in the league.  I understood I needed to
do ANYTHING I needed to do take one of those other two slots.  The eight
guys after me can fight over the last slot.  The third one was mine!

   "That is the mind set you will need if you want to take one of those
four slots on your team.  Fight tooth and nail for everything you can scrap
for.  THAT is how you are going stay in the NFL.

   "I pulled it off as a rookie.  They even let me on the field a few
times. I caught myself 5 passes, including two touchdowns.  I was the shit!
I enjoyed life as an NFL player.  I enjoyed the finer things.  I got into
partying - alcohol, pot, ecstasy, you name it... I probably tried it.

   "Professionally my life was going great.  I made it to starter the next
season.  My receptions and touchdowns soared.  The world was great.  I
partied on and continued to perform on the field.  I was the top wide
receiver on my team but my partying was starting to affect my reliability.

   "I don't know how many of you know Buddy Ryan, my coach.  You know his
boys, Rex and Rob.  They're chips off the old block.  Buddy and I got into
it hot and heavy one day during the 1990 preseason.  Next thing I know the
dude cuts me!  Bam!  I'M FIRED!

   "My wife and I had just bought a house.  She was pregnant with my son.
Everything I had was gone..." he clapped his hands, "...like that!  I was
mad as hell at that dude back then.  He gave me the wake-up call I needed.
Thank God the Vikings picked me up.  I realized I needed to get myself
together.  I managed to clean myself up and focus on football.  I managed
to make a sixteen year career for myself.

   "Look over there," Chris said as he pointed towards a big poster on the
wall.  "That's Walter Payton.  Sweetness... the best football player of all
time.  He gave to this league.  Look at all the other photos.  These guys
gave to the league too.  They built it into what it is today.  They gave!

   "Too many dudes today come in and ask `What can I take from the NFL?'
That's the wrong question.  That's what the knuckleheads ask.  They're the
guys who will be gone in ten months.  The smart guys... the guys who have
been listening this week are the guys who will be here ten years from now.
They are the guys who know to give back to this league to keep the NFL what
it is.

   "Are you going to be a knucklehead or are you going to give back and
build up this league?" Chris demanded.  "It's up to each of you.  I hope
y'all listen to the things us old guys told you this week.  Have a safe
trip home."

   [I received sad news a couple weeks ago.  X of Dallas passed away.  I
want to dedicate this chapter to his memory.  I can't begin to tell you how
valuable his research has been over the last two years.  He checked and
double checked my game by game statistics over Kyle's four year college
career to make sure everything added up.  My accounts of the awards shows,
Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, agent interviews and the draft are all richer and
more accurate because of X's help.  I never would have had the nerve to
call the Senior Bowl PR office and talk for half an hour to get the low
down on how things work.  X did.  I will miss his insight into the business
of football.  Thanks, X.  I will miss you.  Doug Fox]

   Chapter 89

   ==========

   Friday, June 28th - West Grove, Pa.

   Penny and I arrived about fifteen minutes ahead of our scheduled
appointment for closing on our new Landenberg home.  The receptionist sat
us in the conference room.  Penny slipped her hand across and grasped mine
as we waited.

   "You nervous?" I asked.  Memories of the NFL players who lost bundles of
money from poor investments still echoed in my head from a couple days
earlier.

   "Petrified," Penny answered quietly.  "This is like... twenty times as
much money as I've ever dealt with before."

   "It's a great house," I responded.  "We are making the right decision."
I mostly believed what I was saying.  Didn't I?

   "My head knows we are," Penny agreed.  "My heart is still fluttering
anyway." She took a deep breath.  "It IS a great house."

   Mike Hoffman came in a minute later carrying a handful of folders.  "You
two ready for this?" he asked politely.

   "I guess," I managed, forcing a grin.

   "You two have it easy compared to most young couples," Mike answered. 
"They're committing to thirty years of payments.  You will own this house
free and clear." He paused and gave us a big smile.  "Would you like some
coffee or tea?"

   "Coffee would be nice," I said, managing to return Mike's smile.

   "Decaf tea if you have it," Penny added.  "Nothing if you don't have
decaf."

   "I'll send some in for you," Mike said.  "The Keefers will be here any
minute and we can get down to business."

   My coffee, Penny's tea and the Keefers all arrived at the same time. 
Mr. and Mrs.  Keefer looked to be in their early fifties.  Mike appeared
seconds later and introduced everyone.

   "I understand I have Al Conwell to thank for helping sell my house," Don
Keefer said as we shook hands.  "DuPont promoted me to Western Sales
Manager six months ago.  Barb and I have been living out of a little
apartment in Phoenix since then.  Now we can get ourselves a proper house."

   "You'll live in Phoenix?" Penny asked.

   "No, actually we're moving to Colorado in a month or two," Don Keefer
answered.  "I had some issues to deal with in Phoenix.  When they are done
we plan to buy a place on the north side of Denver.  It's a lovely area."

   "We know," I said.  "Our second house is in Lone Tree, on the south side
of Denver towards Castle Rock."

   "That's right, Al said you were a football player," Don Keefer said.  "I
take it you play for the Broncos."

   "I do," I replied.

   "Is everyone comfortable?" Mike asked.  "Don and Barb... would you like
some coffee?" They did.  The receptionist brought coffee for the Keefers a
minute later.  She stayed.

   "Mary is our notary too," Mike explained.  "Let's get going." He
reviewed the terms of our deal.  He reviewed the title report and building
inspection report.  Everything looked good on the reports.  I made out a
check for the cost of the house, the closing fees and the real estate
transfer tax.

   Don and Barb Keefer signed the deed when Mike accepted my check.  The
notary signed the deed, witnessing the signatures.  Don and Barb handed
over the keys to our new house.

   Penny and I shook hands with Mike, Don and Barb after the transaction
was completed.

   "Do you mind answering a question, Don?" I asked.  "You said you moved
to Phoenix six months ago.  Who has been taking care of the lawn this
spring?  The place is kept up so well."

   "Stoudt's Lawn Service has been doing the work," Don answered.

   "Penny and I need someone to keep the place up until the end of August,"
I said.  "Both of us will be living in Denver until school starts.  Could
you give us the contact information for them?  We'd love to have whoever
has done the work continue."

   "I can give you that information," Mike offered.

   "Carl Stoudt does great work," Don said.  "I have a brown thumb.  The
place wouldn't look nearly as good as it does if not for Carl."

   "Enjoy the home," Barb added.  "It is a great place to raise a family."

   "Look us up when you get to Denver," I added.  "I won't be in the phone
book but you can get me a message through the Broncos."

   Mike Hoffman gave us the contact info for Stoudt's Lawn Service.  Penny
and I decided to take a drive down to our new house, now that it was ours.
We grabbed some sandwiches in West Grove before we headed south.  We
enjoyed a nice lunch on our deck behind our new house.

   -------------------------------------------------------------

   Kathy, Jeremy, Hal, Tammy, Penny and I went out to the dance club
Saturday night.  We enjoyed the night out.  Penny was our designated driver
again.  Everyone understood why now that the secret of Penny being pregnant
was out.  We got to talking about the commercial we were shooting at camp
next week.

   I reminded the guys that they were expected to be in scout uniform for
the shoot.  Ed and I would be fine.  We had worked at camp recently enough
that our uniforms fit.  Hal was probably OK too.  He hadn't put on that
much muscle since high school.  Jeremy was another case entirely.  He had
put on at least 30-40 pounds of muscle since high school.  I gave my friend
directions to the scout office in Lancaster.  He needed to pick up a proper
uniform before Thursday.

   One of the advantages of having a pregnant fiancée was what the extra
hormones did to her libido.  Penny loved having me play with her nipples
and breasts.  No problem by me.  She loved having me eat her out.  It's all
good.  She demanded I bury my bone in her pussy repeatedly.  I did so with
gusto.

   Penny and I were bleary eyed Sunday morning when we headed to church. 
Thankfully neither of us fell asleep during church.  We really should have
skipped the fourth round of sex at 2:00 am early that morning.  We pasted
on cheery smiles when we headed out at the end of service.

   "Are the two of you all ready for the big day?" Reverend Hollinger asked
enthusiastically after the service.

   "There's a million details to take care of," Penny said, "...but we will
be ready."

   "Rehearsal still on Friday at 6:30pm, right?" I added.

   "It is," Rev confirmed.

   "Thanks for agreeing to do it so late," I added.  "Will and Abby
couldn't make it back from camp any earlier.  The pool is a zoo on Friday
afternoons as all the kids try to finish up their merit badges at the last
minute."

   "I'm looking forward to dinner at Gibraltar," Rev responded.  "It's good
they can accommodate you.  It is supposed to be an excellent restaurant."

   "Nothing but the best for our guests," Dad inserted.  Mom and Dad were
right behind Penny and me in the receiving line after church.

   ---------------------------------------------------------------

   Penny and I spent Sunday afternoon at my house working on the ideas for
our personal vows.  Andy had just finished reviewing with Noah and Connor
(for about the tenth time) what they would do during the wedding ceremony
next Saturday.  The twins were proud to be trusted to carry the wedding
rings during the ceremony but more than a little worried whether they would
do it right.

   The three boys were fooling around after the twins finished their
lecture on their duties.  Andy headed off to the family room to relax. 
Next thing Penny and I hear is Noah taunting, "We get to be in `da weddin'
an' you don't."

