"Coach, I can confirm that Coach Burns didn't kidnap me, at least not with a knife to my throat," Lance joked.
Unexpectedly, Burns turned to Saban with a smug look on his face, rocking his head back and forth, muttering proudly, "See? See? Lance said it himself."
Saban shook his head slightly in exasperation. "Talk about self-praise. You really don't miss a beat."
Burns glanced down at his chubby belly in acknowledgment.
Laughter filled the room, and the mood instantly lightened.
Through all the banter, Lance could sense genuine care from both Saban and Burns. They were sincerely looking out for his best interests.
After a bit of lightheartedness, Saban quickly steered the conversation back on track.
"Lance."
"If you're not interested in pursuing football or going pro, it's time to start planning for your senior year and your future. Football isn't the only path in life."
"I've reviewed your academic performance, and I think you'd do very well in the journalism field. I know some people in the newspaper and TV industry. If you're interested, I can make some calls and arrange internships. You could even start in New York—there are plenty of opportunities for growth there."
"But."
"If you do want to keep playing football, then we also need to start planning."
"Even though you've only been playing for a year, you're already a junior. The question of when to enter the draft is now a very real one."
"To be honest, Coach Burns and I would love to keep you for another year, but we don't want to be selfish."
Saban paused, and Burns nodded in agreement before picking up where Saban left off.
"Objectively speaking, if you stayed another year, the room for growth would be limited. Your talent, your intelligence, your skills—they're all well-prepared."
"Of course, if you entered the NFL now, I won't lie—it's going to be tough. The intensity of the competition is something you're not fully ready for yet. As the season progresses, that gap will become more apparent, and if you're not careful, your risk of injury will increase."
"But all things considered, you're a player who thrives under challenges and pressure. We've seen your growth and transformation over these months. You're constantly learning, studying both offense and defense. Honestly, your understanding of football has already surpassed most of the team."
"That's why, after many discussions, we believe that it's better for you to enter the pros next year. There's no need to waste any more time."
"Lance, you must know that the career span of a running back is relatively short. If you enter the NFL, you'll face challenges from the start. You'll also need to think long-term. We all want to see you continue to succeed at the professional level, so..."
Burns glanced at Saban, his expression conflicted.
As the running backs coach, Burns wasn't happy with the current state of the league. He despised the way running backs were treated—undervalued, overworked. He sympathized with their struggles, but as a small-time coach, what could he do to change things?
Burns was torn.
On one hand, he sincerely wanted Lance to enter the NFL. He believed in Lance and thought he might be one of the few who could bring something new and exciting to the position of running back.
On the other hand, he regretted dragging Lance into football, training him as a running back, a position that seemed to have no future.
In the end, Burns couldn't continue speaking.
Saban understood, completely.
So, he picked up the conversation.
"If you decide to continue with football and enter the draft next year, we'll need to help you prepare."
"Before you head to the rookie training camps, both Coach Burns and I believe you should undergo some additional training. Strength and endurance are important, but so is updating your understanding of tactics and strategy. Whether it's for the draft or your future professional career, preparation is key."
They were genuinely concerned, considering every aspect of Lance's future.
In truth, the Crimson Tide had just gone through the pain of losing their star running back to the NFL last year. Lance had been their saving grace this season. From the perspective of the coaching staff and the Crimson Tide's interests, they should have been doing everything they could to convince Lance to stay.
That would have been the logical thing to do.
But they weren't.
Indeed, the NCAA is a league full of controversy. Every year, it generates massive profits, but none of that money goes to the players. Sure, these students get scholarships and a free education, but when compared to the NCAA's earnings, it's a drop in the bucket.
Meanwhile, some self-serving coaches try everything to keep their players from going pro, squeezing every last bit of value out of them.
But Saban and Burns weren't like that.
It was clear they genuinely saw Lance as a talent and truly wanted him to have a bright future.
Perhaps deep down, they both simply loved the game of football.
Saban wasn't done speaking.
"The reason we wanted to talk to you today is so you can go home for Christmas and discuss everything with your parents. There's no rush to decide. Talk it over with your family, think it through calmly."
"Things may not be going exactly as we planned, but that's okay. There's still time."
"Whatever decision you make, it's important that it aligns with what you truly want."
Genuine care.
Looking at the two coaches before him, Lance felt a warmth in his heart. "Coach, if I do go pro, what about the team?"
Saban smiled slightly. "Don't worry. Jacobs has already stepped up. Next year, he'll be ready to take on the starting running back role."
Burns added, "And the other injured running backs will be back too."
"Thanks to you, Coach Saban and I are even thinking of redshirting some of them so they don't waste a year."
"Next season, they'll have to work even harder. After Derrick, now you, they'll need to work to keep the Crimson Tide's tradition of great running backs alive."
Saban nodded in agreement. "Plus, we'll have a new batch of recruits coming in. College football doesn't stop. Every year, players graduate, new players come in. We're used to it. It's just the nature of our job."
"Lance, remember: in both the NFL and NCAA, team interests always come before individual interests. You shouldn't sacrifice yourself for the team if it's not in your best interest. It's unnecessary, and it's not worth it. If a team expects you to make sacrifices, they need to show enough sincerity first. They need to sacrifice for you before they can ask the same of you."
"Otherwise, never trust what a team manager promises you. Got it?"
"So, don't worry about the team. Focus on your future. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask me."
"Alright, the two of us old guys have bothered you long enough. Go on, enjoy your holiday and don't forget to send my regards to your parents."
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Powerstones?
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