WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE DRAFTED?
The Next Steps for S22 Rookies
Pete “Plop” Miller, Arizona Republic | Mar 30, 2020 | Phoenix
Being drafted is the culmination of something extraordinary, something that can never be diminished. But it’s only an opportunity – a launching pad – to become a great success or a disappointing footnote. It is really the prologue to the dream.
From your draft day on, your journey progresses with the eyes of the world watching. They saw you in college. They saw you in the DSFL. But are you prepared for expectations of the NSFL? The fans can be brutal.
Every rookie’s story plays out in its own unique way. Some move across the country. Some have to move to a new country. The lucky few simply head across town. You can imagine the culture shock of a good ol’ country boy dropped in Chicago or Philadelphia. Or maybe it’s a talented kid from Central America who is still trying to learn English who is drafted by Colorado. Whatever your background or situation, you are on your path to follow a dream and make your mark on the NSFL.
Since the saga for each rookie is one of a kind, let me tell you about my experience after being drafted in S21 by the Arizona Outlaws.
--
Draft Day
Seeing your name and image on draft day is a wonderful moment. Getting that invite to the team discord is indescribable and unforgettable. But it’s the thinking and wondering over the next few days that remind you that this is only the beginning. It’s stressful. You’re always trying to stay one step ahead of the competition; and you had better believe they are doing the same. Just as you are chasing the guy in front, so are dozens of others chasing you.
The lofty expectations of the NSFL stood before me. Did I have what it takes to meet those expectations? Did I even have what it takes to make the team?
Unlike many of my fellow draftees, I was not expected to switch positions. I played a little defensive end in college, and unicorn told me I might line up on the outside from time to time. That’s nothing compared to some of the guys who had to switch from defense to offense. If that’s you, it adds an extra element of anxiety to the entire situation.
You’re not alone. We’ve all gone through this.
All unproven NSFL rookies – and probably some of the recreates – deal with the nagging feeling of self-doubt. Am I big enough, strong enough, fast enough to play against the best this game has to offer? I told myself I have the ability. When I put my mind to something, I’m unstoppable. I have no limits. I’m confident.
Right?
--
First Day
Training camp comes faster than you can imagine. Maybe it’s just me, but it seemed like only a few days after the draft had ended.
The day before we started team practices, all the rookies were flown in and picked up at Phoenix Sky Harbor. We were shuttled to a nearby hotel, which was right next to the practice facilities. My roommate there was former Penn State safety Jamie Nkiah, who was drafted in the fourth round the year before. He played two seasons in the DSFL and was expected to contribute early and often for the Outlaws.
That first day is dedicated to traveling, getting checked into the hotel, and heading over to the Outlaws headquarters. Those shuttles are filled with so much excitement and nervousness, it’s palpable. So many NSFL hopefuls looking to make a good first impression.
As we pulled into the parking lot, there were dozens of diehard Outlaw fans waiting outside, holding welcome signs and yelling for pictures or autographs. I felt like a rock star. But I was quickly reminded of how small I really was. Walking up to the entrance of the building, I saw the banners of championships and Hall of Fame players. I hoped my face would be up there someday.
Once we made our way inside, we were greeted by coaches, staff members, and several legendary Outlaws such as Harrif Ernston, King Bronko, Reg Mackworthy, and Jaylon Lee. Our GMs, unicorn and dankoa and were also there.
Getting the chance to meet the legends of the game was a surreal experience. The production value of the introductions and welcoming cemented the gravity of the moment. The men who had once worn these uniforms were not imaginary characters on a video game. These were real men who had all ascended to the top of the game and were eager to have us follow in their footsteps.
The day started with an orientation where all rookies were given iPads filled with team info and books on the history of the Arizona Outlaws. We also received itineraries for training camp, schedules for the coming season, and individual work-outs/goals.
Once we were all gathered in the cafeteria for lunch, we were greeted with an official welcome from GM unicorn. He spoke to the team and gave out details on the next few days as well as what to expect moving forward. He also congratulated us for the honor of making to the NSFL. That feeling of honor was shared by every player in that room.
After lunch, the first day of my professional career was spent taking care of administrative requirements such as an official physical exam, where they pretty much went from head to toe to make sure they weren’t missing anything. After all, they aren’t going to invest time and money into players who are essentially damaged goods. Always inspect before you buy, and that entire day was basically one long inspection.
After physicals, it was on to the equipment room. We were basically shepherded through the process as quickly as possible. Considering the total number of players who needed equipment all at the same time, I guess I get it. That said, they just signed me to a $9 million contract, so you’d think they might make it a little more personalized. Anyway, I was assigned a number without discussion, and I got lucky with 98, the number I’ve worn since freshman year of high school. Maybe one of the equipment managers recognized me and did me a favor. I don’t know.
Pictures were taken at some point, and we had to sit down with the marketing guys to do our bios for the official team website.
When it was finally over, we were shuttled back to our hotels to get some sleep. As you can imagine, there were a million thoughts racing through my mind. No matter how badly I needed some sleep that night, it was tough to turn the thoughts off and get some rest. I knew the importance of that second day; it was my first opportunity to prove myself in an Outlaw helmet.