   "Yeah," Connor confirmed.  "Mom-Mom says you too much'a baby."

   "I AM NOT!" Hunter insisted.

   "Are too!" Noah countered.  "We get to carry the rings."

   "You hafta sit with Mom-Mom," Connor added.  Hunter let out a wail and
shoved Noah to the floor.  Connor jumped in, trying to pull Hunter off his
brother.  Penny and I jumped in and pulled the boys apart.

   "Don't fight," Penny insisted as she grabbed Hunter.

   "Don't taunt your uncle, guys," I insisted as the twins picked
themselves up.  "You need to treat each other decently."

   The ruckus attracted Mom's attention.  She came running.  By then Hunter
was crying.

   "What did you boys do?" Mom demanded.

   "Nothin', Mom-Mom," Noah insisted.  Connor hung his head and said
nothing.

   "The twins were teasing Hunter about him not being in the wedding," I
added.  "Then..."

   "Teasing?" Mom demanded.  "We have talked about this before, boys. 
Families treat each other with respect.  I think the two of you need a
timeout."

   "No!" Noah wailed.  "Hunter was..."

   "I don't want to hear it," Mom insisted.  "Do you want a twenty minute
timeout instead of ten, Noah?"

   "No," he answered mournfully.  Connor wisely started towards the
designated time out spot.  Noah stamped his feet as he followed his
brother.

   "Ten minutes on the top step, Connor," Mom directed.  "Stop stamping
your feet, Noah.  You have twenty minutes on the bottom step.  Do you
understand?"

   "Yes, Mom-Mom," Noah agreed.  My nephew was slowly learning the lesson I
learned a long time ago - don't fool with Mom.  Her word was law around
here.  Mom headed back to the living room.

   Hunter managed to calm himself.  "Why can't I be in wedding?" he asked
Penny.  "I'll be good."

   Mom had insisted that we not use Hunter as a part of the wedding party.
She felt that at three, his attention span was too short to behave himself
up front through the whole service.  He wouldn't walk to the front of the
church on Sundays with his nephews.  He insisted on Mom, Dad, Liz or Andy
walking along with him.  The twins were fine going alone.  Hunter wanted to
act like he was four years old like his nephews, but sometimes he didn't
have the maturity to pull it off.  Mom felt this was one of those times.

   "We have two rings for the ceremony," I explained.

   "What would you carry if the twins carry our wedding rings?" Penny
added.

   "I wanna be a part of the wedding," Hunter begged.

   "We don't need you for the ceremony," I explained.  I looked at Penny
and arched my eyebrows.  "We do have a job for you at the reception.  Would
you like to help Penny and I cut the wedding cake?" Penny gave me a big
smile and nodded her agreement.

   "Cut the cake for everyone?" Hunter exclaimed.

   "Not all two hundred guests," I answered.  "You'll help cut the first
three pieces - one for Penny, one for me and one for you."

   "OK, I do that, Kyle," Hunter agreed.

   "Do you know you got lucky Mom didn't find out about you pushing Noah?"
I asked.  Hunter frowned and nodded that he did.  "You should go have a
seat somewhere and think about what you did too.  Noah and Connor shouldn't
have teased you but you shouldn't have pushed Noah."

   "OK," Hunter agreed before scampering away.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------

   I filled my week with running errands and helping with wedding
preparations.  Penny was absorbed with the wedding, as were Mom and Marilyn
Edwards.  April Chaney arrived on Tuesday from Scotland via her family's
home in Morristown, New Jersey.  Her spring semester ended the end of last
week.

   April was staying at Penny's house until the wedding.  That ended things
for Penny and me sharing a room until the wedding night.  I missed her but
I'd survive.

   I used the little spare time I had to continue studying my ePlaybook. 
Our two houses, part of the wedding expenses and my and Penny's financial
future rested on me knowing the West Coast offense well enough to
contribute on the field when games started next month.

   Ed skipped his Wednesday afternoon lab, along with Thursday and Friday's
classes to get home in time for the commercial we were filming at camp on
the Fourth of July.  Ed came over around 8:30 that evening, after he got
home.  He, Andy and I did our daily workout and went for a run together,
the way we used to back in high school.

   We talked about our teams' expectations for the coming season.  I
allowed that I wasn't sure where my team would go.  We looked great in
practice but I don't know how things would go when we faced real
opposition.

   "My team is going to be sitting pretty next December," Ed said.  "Most
all of our skill players are coming back, except Eric [Peters].  We have as
soph that played great in spring ball.  I expect he will be burning up the
SEC next fall.  I predict my team will take the SEC and end up in the BCS
Championship Game.  This time I will make damn sure we win it."

   "Chip Brinton has other plans," I responded.  "He and my old team expect
to go back and finish what we started too."

   "They can say it if they want, but there is no way it happens," Ed
countered.  "You guys lost too many good players to the NFL and graduation
to contend next season.  The only way Chip sees another BCS Championship
Game is if he red shirts this season and waits a year for your team to
reload."

   "Don't be so sure," I said.  "We lost excellent people but our backups
are great too.  We lost Christian, Tanner and me to the NFL but our
receiving corps won't lose a thing next season.  They are going to be just
as good and just as fast as we were this season."

   "What about defense?" Ed said.  "You're losing most of your line, all
your linebackers and half your secondary.  They aren't going to be as good
next year."

   "We're Penn State," I insisted.  "The linebackers will be great as
always.  Dave McCall is going to be an All-American.  Count on it.  The
rest of the secondary will be good.  I've practiced against most of them
for two or three years.  The defensive line should be solid."

   "They may turn out as good as you think, Kyle," Ed agreed, "...but they
won't have big game experience.  I don't care how talented they are, they
aren't going to be good until they have experience."

   "My team has been in so many blowouts in the past few years that these
guys have a lot of game experience," I replied.

   "Not gonna happen, Kyle," Ed insisted.  "Bet you ten bucks."

   "Let's be clear," I countered.  "$10 if my team goes to the BCS
Championship Game."

   "No, if your team wins," Ed said.

   "How about this," I suggested.  "$5 if my team makes it to the BCS
Championship Game and another $5 to the team that wins, assuming it's your
team or mine."

   "Deal!" Ed said, sticking his hand out to shake and seal the agreement.

   -----------------------------------------------------------------

   Ed, Jeremy and Hal met at my house at 7:15 am on Thursday morning.  I
had volunteered to drive us up to camp.  Jeremy rode shotgun.  He didn't
fit well in the back on my VW Golf.  His brand new uniform looked sharp. 
We stopped off at the Turkey Hill Minit Market at Ronks Road on the way to
Lancaster.  The coffee, doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches got us awake and
ready for our acting debuts.

   The campers were still in the dining hall when we arrived.  I took my
friends over to the office to wait for Rob Young and John Holloway to
return to the office so we could sign into camp.  We hung out a few minutes
until the campers were dismissed.

   "Well, look what the cat dragged in," Rob Young teased when he spotted
us waiting on the office porch.  "How you doing, guys?"

   Ed and I greeted our former boss and longtime staffer.  We introduced
Rob to Jeremy and Hal.  John Holloway came back to the office a few minutes
later.  We did introductions again.  John told me what a trip it had been
this winter and spring.  Around two dozen NFL teams had contacted him to
learn more about me and what kind of employee I had been.

   "Thanks for putting up with all the hassles, John," I responded.

   "I suppose I get to do it again next year for you, Ed," John teased.

   "I certainly hope you do," Ed agreed.  "This is the only place I've
worked since I was old enough to get a real summer job."

   The six of us talked for a few minutes until the camera crew arrived. 
John let us use Blair Lodge to meet with the crew.  It was a winter lodge
that the camp didn't use for summer programs.

   Keith Brown introduced himself as the director for the commercial we
were filming.  Brian Price was the cameraman.  Adam Roush would handle
sound.  My friends and I introduced ourselves to the crew.

   "I want to get a slice of life view of boys in camp," Keith explained.
"We are selling the kids on the fun they will have in scouting.  We'll also
do some one on one interviews so you can talk about earning Eagle and what
scouting has meant to you as you grew up."

   My friends and I agreed.

   "The commercial has two target audiences," Keith explained.  "The first
audience is the ten to twelve your old boy looking for fun and adventure
with his friends.  The second audience is the parents who need to see the
value of the money they spend and the time their sons invest in scouting."
He chuckled.  "We have thirty seconds to get those messages across."

   We agreed.  "The council is bringing in a group of scouts to appear in
this commercial," Keith explained.  They should be here any time."

   "Why not use the scouts that are camping here this week?" I asked.  "I
figured you would use the scouts camping here already for the commercial."

   "I have a twelve year old son in scouts," Keith responded.  "Do you know
what he looked like by Thursday of his week at his first summer camp last
summer?  We are not showing moms scruffy kids that are still wearing the
same clothes they had on when they arrived on Sunday."

   "Good point," Ed agreed.

   "The newbies can get pretty grungy," Jeremy added.

   "They are referred to as campers or scouts," Keith insisted.  "They are
NOT newbies, squirts, runts or any other derogatory term you may have used
when you were a senior scout.  I remember.  I'm an Eagle Scout just like
you guys.  Why do you think I'm here on a holiday making this commercial
for cost only?"

   "Gee, you get costs," I teased.  "We have to pay for our own gas to get
here and buy our lunches."

   "No, lunches are on the camp," Keith responded.  "I understand you guys
worked here at this camp.  What areas did you work in?  Kyle?"

