"Wow."
NBC had won the fierce bidding war for exclusive broadcast rights to the 2017 NFL season opener. Al Michaels, a veteran broadcaster with over 30 years of experience, took the helm to guide viewers through what promised to be a historic night.
The game had barely begun, and Michaels was already stunned.
"I mean, wow."
"This is the most electric I've ever seen Gillette Stadium. Of course, we've witnessed countless historic moments here, but tonight feels different."
"Tonight."
"We're about to see the first-ever Asian-American first-round pick step onto the professional football stage. Without a doubt, this is a momentous occasion."
"And the challenge awaiting him? Facing the league's reigning king and the most successful team of the past 15 years. This will be a trial by fire, adding even more flavor to this historic moment."
"For fans, this is fantastic. But one can't help but wonder, is this too cruel for a rookie?"
"During the preseason, this rookie proved he could handle the professional level's intensity, but the true test of NFL football isn't one or two hits—it's thousands upon thousands."
"That's the real challenge. Just look at Robert Griffin III."
"So, how Andy Reid plans to manage this game will be critical. The Chiefs' decision to draft two running backs this year may hint at some concern about this rookie's durability. We can't know for sure, but it's definitely worth keeping an eye on."
"Oh, and let's not forget something important."
"Lance."
"This rookie's name is Lance, and he's wearing the Chiefs' No. 23 jersey. If you're curious, keep an eye on him with us."
"Of course, there's much more to this game than just Lance..."
While Michaels diligently set the stage in the broadcast booth, Andy Reid stood on the sidelines, scanning the crowd in search of Lance.
He shouldn't have been worried. Football is a team sport, after all. Pressure typically falls on the quarterback, not a rookie running back.
Yet, the media frenzy surrounding the "Rookie vs. the GOAT" storyline had spiraled out of control. Social media buzzed relentlessly, with trending hashtags drawing attention from even the least interested spectators. If the coaching staff could see it, so could the players.
The NCAA was one thing. The NFL was something else entirely.
Reid's train of thought broke off as his gaze landed on Lance. He exhaled with relief—there was no need to worry. The rookie's poise during the final moments of last year's college championship game wasn't a fluke.
"What are you looking at?"
Patrick Mahomes, visibly restless, bounced between sitting and standing on the bench like a wound-up spring.
"Number 12," Lance replied seriously.
Across the field, No. 12—Tom Brady.
Alex Smith immediately picked up on the implication. Sharing a glance with Travis Kelce, he interjected, "Lance, don't pay attention to all that media noise. Just focus on the game."
Lance nodded but kept his eyes fixed ahead.
Kelce sighed, "Lance—" He paused, searching for the right words.
"I was just curious. He doesn't have three heads or six arms."
"What?"
Lance shrugged casually. "I mean, No. 12 is just another human. I'm kind of disappointed—I was expecting horns, fangs, and maybe a cape. But nope, he's just like us."
"He needs teammates, just like we do. And I think I'm ready to face another regular guy."
The group was stunned.
They exchanged glances before grins crept across their faces.
Unspoken but ever-present, the tension of facing the Patriots had weighed on everyone. Memories of New England's Super Bowl comeback last season, the Brady-Belichick dynasty, and their own playoff loss to the Patriots two years ago loomed large. The relentless media frenzy had only amplified the pressure.
But with Lance's simple statement, the tension dissipated like air from a balloon. Laughter replaced the tight, nervous energy.
Should they marvel at Lance's fearless naivety or applaud his wisdom in cutting through the noise?
Either way, the Chiefs felt a collective shift—a release from the media's grip.
"This moment comes for every rookie stepping up from the NCAA to the NFL—a harsh wake-up call. Those who think the NFL is just a more tactical version of college football hit a wall, fast," Michaels continued in the booth.
"The physicality, the pace, the intensity—it's a whole different beast."
"Last season, Derek Henry, Lance's predecessor at Alabama and a former Heisman Trophy winner, hit that wall hard. His production in the NFL didn't even reach a fifth of what he achieved in college—a major disappointment."
"Now, it's Lance's turn to experience the reality of professional football. Chris, what's your take on what we might see from him?"
Seated beside Michaels was Chris Collinsworth, a former NFL wide receiver and Emmy-winning broadcaster known for his insightful commentary.
"He'll need time," Collinsworth said, giving an honest assessment.
"Based on his preseason performance, Lance has potential but struggles with endurance and consistency under pressure. Maintaining his level of play in the face of relentless contact will be his biggest challenge."
"The Patriots are known for their offense, but their defense often gets overlooked. Let's not forget, Bill Belichick made his mark as a linebacker coach and defensive coordinator."
"Last season, the Patriots' defense ranked first overall and fourth against the run. It was their defense that laid the foundation for their historic Super Bowl comeback, shutting out league MVP Matt Ryan in the second half."
"So, Lance will need time."
"We should give him space to grow. The real suspense in this game lies with the quarterbacks..."
While the pregame analysis dragged on, the action on the field was about to begin.
The Patriots won the coin toss and chose their side of the field, meaning the Chiefs would receive the opening kickoff.
As the special teams lined up, Gillette Stadium erupted.
Boo!
Boo-boo-boo!
"Rookie! Rookie! Rookie!"
The taunts rained down, a deafening storm that made the stadium tremble.
Amid the jeers, all eyes locked onto a single figure wearing the Chiefs' No. 23 jersey.
Lance?
Wait—Lance?
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Powerstones?
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