--
Practice Day
Heading into training camp, I knew there was a possibility I could fail to make a football team for the first time in my life. However, I wasn’t expecting to show up and be given one of those temporary lockers added to the back of the room. My expendability was clear, and I didn’t want to go back to the DSFL for another year.
I was hit with a stark and disconcerting reality. I went from hoping not to be cut to trying to finagle my way onto a team that didn’t expect me to make it. I looked around the room and knew I had to bust my butt and outperform these guys to make my dream come true. I’m sure they thought the same thing. I mean, we were all competing for the same limited number of roster spots.
At that point, the intensity and the fire kicked into high gear. Urgency and necessity became my daily motivation. There was a mountain to climb, and I was ready to start my ascent to the summit.
After each day, each practice, each film session, my confidence grew.
Despite having to learn a completely new playbook with completely new verbiage, I was confident.
By the end of the first week, I felt ready to take the NSFL by storm.
The first week brings about a false sense of security though. These were some rookies and lower-level free agents using it to resurrect their careers. Many of these guys will never even make it to the NSFL.
It’s very important to make a great impression that week, but don’t let it go to your head. Without veterans, it can be a bit misleading with respect to the level of talent in the NSFL.
Once practices with the complete roster started, I was able to see the veterans and knew what I was really up against.
I’ll never forget what I was thinking when I first stepped out on that practice field with those guys. Ricardo Morris. Shane Masters. Reggie Culbertson. These men were enormous. It seemed as if every player on the defense towered over me. I never considered myself to be undersized, but for the first time in my life, I actually felt little.
Not only were these guys were big, but they could move. It was remarkable. Of course I’d seen them play during the streams, but to see those physical gifts up close and personal was truly impressive. I probably looked like a dope with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. How the heck would I ever compete against them? I was surrounded by future Hall of Famers and players who had accomplished so much already.
--
Each and every NSFL rookie shares a common goal as they prepare for the opportunity of a lifetime. Fame and fortune are within arm’s reach. Yet few realize the gravity of what’s about to happen. Hard work is cheap in the NSFL. How many “hard-working guys” were once right where you are? How many bounced from team to team and barely saw the field on game days? How many flamed out after a season or two? How many?
How do you beat the odds and become one of the few who are remembered for generations? How will you break through to find success on the field when everyone around you is fighting for the same thing?
These are questions you and your fellow rookies will have to face as the intensity and competition ramps up. Draft day, reporting to your new team, training camp, and the season kickoff will be here sooner than you think…if you’re lucky enough to make it.
The Next Steps for S22 Rookies
Pete “Plop” Miller, Arizona Republic | Mar 30, 2020 | Phoenix
Being drafted is the culmination of something extraordinary, something that can never be diminished. But it’s only an opportunity – a launching pad – to become a great success or a disappointing footnote. It is really the prologue to the dream.
From your draft day on, your journey progresses with the eyes of the world watching. They saw you in college. They saw you in the DSFL. But are you prepared for expectations of the NSFL? The fans can be brutal.
Every rookie’s story plays out in its own unique way. Some move across the country. Some have to move to a new country. The lucky few simply head across town. You can imagine the culture shock of a good ol’ country boy dropped in Chicago or Philadelphia. Or maybe it’s a talented kid from Central America who is still trying to learn English who is drafted by Colorado. Whatever your background or situation, you are on your path to follow a dream and make your mark on the NSFL.
Since the saga for each rookie is one of a kind, let me tell you about my experience after being drafted in S21 by the Arizona Outlaws.
--
Draft Day
Seeing your name and image on draft day is a wonderful moment. Getting that invite to the team discord is indescribable and unforgettable. But it’s the thinking and wondering over the next few days that remind you that this is only the beginning. It’s stressful. You’re always trying to stay one step ahead of the competition; and you had better believe they are doing the same. Just as you are chasing the guy in front, so are dozens of others chasing you.
The lofty expectations of the NSFL stood before me. Did I have what it takes to meet those expectations? Did I even have what it takes to make the team?
Unlike many of my fellow draftees, I was not expected to switch positions. I played a little defensive end in college, and unicorn told me I might line up on the outside from time to time. That’s nothing compared to some of the guys who had to switch from defense to offense. If that’s you, it adds an extra element of anxiety to the entire situation.
You’re not alone. We’ve all gone through this.
All unproven NSFL rookies – and probably some of the recreates – deal with the nagging feeling of self-doubt. Am I big enough, strong enough, fast enough to play against the best this game has to offer? I told myself I have the ability. When I put my mind to something, I’m unstoppable. I have no limits. I’m confident.
Right?
--
First Day
Training camp comes faster than you can imagine. Maybe it’s just me, but it seemed like only a few days after the draft had ended.
The day before we started team practices, all the rookies were flown in and picked up at Phoenix Sky Harbor. We were shuttled to a nearby hotel, which was right next to the practice facilities. My roommate there was former Penn State safety Jamie Nkiah, who was drafted in the fourth round the year before. He played two seasons in the DSFL and was expected to contribute early and often for the Outlaws.