   "I worked at the pool and boatyard," I responded.

   "I worked at the Pioneer Scout area," Ed added.  "That's our program for
first year scouts."

   "That will be an excellent backdrop for filming you," Keith said.  "The
ten to twelve year olds are our target market for recruiting.  How about
you, Jeremy?  Where did you work?"

   "Not here," my friend answered.  "I wanted to earn real money.  You know
how it is."

   "I'm in the same boat," Hal added.  "I couldn't afford to work here for
the pittance they offer."

   "I hear you," Keith agreed.  "I couldn't afford to keep a car on the
road, keep my girlfriend happy and work at scout camp at the same time when
I was a teen.  I want to feature the boating area and archery range.  How
about it, Hal?  Do you have any experience with canoes?"

   "Sure, our Venturer Crew does wilderness canoe trips to Canada every
couple years," Hal answered.  "I went twice.  I know my way around a
canoe."

   "You up for the archery range, Jeremy?" Keith asked.

   "Sure, why not?" Jeremy agreed.

   "Did you guys bring suits for the lake and the pool?" Keith asked.

   "News to me," I said.  My friends agreed.  "We can probably borrow some
from the pool staff.  I'm sure my brother can find a few spares."

   "Your brother?" Keith questioned.

   "My brother Will is the aquatics director here."

   "OK, sounds good," Keith said.  "Adam, hang out by the office and direct
our scouts to the pool.  The rest of us can go over there and set up for
the first shot.  Kyle and Hal can get changed into their suits."

   Will had no problem coming up with a couple lifeguard swim suits for Hal
and me.  He got us whistles.  I grabbed a couple pairs of aviator
sunglasses off the shelf in the pool.  Keith sent the glasses back to the
pool office when he spotted Hal and me modeling them.  They may be
considered cool among the lifeguards, but it wasn't the look he wanted in
the commercial.

   A couple of the professional scouters showed up with two van loads of
kids for the commercial.  Keith sent them to the shower house to change
into their swim suits.  I was pleased to see Jordan Shaeffer and Geoff
Young among the group.  Jordan was the boy I pulled out of the pool after
he dove in the shallow end and cracked his head on the bottom.  Geoff had
been Jordan's buddy that afternoon.

   I grabbed some blank buddy tags and motioned for Ed to join me inside
the fence.  Ed often helped fill out buddy tags during swim tests after he
finished checking his troop into camp on Sunday afternoons.  I stationed
myself between the gate to the pool and the door from the shower house.  I
had to send three kids back who tried to skip their showers.

   "OK, guys... time for your swim tests," I announced.  The kids groaned.
I ignored them, like I always did on Sunday afternoons.  "Head in the gate,
turn left and file down to the deep end.  Line up along the fence."

   "Is this necessary, Kyle?" Keith asked.  "I hate to waste film crew time
on this."

   "If the kids are going to be inside the pool fence and be in the water,
they have to take a swim test," I insisted.  I pointed over towards my
brother.  "Go talk to the aquatics director, if you don't believe me." I
chuckled.  "You can talk to him but he'll tell you the same thing."

   Keith didn't argue with me or bother Will.  I headed over to the gang of
kids.  I checked to see if everyone had been to the camp pool in the past.
All had been.  I reviewed the rules briefly before starting the kids on
their tests, two at a time.  Ed took names and filled out buddy tags as the
boys completed their tests.

   Will wandered over as I was finishing my last pair of scouts.  "Little
brother, have you and Hal done your tests yet?"

   "We're ready if you lifeguard, Shortie," I responded.  I motioned for
Hal to join me.

   "Can you swim?" Will demanded.  We both replied, "Yes." "Can you jump in
water over your head?"

   "Of course," Hal answered.

   "We'll find out shortly," I teased.  I jumped in as Will started to
protest.  Hal jumped in right after me.  We swam to the surface and took
off down the length of the pool.  We powered through three lengths of the
pool with the crawl, flipped to our back and pushed the last length with
the elementary backstroke.  We stopped and demonstrated floating for a few
moments before Will used a reach pole to tap on the side of the pool to get
our attention.

   "I guess I'll pass you," Will announced.  "Red, white and blue for both,
Ed."

   I was surprised to see the camera was running while we did our swim
tests.  Keith got us organized and to work now that the preliminaries were
done.  We did shots of the kids practicing water rescues, shots of the kids
diving into the pool and just relaxing and goofing around like they do at
free swim in the afternoons.

   The council vans and the film crew van took everyone down to the lake
when we finished up at the pool.  They shot footage of Hal "teaching" the
kids about canoeing and then took shots of them out on the lake in rowboats
and canoes.  Vans took us back to the pool to change before lunch. 
Everyone switched back to scout uniforms.

   We had lunch in the dining hall with the rest of camp.  There was plenty
of room since this was the Fourth of July week, always a light week for
campers.  We drove down past the pool to the archery range.  Jeremy got to
play "instructor" while the crew shot footage of the kids shooting targets.

   The final stop of the afternoon for the kids was at the Pioneer Scout
area.  Ed "taught" them knots and observed as they used axes and hatchets
in the axe yard.  Ed worked with three scouts to make a peach cobbler. 
Five minutes after that one went into the fire, through the miracle of film
and preplanning, we pulled a finished cobbler out of the fire.  I thanked
Dan Wolf and his staff for preparing the second cobbler and taking care of
it while we were at the archery range.

   The execs took the van loads of kids back to Lancaster when we finished
up at the Pioneer area.  Ed, Jeremy, Hal and I went over to the grove of
trees near the trading post where the camp had picnic tables set up for
scouts and leaders to relax.

   Keith filmed each of each of us talking about our experiences in
scouting and what it meant to us.  We concluded with a roundtable
discussion among the four of us.  We talked about the experiences we
shared, our trips to Canada and finally what it meant to us to join Cub
Scouts at age six, be in the same den together, to graduate into Boy
Scouts, to advance in rank together and finally to all receive our Eagle
the same night.

   It was close to five o'clock when we wrapped up.  John Holloway invited
us to stay around for dinner and the OA Callout ceremony.  We got home
around 10:30 that evening.

   --------------------------------------------------------

   Ed joined Andy and me for our workout Friday morning.  Mom had a long
list of things for us to do that day.  Ed graciously volunteered to help me
get everything done.  We headed to the grocery store, the florists and the
jewelers in the morning.  After lunch Dad and Andy loaded up the twins for
the trip to get our tuxes.  I followed with Ed, Jeremy and Hal in my car.

   Trevor and Steph were at the formal store when we arrived.  They had
driven over from their apartment in Wayne, New Jersey.  They decided to
rent for a year or so before looking for the right house somewhere less
built up than northeastern New Jersey.

   We spent an hour at the formal shop getting fitted and set with our
tuxes.  Steph helped keep the twins entertained while the rest of us were
outfitted.  We took Will's tux along when we headed home.  Will went into
the store a couple weeks ago for his fitting, before he and Abby headed to
camp.

   Penny and I got together after we got back from the formal shop to
prepare for our honeymoon.  Everything went well during Penny's visit to
the obstetrician that morning.  Penny showed me the ultrasound picture of
our child.  God, she was so tiny.

   April Chaney hung out with us, telling us about her experiences in
Scotland this past year.  She loved her time over there.  She was going to
Columbia in September to start her masters degree in international affairs.
Her long-term hope was to join the U.  S.  Foreign Service and work for the
State Department.

   We packed our things for the trip.  I called ahead to the bed and
breakfast in Pottsville and confirmed our planned 10:30 to 11:00 pm arrival
Saturday evening.  We were staying in the Rose Room of a pretty Victorian
bed and breakfast.  I called ahead to Algonquin and confirmed our plans
with our outfitter too.

   Penny and April headed back to Penny's house.  They had more things to
do to get ready.  I headed downstairs to my bedroom to study my playbook -
or at least pretend to study it.  I tried to study but my mind kept
wandering back to the wedding.

   A thought hit me as I was trying to concentrate on my playbook.  The
step I'm taking tomorrow was... forever.  Am I doing the right thing? 
Nerves probably fed my doubts.  Back in ninth grade I expected Penny and me
to be together forever... and we broke up.

   I fell in love with Julie Simpson.  We talked about marrying when we
grew up and having a family together.  Julie was in Nebraska now and
engaged to marry someone else.  I'd been very wrong whether the feelings I
ascribed to love were real.

   Penny and I reconnected again after Julie moved.  I knew our love was
stronger the second time than the first.  We planned to marry after college
and raise a family.  I had disastrously ruined that with my unfaithfulness
four years ago.

   I fell hard for Kelly O'Keefe in college.  Both of us expected our love
to be followed by marriage after college.  The end of that relationship was
ugly.  Over the years I convinced myself I loved Penny, Julie, Penny, Kelly
and finally Penny again.  Did I have a clue what love really meant?  WHAT
in the hell was I doing?

   I took a deep breath to clear my head.  What was I doing?  The answer
came as I remembered the vows I had picked out.  "I am truly blessed to
have found the truest of love with you." I had always come back to Penny.
She gave me strength in the areas where I was weak.  She brought out the
best in me.  I would be crazy NOT to want to spend the rest of my life with
her.  I was truly blessed.

