Going Rogue | Season 4
Going Rogue | Season 4
Tweaked that INT slider! Good game!
Going Rogue | Season 4
Let’s stack wins
Going Rogue | Season 4
LOCKED IN!
Going Rogue | Season 4
Chapter II: By Any Means...
The Giants had just defeated the Minnesota Vikings in a must-needed game, but the focus quickly shifted to the coaching staff, mainly Coach Stefanski. While not making a scene in public, it was clear as day on his face, that he was not happy with something that took place. Jodi was walking off the field with Malik Nabers, who praised him for his play-calling. It was a rare show of acknowledgment for Jodi, who had been under constant criticism for his past decisions. Despite the win, Coach Stefanski wasn’t feeling much of a winner as the team made their way back to East Rutherford. Upon their arrival, he requested a meeting with Jodi in his office. The tension was palpable.
"Jodi, close the door and have a seat. We need to talk."
Jodi complies, sitting down, his mind racing through the events of the game, but he knew what the conversation that was about to take place was fore. He had taken some risks in the play-calling, a few unconventional decisions that had paid off, but Stefanski had a point to make with his role as head coach.
The critics were relentless, and every call, every play, seemed to weigh on his reputation.
"I want to know about your decision-making during that game. Some of the calls you made were... unexpected, no better yet, blatant. I felt undermined. I’m sure you can understand why I’d feel that way."
Jodi paused, choosing his words carefully. "Coach, I just want to apologize first. I understand where you're coming from and where this is about to go, I'm not trying to step on your toes...", Jodi explained as he followed up. "But I had to do what I thought was best. You've seen the last three games before today, and how they went down. I was totally lost. I was under pressure – you know how the media and fans are. They were ready to call me a first round bust. They said I couldn’t hack it in the NFL and I wasn't ready. I had to find my zone, and when I got out there, I just ran with it... All I wanted to do was win, by any means necessary."
Coach Stefanski’s expression softened slightly, though the fire in his eyes never fully dulled out. "I get it, Jodi. The outside noise can be brutal, but we can’t let that dictate our strategy", Coach sternly rebutted. "I’ve been in this game long enough to know that we need cohesion. We can’t have internal rifts or any lone gunner mentality out of you."
Jodi nodded, acknowledging the larger point. "I get that, Coach. I’m not trying to over step, I just... Needed to make sure we were on the winning side. After everything that was said about me, after all the doubts, I had to prove them wrong."
"You prove them wrong, and then what? Coach Stefanski asked. "You've only been here a month, you're not even close to cutting your teeth in the league yet, why are you worrying about what others think when they can't control the narrative?" Jodi was lost for words to respond. Coach Stefanski leaned back, contemplating. "Alright, Jodi. You did what you had to do. And I won’t argue with the result. But we need to be a unit, a team, especially in the heat of the moment. There's 53 of us here, not 53 of you. You have the most important role on the football team. When we win, they'll praise your name. When we lose, well... It can be nasty sometimes."
"And that's what I wanted to prevent. Four straight losses is insane for me, I'm sorry. I'm just not used to losing."
"Get used to it. You won't have a long career here if you think all you can do is win..."
There was a brief silence. Then Coach Stefanski’s demeanor shifted, and he sighed. Looking at Jodi with a mix of empathy and resolve. "Alright rook, I’ll let this slide for now. Just know that moving forward, we need to trust each other. We have to stick to the plan. No going off script and calling your own shots around here."
Jodi gave a grateful nod. "Understood, Coach. It won’t happen again."
Later that night, the true meaning of Jodi's victory became apparent to him. He arrived at his newly christened home, careful not to disturb Tiffany, who was struggling with sickness from pregnancy. The weight of the day seemed to fall away as he gently climbed into bed beside her. As he rubbed her belly, he could feel the slight tenderness. Tiffany, still weak, shared how proud she was of him for his first win.
"Glad you're home safe baby. Congrats on your first win. You really looked great out there." Her words brought a smile to his face, but his thoughts were far from the game.
"I appreciate that love, but I don’t care about football right now," Jodi whispered, his hand resting on her belly. "You're my priority, and so is our baby. That’s what matters the most."
Tiffany smiled softly, nestling her back up against Jodi as he kissed her on the back of her neck. The NFL could wait, as for tonight, they were just two people, sharing a quiet moment of peace amid the storm of their busy lives.
A few days after practice, Jodi swung by the film room, seeing Jozif already making his-self comfortable inside, arm in sling and all. Despite the minor setback to his rookie year, Jozif's mood was anything but subdued. Entering the room, Jodi decided to check up on him.
"Oi, Rogue Mon! Good to see you, bredduh" Jozif said, sitting up a bit straighter. "Wah gwaan?"
"Not much," Jodi replied, dropping onto the chair opposite him. "Just wanted to see how you were holding up."
Jozif smiled. "Righteous.. Mi good, mon. Small bump can't mash up road man, ya' know? A little R&R’s on track. Be ready to get back to work soon. I an' I just have to focus on taking it one dey atta time, see?"
"That’s good to hear", Jodi nods. "You’re missed out there, though. The energy isn’t the same without you."
Jozif chuckled. "Clearly. I miss it too. But fi now, it’s all about patience, ya know? I an' I been catching up on FaceTime with my youth. She’s been keeping mi grounded through this."
"Shit, that's beautiful. I wasn't sure if you had family out here. Getting drafted and all, everything is a whirlwind, constantly being on the move", Jodi said, his face softening. "But family keeps everything in perspective. I'm glad you got that support."
The conversation shifted to the team, and Jozif gave Jodi a knowing look. "So, I heard about Minnesota," he said, raising an eyebrow.
Jodi scratched the back of his neck, sheepishly laughing. "So apparently the gossip around the water cooler has runneth thy cup"
"I’ll say," Jozif replied, grinning. "Coach rode yo' hide a new one for calling your own plays, huh?"
Jodi sighed, leaning back in the chair. "He wasn’t happy. But I had a gut feeling, you know? We needed a spark, and I took a chance. I knew I’d catch heat for it, but it worked out in the end."
Jozif nodded thoughtfully. "I'ya not gonna lie—I don’t like seeing the boat get rocked, but I respect you stepped up, star. We got the win, maybe Coach will leave it be."
"Here’s hoping", Jodi says. "Honestly, I’d do it again if it meant getting the win. This team deserves it. We can't be that fucking bad."
"That’s why you’re a rockstar," Jozif said, his tone more serious. "Yu take responsibility fi the team, fi mi, mi see 'dat, even when it’s risky. Just make sure you not pushing too hard. We gotta long season ahead, eh?"
Jodi nodded. "I hear you. I just want us to succeed, you know? It’s not about me—it’s about all of us."
As they continued talking, the conversation shifted to lighter topics—old college games, favorite plays, and memories from training camp. By the time Jodi got up to leave, he had forgotten about film work. But having the chance to bond with a comrade, reminded of the strength of their bond as teammates he was once fond of back in Oregon.
"Thanks fi stopping by, Rogue Mon," Jozif said as Jodi reached the door.
"Anytime, bro," Jodi replied. "Get that shoulder better soon. We need you out there."
"Already," Jozif replied with a nod.
As Jodi made his exit, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that he and at least one of his teammates were in this together, no matter the challenges.
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Going Rogue | Season 4
got that win lets go