That first day is dedicated to traveling, getting checked into the hotel, and heading over to the Outlaws headquarters. Those shuttles are filled with so much excitement and nervousness, it’s palpable. So many NSFL hopefuls looking to make a good first impression.
As we pulled into the parking lot, there were dozens of diehard Outlaw fans waiting outside, holding welcome signs and yelling for pictures or autographs. I felt like a rock star. But I was quickly reminded of how small I really was. Walking up to the entrance of the building, I saw the banners of championships and Hall of Fame players. I hoped my face would be up there someday.
Once we made our way inside, we were greeted by coaches, staff members, and several legendary Outlaws such as Harrif Ernston, King Bronko, Reg Mackworthy, and Jaylon Lee. Our GMs, unicorn and dankoa and were also there.
Getting the chance to meet the legends of the game was a surreal experience. The production value of the introductions and welcoming cemented the gravity of the moment. The men who had once worn these uniforms were not imaginary characters on a video game. These were real men who had all ascended to the top of the game and were eager to have us follow in their footsteps.
The day started with an orientation where all rookies were given iPads filled with team info and books on the history of the Arizona Outlaws. We also received itineraries for training camp, schedules for the coming season, and individual work-outs/goals.
Once we were all gathered in the cafeteria for lunch, we were greeted with an official welcome from GM unicorn. He spoke to the team and gave out details on the next few days as well as what to expect moving forward. He also congratulated us for the honor of making to the NSFL. That feeling of honor was shared by every player in that room.
After lunch, the first day of my professional career was spent taking care of administrative requirements such as an official physical exam, where they pretty much went from head to toe to make sure they weren’t missing anything. After all, they aren’t going to invest time and money into players who are essentially damaged goods. Always inspect before you buy, and that entire day was basically one long inspection.
After physicals, it was on to the equipment room. We were basically shepherded through the process as quickly as possible. Considering the total number of players who needed equipment all at the same time, I guess I get it. That said, they just signed me to a $9 million contract, so you’d think they might make it a little more personalized. Anyway, I was assigned a number without discussion, and I got lucky with 98, the number I’ve worn since freshman year of high school. Maybe one of the equipment managers recognized me and did me a favor. I don’t know.
Pictures were taken at some point, and we had to sit down with the marketing guys to do our bios for the official team website.
When it was finally over, we were shuttled back to our hotels to get some sleep. As you can imagine, there were a million thoughts racing through my mind. No matter how badly I needed some sleep that night, it was tough to turn the thoughts off and get some rest. I knew the importance of that second day; it was my first opportunity to prove myself in an Outlaw helmet.
--
Practice Day
Heading into training camp, I knew there was a possibility I could fail to make a football team for the first time in my life. However, I wasn’t expecting to show up and be given one of those temporary lockers added to the back of the room. My expendability was clear, and I didn’t want to go back to the DSFL for another year.
I was hit with a stark and disconcerting reality. I went from hoping not to be cut to trying to finagle my way onto a team that didn’t expect me to make it. I looked around the room and knew I had to bust my butt and outperform these guys to make my dream come true. I’m sure they thought the same thing. I mean, we were all competing for the same limited number of roster spots.
At that point, the intensity and the fire kicked into high gear. Urgency and necessity became my daily motivation. There was a mountain to climb, and I was ready to start my ascent to the summit.
After each day, each practice, each film session, my confidence grew.
Despite having to learn a completely new playbook with completely new verbiage, I was confident.
By the end of the first week, I felt ready to take the NSFL by storm.
The first week brings about a false sense of security though. These were some rookies and lower-level free agents using it to resurrect their careers. Many of these guys will never even make it to the NSFL.
It’s very important to make a great impression that week, but don’t let it go to your head. Without veterans, it can be a bit misleading with respect to the level of talent in the NSFL.
Once practices with the complete roster started, I was able to see the veterans and knew what I was really up against.
I’ll never forget what I was thinking when I first stepped out on that practice field with those guys. Ricardo Morris. Shane Masters. Reggie Culbertson. These men were enormous. It seemed as if every player on the defense towered over me. I never considered myself to be undersized, but for the first time in my life, I actually felt little.
Not only were these guys were big, but they could move. It was remarkable. Of course I’d seen them play during the streams, but to see those physical gifts up close and personal was truly impressive. I probably looked like a dope with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. How the heck would I ever compete against them? I was surrounded by future Hall of Famers and players who had accomplished so much already.
--
Each and every NSFL rookie shares a common goal as they prepare for the opportunity of a lifetime. Fame and fortune are within arm’s reach. Yet few realize the gravity of what’s about to happen. Hard work is cheap in the NSFL. How many “hard-working guys” were once right where you are? How many bounced from team to team and barely saw the field on game days? How many flamed out after a season or two? How many?
How do you beat the odds and become one of the few who are remembered for generations? How will you break through to find success on the field when everyone around you is fighting for the same thing?
These are questions you and your fellow rookies will have to face as the intensity and competition ramps up. Draft day, reporting to your new team, training camp, and the season kickoff will be here sooner than you think…if you’re lucky enough to make it.
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