   I headed upstairs about six o'clock.  Liz and April rode over to the
church with Penny and me.  Mom, Dad, Andy and the boys followed us over to
the church in the minivan.  Trevor and Steph were talking with Will and
Abby outside the church when we arrived.  Damian and Billy Robinson arrived
a couple minutes later.  All of us headed into the church to find Christian
and Bev Umble sitting in the front pew talking with Reverend Hollinger. 
Nikki, Adrian, Jim and Marilyn Edwards were the last to arrive.

   "Let's get this show on the road," Rev announced.

   "Yes, let's do that," Dad agreed.  "We have 7:30 reservations at
Gibraltar and I'm starving.  We don't want to miss this meal."

   Rev reviewed Damian's and Christian's ushering duties first.  Penny's
friends and family would be seated on the left.  My family and friends
would go on the right.  They were to save the back six rows for overflow
from my Penn State and Broncos teammates, friends and coaches.  Anyone who
was friends with both Penny and me would get seated on Penny's side too.

   Rev reviewed the order of the processional.  I would follow Rev into the
sanctuary with my groomsmen.  The bridesmaid came next.  Liz would look
after Noah and Connor until it was their turn.  Rev spent extra time
rehearsing with the twins so they understood.  Liz would be ready in the
back in case the boys got stage fright.  She would lead them up front to
deliver the rings and take them to seats with Mom and Dad if they had any
problem in front of the big crowd tomorrow.

   Rev reviewed the walk down the aisle with Penny and Jim.  Everyone lined
up in the front of the sanctuary the way we would do tomorrow afternoon.

   "Relax while you are in front," Rev instructed.  "Don't tense up, lock
your knees or try to stand at attention through the whole service.  You'll
faint and keel over.  Just be comfortable up front." Everyone nodded their
understanding.

   "I will begin the service with two readings from the Bible and a hymn,"
Rev said.  "I will deliver a few thoughts about marriage and then we move
on to the vows.  Kyle and Penny, do you want to rehearse your vows now?"

   "We'll pass, Rev," Penny said.

   "We agreed that the ceremony should be the first time we hear each
other's vows," I added.  "We have been rehearsing them for the past few
days."

   "Good, that's fine," Rev agreed.  "I will give the charge when you
finish exchanging your vows." Rev turned to face Penny.

   "Penny, do you promise to love, honor, cook for, clean up after,
surrender your share of the blanket to, live with the flatulence of,
relinquish the remote to and tolerate his nose hair until death do you
part?"

   "I do," Penny replied, giggling.  Rev turned to face me.

   "Kyle, you have the right to remain silent, anything you say may be held
against you, and you have the right to have an attorney present.  You may
kiss the bride."

   I let out a belly laugh.  "Uhh...  I'll take the fifth?"

   "I love the reaction I get when I do that," Rev said, laughing heartily.
"Think back to these vows if you get nervous tomorrow.  A good laugh can
help calm you.  Let's practice the real vows now."

   Rev read the charge.  Penny and I responded with "I do."

   "I will ask the two of you to kiss and then conclude the service with a
prayer and the blessing," Rev said.  "Does anyone have any questions?" No
one did.

   Everyone loaded up in the cars and headed for the rehearsal dinner in
Lancaster.  Dad reserved a private room for our party.  The Gibraltar
Restaurant was located on Harrisburg Pike across the street from the
Franklin and Marshall College campus.

   We had a homemade mozzarella and heirloom tomato appetizer and an
arugula and endive salad to start our meal.  Dad's guests had a choice of
jumbo crab cakes, whole Adriatic Sea Branzino, roast chicken breast or a
New York strip steak for dinner.

   Penny said the Mediterranean style fish was delicious.  I had a strip
steak.  My football "family" got a chance to know my real family and
Penny's family over a relaxing dinner.  Rev greatly enjoyed meeting some of
the football stars he watched on TV on Saturdays.

   "You're not allowed to gush tomorrow at the reception," I teased.  "The
guys you are meeting tonight are nobodies compared to who will be at the
wedding tomorrow - the NFL defensive MVP, Pro Bowl players and famous
coaches.  I might have topped Zack Hayes' guest list from two years ago."

   "I am looking forward to meeting all of them," Rev agreed.  "I will be
on my best behavior."

   Everyone enjoyed the meal and time we shared together.  Damian, Trevor
and Jeremy all pulled cell phones out just before dessert and made calls. I
knew they were bringing in reinforcements for the guys' night out they
planned for me.  Kathy, Tammy, Steph, Abby and Nikki were planning
something similar for the girls.  Mom and Dad consented to allow Liz to
join the rest of the girls.  After all, she was eighteen and would be on
her own at Princeton in September.

   I was stunned after dinner when we got outside.  The parking lot was
full of friends.  Zack Hayes, Aaron Morano and Chip Brinton were talking
with Dave McCall.

   "You ready for tomorrow?" Zack queried when I came over to greet my
mentor.

   "As ready as I can be," I allowed.  I greeted Aaron, Chip and Dave
before circulating to greet more of my friends.

   Josh Bruno, Charlie Taylor, Shawn Byrd and Brendan Hayden were hanging
out together with Chris Powell and Zane Bell.  I headed over to that
cluster, followed by my entourage.  I introduced Jeremy, Hal, Ed, Trevor,
Christian and Damian to the other guys.  Most of us knew each other from
Penn State, the Senior Bowl or the Rookie Symposium already.

   Ed and Zane were noticeably curt with each other as they were
introduced. "Bell," Ed grunted as he acknowledged Zane without shaking his
hand.  "Fritz," was all Zane said.

   "What's the plan for the evening?" I asked Ed.  As best man, it was his
job to organize the bachelor's party.

   "I'd like to say we're having a stag party," Ed grumped.

   "Saner heads prevailed," Jeremy interjected.

   "That's a good thing," I said.  "The NFL spent half of last week
preaching about making smart choices when you go out in public.  I'd like
to play in the NFL a little before I get kicked out for bad behavior."

   "Jeremy helped set up an evening down at the Green Iguana," Ed
responded. "Plain Opposition is playing two sets tonight."

   "Cool," I responded.  The local rock band "Plain Opposition" played at
the Green Iguana a couple times before when we were there.  They were quite
good, for a local band.

   "OK guys, let's load up," Ed announced.  "Take a left on Harrisburg Pike
and head for the center of the city.  Park in the garage on Prince Street.
We'll meet up outside the garage and go in the club together.  They have an
area reserved for our group."

   We loaded up in our cars and headed to the club.  "What the fuck is Bell
doing here?" Ed growled after we got underway.

   "He's my teammate," I explained.  "He's good guy.  We have gotten to be
friends over the last couple months."

   "He's an asshole," Ed grumbled.

   "Are you letting all the hits he got on you last year color your
opinion?" Jeremy asked from the back seat.  Zane had bedeviled Ed during
the BCS Championship Game when the Florida Gators lost to Zane's Georgia
Tech Yellowjackets eighteen months ago.

   "He's a motor mouth and is as obnoxious as hell," Ed replied.

   "He's had my back during OTA's and mini-camp," I asked.  "Be civil to
him this weekend.  He's my teammate now.  Can you do that?"

   "Yeah, I can," Ed grumped.

   Our group assembled outside the parking garage and walked down the
street together to the club.  Ed and Jeremy led us up to the door.  A
couple words with the doorman got us entry.  They checked our IDs and
stamped the hands of everyone over twenty-one.  My brother Andy and Charlie
Taylor were the only ones underage in our group.  Andy was short about six
months.  Charlie Taylor would be twenty-one in three weeks.

   We turned quite a few heads as we entered the club.  Zack, Aaron,
Jeremy, Chip and I all got recognized by the other patrons.  The club roped
off a special section for our party.  Some fans did venture over to say hi
or ask for autographs.  We obliged them.

   The band played a mix of classic rock covers and some of their own
music. They played as well as we remembered from last year.  I circulated
around our section and tried to spend time with all my guests.  I enjoyed a
couple beers during the evening.  I limited myself because I had no desire
to nurse a hangover on my wedding day.

   Our party broke up around midnight.  Ed and Jeremy had designated
drivers for the evening.  Of course Christian Hunsecker, Andy and Charlie
were on the list, since they didn't or couldn't drink.

   ---------------------------------------------------------

   I surprised myself by sleeping until 9:30 on my wedding morning.  I
grabbed a bowl of cereal to tide me over until Mom's family brunch at
11:00. I tried to zone out listening to music and reading a book until it
was time to shower and get ready.

   Will, Abby and Rose joined the family for our brunch.  Liz's date, Alex
Weber, joined us along with Liz's best friend, Annie Stoltzfus.  Annie was
attending the wedding to chaperone and look after Hunter, Noah and Connor
during the service and during the reception.  Mom made a nice breakfast
casserole with eggs, sausage, veggies, potatoes and cheese.  Liz baked
crescent rolls too.

   Things got chaotic after brunch.  Everyone was dashing around getting
dressed, getting the kids dressed and getting everything together.  Mom
insisted on pictures of the whole family in tuxes, bridesmaids' dresses or
their best Sunday dresses before we left for the church.

   I let Andy drive my VW since he would be less nervous than I certainly
was.  He was in charge of my car for the rest of the day anyway.  He'd take
it from the church to the reception and then turn it back over to me when
Penny and I left for our honeymoon that evening.  The bridal party was
gathering when we arrived.  Everyone headed inside to get ready.

