Training camp had been grueling, and now the preseason games were just around the corner. Prince Carter had learned quickly that in the NFL, there were no shortcuts. Every snap, every route, every catch mattered. And while he was no longer a walk-on, he had yet to prove himself on the biggest stage.
The pressure was mounting. It wasn't enough to be fast, agile, or technically sound. He had to earn the trust of his coaches, his quarterback, and his teammates. And most of all, he had to show he could perform when the lights were brightest.
---
The first preseason game arrived, and it was like stepping onto a different planet. The stadium was filled with tens of thousands of fans, the air thick with anticipation. The Broncos were facing off against the Chicago Bears, a team with a reputation for a
hard-hitting defense. Prince sat on the sidelines, his helmet on, watching his teammates stretch and prepare. His stomach twisted with nerves, but he pushed them aside. This was what he had worked for.
Coach Jackson, the Broncos' wide receiver coach, approached him as the team prepared for the first drive.
"Carter, you're up next," he said, his tone steady but firm. "This is your chance. Make it count."
Prince nodded, swallowing hard as he jogged onto the field. He lined up wide on the left, across from a veteran cornerback named Tom "The Wall" Matthews, known for his physical play and ability to shut down even the most skilled receivers. Prince could feel Matthews' eyes on him, sizing him up.
The ball was snapped. Prince ran his route a quick slant. The linebacker to his right blitzed, and Prince cut inside just as the ball came flying toward him. Matthews closed in, but Prince extended his arms and snatched the ball out of the air, absorbing the hit as he hit the ground.
The crowd roared, and Prince quickly popped to his feet, ready for the next play. He had caught the ball, but he knew it was just the beginning.
---
Throughout the game, Prince continued to impress. He didn't make any flashy plays, but he was consistent. He ran precise routes, secured every pass thrown his way, and even managed to break a few tackles to gain extra yards. His ability to get open and make plays under pressure started to earn him recognition from his teammates and coaches.
By the end of the game, Prince had finished with four receptions for 56 yards. It wasn't a standout performance by any means, but it was enough to prove that he could contribute at the NFL level.
---
As the weeks passed, Prince's role in the Broncos' offense grew. The preseason was over, and the regular season was just beginning. The coaches liked what they saw in him, but the competition for a starting spot was fierce. Dorian Moore remained the clear No. 1 receiver, but the other spots were still up for grabs.
Prince's main competition came from a young receiver named Max Avery, who had been drafted just one round ahead of him. Max was a physical specimen tall, fast, and strong. He had all the tools, and most analysts believed he had the higher ceiling. But what Max didn't have was Prince's unshakable work ethic and determination.
On the final week of preseason, Coach Jackson pulled both Prince and Max aside.
"You've both shown a lot of promise," Jackson said. "But only one of you is going to start the season as the No. 2 receiver. The decision is going to come down to who can make the most of their opportunities."
---
The first game of the regular season was against the Kansas City Chiefs, and Prince was ready. The Broncos had struggled against the Chiefs in recent years, but this time, the team felt different. Prince had trained harder than ever, his hands were sure, and his legs were fresh. He was as prepared as he could be.
The game started fast, and the Broncos' offense was clicking. Quarterback Jake Williams was on fire, throwing passes with pinpoint accuracy. Dorian Moore was getting the bulk of the attention, but Prince was quietly making his presence felt. He had two quick receptions in the first quarter, and every time he touched the ball, he looked like a veteran.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Broncos trailing by three, Coach Jackson called for a two-minute drill. Jake Williams took the snap and surveyed the field, his eyes scanning for open options. With the clock winding down, he saw an opening for Prince on a post route.
"Carter, you're up," Jake said, pointing to him.
Prince lined up, his heart racing, his focus narrowing. He knew the defense would be expecting him, but that didn't matter. He was ready for this.
The ball was snapped, and Prince exploded off the line. He faked a quick out before cutting hard to the inside. The cornerback guarding him was quick, but Prince had the advantage he had been here before, in practice, with nothing but the need to prove himself.
As Jake threw the ball, it felt like time slowed down. Prince tracked it through the air, his hands reaching for the ball as it sailed toward him. He leaped, high above the defender, and plucked the ball from the air, landing in the end zone with both feet in bounds.
Touchdown Broncos.
The stadium erupted.
---
The catch wasn't just a game-changer it was a career-changer. The coaches saw what they needed to see. Prince Carter had arrived.
After the game, as the team celebrated, Dorian Moore clapped him on the back.
"Nice job, rookie," Dorian said with a grin. "You've got the skills. Just keep proving it."
That was all Prince needed to hear.