Chapter Four: The Starting Job Is Not a Prize

After practice, Grant addressed the team. “Kai starts Saturday. Marcus takes the second half.” No one applauded immediately. A starting job was not a medal. It was flesh cut from someone else. Marcus crossed the room and tossed his practice jersey into Kai's arms. “Keep it clean. You're borrowing it for one night.” “Then come take it in the second half.” Mountain slammed his locker shut. “Jobs get won on the field. Debts get settled there too. Anyone who brings the press into this room answers to me.” On Saturday, the opponent surrounded the undrafted starter with zero blitzes. Kai took three sacks in the first half and tasted blood. Grant prepared to make the scheduled change after halftime.