   Chapter 90

   ==========

   Wedding Day - Saturday, July 6th - Paradise Presbyterian Church

   "Earth to Kyle!" somebody said as they tapped me on the shoulder. 
"Earth to Kyle."

   "Huh?" I grunted as I focused my mind on the present again.

   "Are all circuit breakers set properly?" Ed asked.

   "What?" I muttered.  I realized I was holding the electrical panel open
and staring at it.  My circle of friends in the church hallway laughed.

   "You've been zoned out for five minutes, Kyle," Will explained.

   "Um... I was just thinking about all the things that happened to me in
the past four years," I said.  "It's certainly been interesting."

   "That it has, buddy," Ed agreed as he put his arm over my shoulder.

   "Hey, guys... Rev is signaling that it's time," Andy said.  "Let's go."

   We waited at the back door as Rev proceeded down the aisle towards the
front.  I followed when he was half way to the front, the way he instructed
us last night.  Ed followed me, then Will, Andy, Adrian, Jeremy, Hal and
Trevor.  The seven of us marched to the front of the sanctuary and took our
places to the right of the pulpit.  We turned back to watch for the
procession's entry.  All the pews were filled with Penny's and my friends
and family, and teammates and coaches from Penn State and Denver.

   We stood in front as the organist finished the prelude.  Eyes turned to
the back as Vangelis' "Hymne" started to play.  Penny's sister Nikki led
the bridesmaids' procession into the sanctuary.  Abby entered, followed by
April, Kathy, Tammy and Stephanie.

   My groomsmen and I watched as they paraded to the front and took their
places to the left.  Reverend Hollinger gave me a big smile as the
bridesmaids arranged themselves facing the rear of the sanctuary.  The
organist struck up Cat Stevens' "Morning Has Broken" as Noah and Connor
appeared at the back door with my sister Liz.  She whispered to the twins
and then they scampered down the aisle to the front.

   The boys looked too cute in their tuxes with the red cummerbunds.  The
boys performed well, not getting distracted or scared as they walked to the
front.  The twins split when they reached us, Noah going over to Abby,
carrying my ring.  Abby held his hand.  Connor came over and stood between
Ed and Will, holding Will's hand.  His pillow held Penny's ring.

   All eyes turned to the back as the organist struck up the "Bridal
Procession" (Here Comes the Bride).  Jim Edwards escorted Penny down the
aisle as everyone watched.  My bride was resplendent in her flowing white
gown.  Penny and her dad stepped forward in time with the music.

   I was mesmerized by the sight.  God, I was luckiest man in the world
that she would have me!  They proceeded forward, step, by solemn step.  Jim
lifted Penny's veil when they reached the front.  Jim hugged my bride, gave
her a kiss and whispered, "I am so happy for you, sweetie.  Go with my
love." Jim placed my hand in Penny's.

   "Thank you, Daddy," Penny answered as he pulled her veil down again.  We
turned to face Rev together.

   Reverend Hollinger proclaimed, "Today we are gathered to celebrate the
wedding of Kyle Martin and Penny Edwards.  The Bible tells us that, `A wife
of noble character, who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.  Her
husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  She brings
him good, not harm, all the days of her life.  She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.  She is like the merchant ships, bringing her
food from afar.  She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for
her family and portions for her servant girls.  She considers a field and
buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.  She sets about her
work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.  She sees that her
trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.  In her hand
she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.  She opens
her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.  When it snows,
she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among
the elders of the land.  She makes linen garments and sells them, and
supplies the merchants with sashes.  She is clothed with strength and
dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and
faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her
household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and
call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do
noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is
fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.  Give her the
reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city
gate.' - Proverbs 31:10-31"

   The organist played a lovely rendition of "What a Wonderful World."

   "I Corinthians 13:1-13 tell us: If I speak in the tongues of men and of
angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  And if
I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am
nothing.  If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned,
but have not love, I gain nothing.  Love is patient and kind; love is not
jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude.  Love does not insist on
its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at
wrong, but rejoices in the right.  Love bears all things, believes all
things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends; as for
prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for
knowledge, it will pass away.  For our knowledge is imperfect and our
prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass
away.  When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I
reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.  For
now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part;
then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.  So
faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

   "Hand in Hand you enter marriage, hand in hand you step out in faith. 
The hand you freely give to each other, is both the strongest and the most
tender part of your body.  In the years ahead you will need both strength
and tenderness.  Be firm in your commitment.  Don't let your grip become
weak.  And yet, be flexible as you go through change.  Don't let your hold
become intolerable.  Strength and tenderness, firm commitment and
flexibility, of such is a marriage made, hand in hand: "Also remember that
you don't walk this path alone.  Don't be afraid to reach out to others
when together you face difficulty.  Other hands are there: friends, family,
and the church.  To accept an outreached hand is not an admission of
failure, but an act of faith.  For behind us, underneath us, around us all,
are the outstretched arms of the Lord.  It is into his hand, the hands of
God in Jesus Christ, that, above all else, we commit this union of husband
and wife.  Amen."

   "Doubly blessed is the couple which comes to the marriage altar with the
approval and blessings of their families and friends.  Who has the honor of
presenting this woman to be married to this man?"

   Jim and Marilyn stood and announced, "We do."

   "Kyle and Penny will exchange vows they have chosen," Rev announced as
he nodded to my bride.  "Penny..." She let go of my hand and turned to face
me.

   Penny said, "Today, I want you to know how lucky I feel for having found
the one perfect person for me, the one who suits me so comfortably and who
gives me joy and boundless hope and anticipation for the future.  Every day
we're together, you do nothing but make me happy.

   "We found love once and lost it.  The day we found each other again was
the day I became truly alive, and today -- our wedding day -- I declare my
love and devotion for you before the entire world.

   "I make a vow to stand by your side through the best and worst of times,
and to give you the best of what I have from now until the end of our
days."

   My heart swelled as I listened to my love's words.  I swallowed hard and
steeled my nerves for my turn.  I responded, "In this life, all people
really want is a love that is true and that will remain for the rest of
their lives.

   "I am truly blessed to have found the truest of love with you, and
today, I commit my life to yours.  I pledge to love you for all time, and
to stay faithful and true to you.  I will comfort you in your pain and
encourage you with your dreams.  As our journey through life begins today,
I promise to you that I will forever be by your side and I will be ready to
face everything the world has to offer us."

   Reverend Hollinger said, "Will you please, as an expression that your
hearts are joined together in love, now please rejoin your hands." Penny
and I turned to face each other and held hands.

   "Kyle David Martin, do you take Penelope Ann Edwards to be your wedded
wife, to live together in marriage?  Do you promise to love her, comfort
her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in
sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, so
long as you both shall live?"

   I answered confidently, "I do"

   The Rev continued, "Penelope Ann Edwards, do you take Kyle David Martin
to be your wedded husband, to live together in marriage?  Do you promise to
love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer
or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful
only to him, so long as you both shall live?"

   Penny replied, "I do"

   The Rev motioned to Ed and Nikki and said, "The rings?" Ed handed
Penny's ring to me.  Nikki handed mine to Penny.

   I said, "This ring I give to you as a token of my love and devotion to
you.  I pledge to you all that I am and all that I will ever be as your
husband.  With this ring, I gladly marry you and join my life to yours." I
placed the ring on Penny's finger.

   Penny answered, "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and
faithfulness.  As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to
you.  I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken
today, our wedding day." She placed the ring on my finger.

   Reverend Hollinger announced, "By the power vested in me by God and the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I declare you man and wife." Penny raised her
veil.  "You may kiss your bride."

   We kissed, our tongues touching as our lips locked together.  I felt
electricity jolt down my spine as we shared our first kiss as man and wife.
We parted after too short a moment.

   Turning towards the congregation, Rev announced, "Join with me in prayer
as we ask God's blessing on this new couple.  Eternal Father, redeemer, we
now turn to you, and as the first act of this couple in their newly formed
union, we ask you to protect their home.  May they always turn to you for
guidance, for strength, for provision and direction.  May they glorify you
in the choices they make, in the ministries they involve themselves in, and
in all that they do.  Use them to draw others to yourself, and let them
stand as a testimony to the world of your faithfulness.  We ask this in
Jesus name, Amen."

   "It is my privilege to announce for the first time, Mr.  and Mrs.  Kyle
Martin," Rev pronounced.  The congregation stood and applauded as we bowed
and acknowledged our friends' and families' congratulations.

   Rev raised his hands to the congregation and gave the blessing.  "May
your joys be as bright as the morning, your years of happiness as numerous
as the stars in the heavens, and your troubles but shadows that fade in the
sunlight of love."

   The organist struck up the recessional.  I linked arms with Penny and we
marched down the aisle and out of the sanctuary.  Ed and Nikki, Will and
Abby, Andy and April, Jeremy and Kathy, Hal and Tammy, and Trevor and
Stephanie followed us out into the vestibule.  The twins flanked Will and
Abby as the wedding party departed.  Damian escorted Marilyn and Jim
Edwards out while Christian escorted Mom and Dad.

   My parents and the wedding party moved off to Fellowship Hall
temporarily while our guests filed out of the sanctuary.  We returned for
fifteen minutes of wedding photos.  The guests had assembled outside the
church by the time we finished.  Damian and Christian had passed packets of
red and white rose petals to the guests.  They showered Penny and me as we
walked from the church to our limo.  We had rented a large one.

   "Nikki and Adrian, we have space... come on," Penny called out.  Adrian
tossed his car keys to Marilyn Edwards and hopped in with his wife.

   "Ed... Paige... there's more room," I added.  We squeezed in and made
room for Trevor and Steph too.  The driver headed west for Lancaster and
the Eden Resort.  Penny pulled the veil off and started dismantling the
various accessories attached to her dress.

   "Now that's better!" Penny declared when she was done.  "It's time to
PARTY!"

   "You ready for this next weekend?" I asked Trevor.

   "I think so," Trevor responded.

   "I hope our ceremony comes off as well as yours did," Steph added.  "It
was beautiful."

   The eight of us talked about the wedding ceremony and our plans during
the fifteen minute trip to Lancaster.  We were the first to arrive at the
reception room.  It gave us time to get more comfortable.  Cummerbunds came
off.  Ties disappeared.  Like my wife said, let's party!

   Penny and I greeted guests as they arrived.  One of the first guests we
met was Jay Nicholson.

   "Jay, I'm so glad you were able to make it," I blurted as I shook my old
friend's hand enthusiastically.

   "It feels good to hang with Penn Staters again," Jay said.  I introduced
Jay to Penny.

   "It's good to finally meet the lady Kyle talked about so much when all
of us were freshmen," Jay said as he gave Penny a hug.  "Kyle was head over
heels for you then.  I am so happy everything worked out for the two of
you."

   "Thank you, Jay," Penny said.

   "Let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Allison Ross," Jay added.  Penny
and I greeted the pretty, 5'-6" blonde.

   "It's sooo nice to finally meet you, Kyle," Allison said, with a
delightful soft Virginian drawl.  "Jason has told me about what a good
friend you were when he was up north."

   "Jay's been a good friend to me too," I agreed.  Penny and I talked with
Jay and Allison for a minute or two.  Andy came by escorting April Chaney.
Penny and April exchanged hugs before continuing the discussion with
Allison

   "Andrew," Jay said, nodding towards my brother.

   "Jason," Andy acknowledged.

   "You two have met?" I asked.

   "Of course," Jason said.  "Did you think I wouldn't look up your brother
when our teams played last October?"

   "Jay and I knew each other from my official visit to Penn State," Andy
added.

   "You ready for our rematch next fall?" Jay asked Andy.  He gave my
brother a wink.  "We're going to kick your asses this time."

   "I don't think so," Andy countered.  "You're going to be 0-2 against
Delaware when you finish up at JMU [James Madison University]."

   "No, I am going to make it 2-1 by the time I finish with the Cavaliers,"
Jay replied.

   "Counting on the playoffs too?" I asked.  "You only have one more year
of eligibility left."

   "No, I have two," Jay responded.  "I petitioned the NCAA to give me a
medical redshirt for the year I got hurt at Penn State."

   "They granted it?  Well... congratulations," I said.  "Are you prepared
to play college ball when you're twenty-four?"

   "Whatever it takes to get me my shot at the NFL," Jay answered.

   "Good luck with that," I said.

   Guests were piling up behind Jay and Allison, who wished us the best for
our life together.  Penny and I promised to stop by their table sometime
during the reception.

   My Broncos coaches visited as a group.  I got a chance to meet Melissa
Holt, Lisa Baldwin and Nicole Franks, wives of my Bronco coaches.  I didn't
inquire about Coach Kovacevic.  I knew he was attending but he wasn't
hanging with the other Broncos.

   Anders Voight came by to say hi.  "How's the volcano business?" I asked
as I gave my friend and mentor a big hug.

   "It's great!" Anders answered.  "We're all over this volcano, taking
measurements, observing... just learning so much about how they form.  I'm
definitely a geologist not a football coach."

   "I'm glad it's working out for you," I responded.  I introduced my
friend to Penny.  We talked for a couple minutes.

   We had an open bar at the reception.  The hotel had cold hors d'oeuvres
available during the reception hour before dinner.  Penny and I mingled
with our friends and family.  I got to talk with a lot of my old teammates
from years back.  Pete Klein introduced his fiancée Rebecca Leonard to us.
Jake and Keneisha Washington; Antwaan Booker and Sheree Harris; Shawn and
Erica O'Conner; JT & Maria Hill; Cuch and Gina Cuchiella; Evan Foster and
his fiancée, Dominque Favreau; and Karol Zizka all came by to offer us
congratulations.  Karol's girlfriend couldn't make it in from Minneapolis.
She sent her best wishes.

   Gina gave birth to Dominic Anthony Cuchiella III on April 9th.  God, I
hope Penny looks as good as Gina next April, three months after our little
one is born.  Shawn Byrd and Jada Owens visited with Cuch and Gina.  Shawn
and Jada announced we should save next February 15th for their wedding. 
They had finally set a date after being engaged for over a year.

   My Broncos teammates Christian Powell, Zane Bell, Lucas Madsen, Simeon
Thomas and Kellen and Ciara Brown stopped by with Brady and Casey
Rasmussen. Brendan Hayden, my other Bronco teammate, was hanging with our
PSU classmates instead.  I made a point of introducing Christian Hunsecker
to Chris Powell.  Undoubtedly they would be seeing a lot of each other in
the next four seasons.

   I found out where Coach Kovacevic got to when I visited the Penn State
coaching contingent.

   "I didn't know you knew these guys, Coach," I commented to Coach
Kovacevic.  "I know you played at Penn State but none of these coaches
worked there when you played."

   "Coaching is a small fraternity, Kyle," Coach answered.  He gave me a
wink.  "I took a position with the Eagles as an unpaid coaching intern for
a season, where I met Coach Baldwin.  One of my duties at training camp
that season was coordinating the Eagles activities with the Lehigh team."

   Coach Burton gave me a big grin, "...and you know who that coach was,"
Coach Burton added.  "I tried to get him on my staff the next season but he
preferred to work at Penn State."

   "I worked at Penn State for a couple seasons," Coach Kovacevic said. 
"Bob and I got to work together my last season with the Nittany Lions when
he came back.  Coach Baldwin offered me a spot as tight end coach when he
moved out to Seattle.  I took the opportunity to step up.  I've been with
Coach Baldwin ever since."

   "Getting a coaching job does depend a lot on contacts," I commented.

   "It always been that way," Coach Burton agreed.  "You're making a lot of
contacts now, Coach." He was looking directly at me.  "I guess I shouldn't
hold a coaching slot for you anymore for this fall."

   "Uh... no," I responded.  "I have a commitment to keep in Denver for the
next four years.  I cashed the Broncos' check, so I guess I'll be playing
out there."

   "Damn straight you are," Coach Kovacevic agreed.  "Don't forget, we get
to keep you for a fifth year, if things work out well."

   "I know," I agreed.  Penny and I started to visit another group of
guests.  Coach Burton followed us away from the group for a second.

   "Coach, remember I have a spot for you on my staff when you finish
playing," Coach Burton said.  "Give me a call."

   "I will keep that in mind, Coach," I agreed.  "Thanks for everything you
did for me in the past four years."

   "It was a genuine pleasure," Coach Burton responded.

   Penny and I headed over to visit with Zack, Leigh Ann, Sam and Trish
Hayes; Justin and Sherry Baer; Coach and Karen Caffrey; Aaron and Tania
Morano and Will and Abby.  We exchanged hugs and kisses as well as
congratulations.  Will's half-brothers Ethan and Cody came by as we were
talking.

   "Could we get autographs?" Ethan asked politely.  Ethan handed a
notebook to Zack.

   "You guys found something to get autographed?" I teased.  The boys came
to the church unprepared and were stunned by all the football players in
attendance.

   "Will stopped at a store after we left the church and got us these
notebooks," Cody said.  "Are all of you football players?" Cody was looking
at Coach Caffrey, who looked too old to be playing football anymore.

   "I coach wide receivers at Penn State," Coach Caffrey explained.

   "I'm nobody too," Justin added.  "I'm assistant coach here at the local
high school."

   "...And you were a damn fine tailback in your day," Sam inserted.

   "Justin is an excellent coach too," Coach Caffrey said.  "I worked in
Paradise before I was hired a year and a half ago to go up to Penn State."

   Zack handed the two books to Sam when he was done signing.  Sam signed
them and handed them off to Aaron.  Ethan realized who was signing next
first.  His eyes got big and he stuttered, "It's... it's..." as he elbowed
Cody in the ribs.  Cody tried to knock his brother's arm away until Ethan
managed to get his attention by pointing at Aaron.  Cody's eyes grew wide
too.

   "You're... you're..." he stuttered before managing to squeak, "Aaron
Morano."

   "We're huge 49ers fans," Ethan added.  "We live out in the Bay area
and... and... you're just the best player around."

   "I'll sign these if you aren't Raiders fans," Aaron said.

   "We hate the Raiders," Cody said.

   "I'm glad you don't cheer for the Raiders," I teased.  "My teammates and
I might have had to come over and hurt you if you liked the black and
silver.  Have you gotten autographs from the Broncos players yet?"

   "No," Cody said.

   "We saw them over there," Ethan added.  "Mr.  Booker is... uh..."

   "Big and intimidating," I said.  "I know.  He's actually a really nice
guy."

   "As long as you aren't an opposing quarterback," Sam added.  "Brandon
[Morris, the starting Seahawk QB] was black and blue head to toe after we
played the Broncos last season."

   "Do you want me to introduce you?" I offered.  "You don't mind, do you,
honey?"

   "I'll stay here and talk with Abby, Leigh Ann, Tania and Trisha," Penny
said.  She gave me a kiss before Ethan, Cody and I headed over to the
cluster of Broncos.

   "Hey guys, I want to introduce you to my brother's brothers," I
announced when we got to the group.

   "I hate to be picky, Kyle, but doesn't that make them your brothers
too?" Christian Powell asked.

   "Not necessarily," I allowed.  "In this case my older brother Will is my
half-brother.  We share our Mom.  Ethan and Cody are Will's half-brothers.
They share a dad."

   "You'll have to forgive Chris for his denseness," I teased.  "His
Stanford education never really stuck."

   "You went to Stanford?" Cody gasped.  "That's our favorite college
team."

   "What position did you play?" Ethan asked.

   "Free safety," Chris answered.

   "You're... you're... Christian Powell!" both exclaimed at once.  "You're
great!"

   Christian, Brady, Antwaan, Zane and I talked with the boys for a while.
It turns out Christian knew the twins' high school, Mountain View, really
well.  His high school, Fremont High, was in the same league.  Lucas,
Kellen, Ciana and Simeon joined our group as we told the boys stories about
our football exploits.

   Jim Edwards interrupted our talk with the announcement that dinner was
ten minutes away.  Much of the group headed to the bar to grab a drink for
dinner before finding tables.  I grabbed a beer for myself and a Coke for
Penny.

   Penny and I nixed the idea of a head table during the wedding planning.
We sat at a circular table, just like the rest of our guests, but near the
front.  Jeremy, Kathy, Hal, Tammy, Ed and Paige joined us at our table.

   Our guests had a choice of filet mignon with a crab cake, prime rib or
shrimp imperial.  Penny and I were contributing substantially to the costs
of the reception.  Both of us wanted the best for our guests, many of whom
travelled halfway across the country to get here.  We had money and there
was no reason for Jim Edwards to bankrupt himself for this affair.

   The Eden Resort produced an excellent dinner.  I had the filet mignon
with crab cakes.  Penny had the shrimp imperial.  We shared our entrees. 
Both were excellent.  Tammy pronounced her prime rib to be tender, juicy
and flavorful.

   The waiters brought around flutes of champagne after the tables were
cleared.  Penny was engrossed in conversation with Tammy when the waiter
asked, "Champagne for everyone?"

   "My wife doesn't drink," I replied.  "Could you get her some ginger ale
instead?"

   "Would sparkling apple cider be suitable?" he responded.

   "Sparkling apple cider, honey?"

   "Sure, that's fine," Penny acknowledged before continuing her
conversation with Tammy.  The waiter returned a couple minutes later with
Penny's drink.

   "You ready, buddy?" I asked Ed.  He smiled and nodded yes.

   Ed stood, holding his champagne flute in his right hand.  "Everyone...
attention," Ed insisted.  Someone who could command his huddle's attention
in the din of LSU's Death Valley had no trouble commanding the attention of
two hundred wedding guests.

   "Thank you all for coming to Kyle and Penny's wedding.  I am especially
glad to be here with my best friend to celebrate the day of his wedding. 
This has been a wonderful day that was a long time coming.

   "I don't know if all of you know, but Penny is my next door neighbor. 
Kyle lives two doors down from me on the opposite side from Penny.  Our
moms are all friends and we've grown up together since we were in diapers.
Jeremy, Hal, Tammy and Kathy completed our gang of neighborhood friends. 
The eight of us did nearly everything together as we grew up."

   "Did you notice he counted Stef [Steffany Horst, Ed's ninth grade
girlfriend]?" Penny whispered to me.

   "Yeah he did," I acknowledged.

   "Football was one of the first things that separated our group of
friends.  Jeremy and I were gung ho for football from the time they allowed
us to play Junior Pee-Wees in third grade.  Hal was nuts about soccer then
and didn't join football with us.  Kyle was resistant too.  We finally
talked him into Pee-Wees in fifth grade.  He hated it.  One season and he
was done.

   "Coach Caffrey visited our middle school field day when we were in
eighth grade and changed the course of Kyle's life.  We didn't know it at
the time but that event changed all our lives.  Coach watched Kyle running
a blazing 100 yard dash..."

   Ed scanned the audience until he spotted Drew McCormick and Stacie
Thompson.  "If my memory serves me correctly, he beat your ass, Drew."

   "He did," Drew acknowledged, nodding in agreement.

   "Coach saw something in this tall skinny kid that the rest of us didn't
see.  Frankly, Jeremy and I were worried that Kyle was going to get killed
playing varsity with the big guys.  Kyle was so scrawny back then that if
Kyle's birthday were three weeks later, he could have qualified to play
Junior-Midgets with the fifth, sixth and seventh graders as a thirteen year
old, older, lighter player.  Instead he was playing with guys the size of
full grown men.

   "Well...  the football thing worked out pretty well for Kyle." The
audience chuckled at Ed's understatement.  "That is how Kyle found one of
the two great loves in his life.

   "The other love he found that same summer.  Kyle and Penny think the
rest of us didn't know about their first kiss by campfire light up in
Algonquin that summer, but we all knew.  That was the start of what was
turned into a beautiful romance.  As has happened more than once, football
interfered with fate...  temporarily.

   "Kyle and Penny didn't go on their first date until after football
finished that season and Kyle had established himself as a rising star. 
Fate put the two of them together but many things interfered on their path
to today.

   "Immaturity led to a break up in tenth grade.  Fate pushed them back
together again.  Football and their career paths pulled them apart during
college.  Thank God, fate pushed them back together again last year.  They
stand here today, husband and wife."

   Ed turned to Penny and me.  "Your testing is not done.  Football demands
Kyle's presence in Denver for football seasons.  Penny's chosen career
demands her to be in Philadelphia at veterinary school.  Making a marriage
work under these circumstances will require hard, dedicated work.  God
knows the temptations for star football players are legion.  Keep your
vows, Kyle.  Penny, keep communications open when Kyle puts too much focus
on football during the season.  Kyle, listen to your wife when she says
it's time for a break.  Don't tempt fate again like you did in ninth grade
and in college.  Work to make sure you keep this love strong against all
trials and temptations.

   "Everyone, let's raise our glasses to Kyle and Penny," Ed announced.  He
gave the crowd a chance to get to their feet before continuing.  "To a
long, loving and fruitful marriage." Ed gave us a knowing wink.  Most of
the crowd did not know that our marriage was going to be fruitful sooner
rather than later.

   "To Kyle and Penny," the crowd chanted as the raised their glasses and
toasted our marriage.

   "That's a home run, buddy," I complimented to Ed after everyone sat
down. "Well done."

   "Thank God for the internet," Ed answered.  "I would have been lost
without it."

   "You did very well, Ed," Penny commented.

   "It's our turn now, honey," I commented.  Penny and I walked up to the
front table where our wedding cake was on display.  I held my arm up to get
everyone's attention.  The room got quiet immediately.

   "When Penny and I... and our moms planned this event," I began.

   "When our moms, with occasional help from us," Penny corrected.

   "When our moms planned this," I agreed.  "They wanted everyone in the
family involved.  "Nikki, Adrian, Will, Abby and Andy were in the wedding
party.  Noah and Connor were ring bearers... My sister Liz has done yeoman
work greeting people, helping with the guest register and helping with the
gifts.  One member of our family was feeling left out when we were planning
things.  This is your time, Hunter.  Come on up and help Penny and me cut
the wedding cake."

   Hunter hopped up from the kids table where he was hanging out with Noah,
Connor and Annie Stoltzfus.  He got about ten feet before he realized every
eye in the room was on him.  He froze.

   "Come on, Hunter," I coaxed.  He remained rooted to the floor.  Finally
Liz hopped up and led my little brother to the front table.  "It's just
you, me and Penny up here," I encouraged as I helped him onto the chair by
the five tier cake.  "Nothing to be nervous about.  Concentrate on Penny
and me." Hunter managed to give us a smile.

   "Don't be nervous big guy," Aaron called from the second row.  "You big
brother had to relieve himself of his... `butterflies' in the bathroom
before his first game in college.  I helped him clean up afterward.  Kyle
went out and promptly scored a touchdown on his first play."

   "Aaron's right," I whispered to Hunter.  "I puked all over the place. 
You're doing so much better than I did in the spotlight that day." Penny
pulled the bride and groom off the top of the cake and set them aside.  I
gave the cake knife to my brother.  Penny held his hand while I held both
hands.  We managed to cut three pieces without harming the rest of the
cake.

   We put one slice on a plate and handed it to Hunter.  "There you go,
little bro.  Enjoy." Hunter sat down at the front table and dove in,
disregarding wedding tradition.  Penny and I placed slices on each other's
plates.  Penny fed me a piece from her cake.

   "Mash it in his face," one of my cousins yelled out.  I turned to face
my tormentor as soon as Penny fed me my bite, carefully I might add.

   "Young man, behave!" I growled sternly as I wagged my finger toward him.
"You're going on time out if you're not careful!" That drew a laugh from
everyone in Mom's family and anyone else who knew that I was channeling Mom
or Grammy Robinson at that moment.  I fed Penny her cake without incident.
Penny and I agreed that the wedding tradition of smashing cake in each
other's faces was ridiculous.

   Waiters carried the cake away to be cut and served.  Another waiter
delivered ice cream to Hunter, Penny and me.  Hunter's piece of cake was
nearly gone by the time we sat down.  He polished off the ice cream quickly
too.  Penny and I took him back to the kids table with Noah and Connor.

   The DJ set up while the guests enjoyed the ice cream and cake.  Before
we knew it, it was time for Penny and me to have our first dance as husband
and wife.  We waltzed around the dance floor as the crowd cheered us on.

   "Is today everything you imagined when you were younger?" I asked.

   "It is," Penny agreed as she held tighter as we spun around the room. 
"I hope you're able to fulfill the rest of my wedding night's
expectations." Penny laughed.  "You keep teasing me about how horny
pregnant women are.  You better not wear out tonight.  I have extremely
high expectations of your performance."

   "I will do my best, sweetie," I declared.

   Ed, as best man, and Nikki, as maid of honor, joined us on the floor for
the next dance.  I turned Penny over to Jim Edwards for a dance while I
took Mom out for a spin.  The entire wedding party was out on the floor for
the following song.  The whole crowd got to dancing when the wedding party
finished.

   Penny and I danced a bit and then went table hopping, so we could visit
all our guests.  We got to meet Max Solomon's wife Rose when we stopped off
at the Denver coaches' table.  She was a real sweetheart.  My coaches and
their wives seemed to enjoy the party.

   Will's brothers Ethan and Cody mixed well with the younger Martins,
Hunseckers, Edwards and Robinsons.  Ethan seemed especially taken with my
cousin, Allison Raffensberger, Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike's fourteen year old
daughter.  Cody managed to dance with every one of my and Penny's cousins
between the age of thirteen and seventeen.

   Andy and April continued to hang out all night.  Around 8:30 Penny and I
noticed them dancing close together, clenched to each other.  April's head
was laying against Andy chest, her eyes closed.

   "Andy's getting laid tonight," Penny commented.

   "I don't see it," I answered.

   "April is getting a little boy hungry," Penny retorted.  "Things were
too hectic the last month of her term between papers due and finals.  She
hasn't been with a guy in over a month and the last one wasn't very good.
Wham... bam... thank you, lass."

   "I know Andy won't take April home to our house," I said.  "Mom wouldn't
stand for that." As I commented Andy slid his hands down from the small of
April's back onto her ass cheeks.  April responded by grinding herself
against Andy's crotch.

   "You sure about that?" Penny asked triumphantly.

   "No," I agreed.  Maybe my brother was going to get lucky tonight after
all.

   Penny and I continued mingling.  I finally got to visit with the rest of
my Penn State teammates.  Dave McCall, Brian Henson, Josh Bruno, Charlie
Taylor, Tanner Riggs and Greg Nowicki all made it with their dates or
girlfriends.  Penny and I spent time with our Penn friends too.  Penny took
Dakota and Dave Hansen out for spins on the floor.  I danced with April and
Katie.

   Before we knew it, it was nine o'clock and time for two more wedding
traditions.  The DJ assembled all the eligible girls in the center of the
dance floor.  Penny chased Stephanie Kolmar out of the group.  She wasn't
eligible or available anymore.  Penny's cousin Ann caught the bouquet.

   I made a big show of hiking up Penny's wedding dress to get her garter.
The DJ lined up the eligible bachelors.  Brian Henson, showing true wide
receiving abilities, outleapt my brother Andy and Dave McCall to snag the
garter.  Courtney Battle, Brian's date, was less than enthused at being
teased about marrying next.  Brian and Courtney had been dating for quite a
few months but their relationship hadn't gotten to the
talking-about-marriage stage yet.

   Penny and I slipped out to the bathrooms after the throwing the bouquet
and tossing the garter ceremonies were done.  We changed into travelling
clothes.  Penny gave her wedding dress to her mom.  I gave my tux to
Trevor. He'd make sure I got it back next weekend when the two of us
exchanged roles.  I was to be one of his groomsmen for his wedding next
Saturday.

   Penny and I almost felt like we were in another receiving line when we
came back to the ballroom.  Everyone had to come by and wish us the best on
our honeymoon and marriage.  We were part way through the crowd of
well-wishers when Trevor took the microphone from the DJ.

   "This announcement is for all the Penn Staters here tonight," Trevor
intoned.  "Steph and I would like to thank all of you for coming to the
rehearsal for our wedding next Saturday.  We'll see you in Woodmont." His
announcement brought laughter and catcalls from the Penn State contingent.

   I walked up and took the mike from my friend.  "Penny and I would like
to thank everyone for coming today.  We're going to have to hit the road.
We have a long drive to Pottsville and... [chuckling]... some other
activities planned for the night."

   Penny took the mike.  "Thank you for coming tonight.  We'll see you in a
week or so."

   The big crowd followed us out to my VW, which was parked right outside
the door.  Andy and April were still glued to each other.  Penny was
probably right.  My brother was going to get lucky tonight.  Good for him.

   Ethan Henry was glued to my cousin Allison Raffenberger.  That was too
bad.  They made a cute couple but she was a G.U.G.  - geographically
undesirable girl.  The commute from Sunnyvale, California to Brownstown,
Pa. was a bitch.

   The wedding party had painted my VW with "Just Married" signs, hung
strings of beads and covered it with way too much garland.  Penny and I
removed most of the decorations.  I spotted some fishing line tied to the
bumper.  I cut it off with my pocket knife.

   The crowd cheered us on as I helped Penny into the passenger's side.  I
hopped in too and we headed off.  Penny and I saw the pile of cans that
stayed behind where our car was parked.  Both of us rolled down our windows
and gave the crowd a final wave before I turned onto Eden Road.  A minute
later we were on the bypass heading for Route 222 and Reading.

   Penny called ahead to the Partridge House, the bed and breakfast in
Pottsville where would spend our wedding night.  The owners were gracious
enough to reserve us their finest room, the Rose Room, for the night. 
They'd be up and leave the porch light on for us.

   The drive up 222 to Reading and then north on Route 61 through Hamburg
was nice.  The ninety degree midday temperature had moderated by the time
we reached Port Clinton.  The stars sparkled in the clear, moonless sky
when we left civilization's lights behind.

   Penny kept a running text conversation going with her friends back in
Lancaster.  The reception started winding down after we left.  Both of us
got a laugh from one of April's texts.  "When I asked if Kyle had a bro
last year, you didn't tell me what a dreamboat the bro was.  I'm keeping
him 2night!"

   We found the Partridge House was a big Victorian house halfway up the
hill overlooking Pottsville.  The place was probably a coal baron's mansion
from the previous century.  I parked in one of the guest parking spots. 
Penny and I carried our overnight bags inside.

   "Mr.  and Mrs.  Martin, welcome to Partridge House," Mr.  Montini, the
owner said to greet us.

   "Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?" I said as I gave my wife a kiss on the
cheek.

   "We've been married for eight hours," Penny explained.

   "Congratulations on your wedding," Mr.  Montini replied.  "I believe you
will enjoy our accommodations.

   We took care of signing in and paying for the room.  Mr.  Montini took
us upstairs to our room.  He had laid out a bouquet of red roses on the
king size canopy bed.  A bottle of champagne was chilling on the dresser.
We thanked our host, put down our overnight bags and kissed.

   "Do you want to clean up before we have some fun?" I teased between
kisses.

   "We could do both at the same time," Penny responded.

   "I doubt an old place like this has tubs large enough for what is on
your naughty mind, Mrs.  Martin.  Why don't you go first?  I won't take
long to get a shower."

   "OK, Mr.  Martin," Penny agreed.  "Have some champagne while you wait
for me.  Get in the mood."

   "Will do, sweetie," Penny said.  She disappeared into the bathroom.  I
was still undressing when my sweetie called out.  "I need help with my
back, Mr.  Martin.  Come help me.  Clothing is not necessary.

   The last comment was superfluous.  I was wearing nothing but boxers.  I
popped into the bathroom to find my naked wife luxuriating in the hot water
in a two person sized shower stall.  "Come in, the water's wonderful,
honey." I shucked my boxers and joined her in the shower.

   Did we make love under the warm spray?  Of course we did.  We tested
that big canopy bed too.  Our lovemaking that evening was every bit as
enthusiastic as the night we played bronco and mare three months earlier.
We gave each other more climaxes than either of us could count.

   "Wow... that definitely makes my wedding day complete, sweetie," Penny
gasped as she recovered for her last orgasm.

   I cuddled against my naked wife and panted, "You were pretty special
too. I ran my hand over the barely noticeable bump that was our first
child. We exchanged kisses for a minute or so.

   "I have one more thing to make tonight complete," I said.  I hopped out
of bed and padded across the room to my bag.  I returned with a small
jewelry box.  "I wanted to give you something that says how I feel about
you." I handed the box to Penny.

   She opened it and pulled out the interlocking rings pendant I bought
last Christmas time.  "This is beautiful, Kyle," Penny declared as she put
the pendant around her neck.  The two rings sparkled against my wife's pale
skin.

   "I thought this was the perfect way to represent my feelings for us," I
explained.  "The two rings are our lives joined together today... joined
together forever."

   "Together forever," Penny agreed as she hugged me.  "This is the perfect
end to the perfect day.  I love you so much."

   "I love you too," I agreed.  We sealed our life together with a deep
kiss.

   ===================================================

   (C) 2007-2011, Douglas Fox

   This story may not be reposted without express permission of the author.

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   This story was written as an adult fantasy.  The author does not condone
the described behavior in real life.
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