20. The Draft

CHAPTER 20

THE DRAFT

WITH SPECIAL GUEST LEE MATTERS, ROOKIE SAFETY FOR THE AUSTIN TROOPERS

"Welcome Back, fans, to The Draft . I'm your host, Kingsley Black, and along with my co-host, Juan Carlos, we have a special guest with us today: rookie safety with the Austin Troopers, Lee Matters. Welcome, Lee."

"Hi, Kingsley. Hi, Juan Carlos. Thanks for having me."

"Say hi to the fans, too, Lee."

"Hi to the fans!"

[Kingsley and Juan Carlos laugh.]

"Every time, Kingsley. Every time."

"I know, Juan Carlos. It is what it is. But let's get this interview going. Give us your stats, Lee. Your lead up to the draft…"

"Sure. I've been playing football since Peewee. Played all four years at Rutgers with at least three interceptions and about two dozen tackles each year. To tell you the truth, I hadn't planned on playing professionally. I've got a B.S. in accounting that I'd planned to use to help grow my mom's catering business. Take over the financials so she can focus on creating her signature grazing boards and other menus. Then I got the invite to the Combine. That was wild. My mom and aunt encouraged me to go, and interview with the different teams… hearing their feedback… I got excited. The Troopers drafted me in the third round. I knew they were seriously interested, but it still came as a shock to be drafted that high."

"Seems like, after those two interceptions against Atlanta, you were worth the price tag."

"I hope so, Kingsley. I'm going to work my butt off to earn it."

"We're sure you will."

"Hey, Lee…"

"Yes, Juan Carlos…"

"We're told you're a Jersey boy, huh? Compare the weather."

"Oh, man. Austin. Is. Hot. I always thought New Jersey was, especially with the humidity, but damn, you got us beat. I nearly got myself an IV line on the first day of camp."

[Kingsley groans and then laughs.] "Yup, fluids are a thing. We need lots of electrolytes like Gatorade can provide. Personally, I'm loving the new Fast Twitch. Just drop the powder in my water bottle and I'm good for hours."

"I like those, too, Kingsley. I'm a big fan of the Frost flavors."

"I agree. Let's talk about that game, though. Two interceptions preseason? You must feel on fire. How are you going to keep the pressure on to keep succeeding on and off the field as you prepare for the regular season?"

"I'm going to keep working hard. I'm focused on keeping myself healthy, in shape, and getting to know the other players."

[Juan Carlos makes silly chicken noises.] "Chicken and white rice doesn't make the man, though."

"No, it doesn't Juan Carlos, and I won't lie. I found an awesome diner near my apartment, and they maybe have seen me quite a bit. And let me tell you, the tacos from Cutter's family's food truck. Fantastico ."

[Kingsley smacks his lips.] "Yum… and that seems like a good lead-in to our favorite question: what's your favorite beer and what are you pairing it with?"

"Oh man, that's tough. I love to try different types whenever I can. If I can order a flight at a restaurant, that's a sure bet. My preference is a smooth stout, like Guinness. I like the chocolates over the milks. I also love red ales with spice and berry-flavored ciders. And I've come to appreciate a fruit-flavored wheat beer. You will never find one of those mass-produced kinds or an IPA in my hand, though, in a pinch, I'll take a Yuengling."

"And what are you eating with that lovely stout?"

"A good thick burger, medium, with Swiss, fried onions, maybe some 'shrooms, and some flavored schmear like garlic aioli or teriyaki sauce."

"Kingsley… [Juan Carlos plays up crying and whining.] This guy is killing me."

"I know, Juan Carlos. My tastebuds are craving that now, and it's only eleven A.M."

"Lunch time!" [Juan Carlos cheers.]

"You know it, and with that, it's time for us to wrap up this interview. Thanks for joining us today, Lee."

"It's been my pleasure, Kingsley, Juan Carlos."

"And that, fans, was Lee Matters, rookie safety for the Austin Troopers, who had two interceptions in his first professional preseason game. We'll be keeping our eye on this player, for sure. And you can, too, with a pair of Oakley sunglasses. They'll keep your eyes protected from the sun's harsh rays all day long. Available online or from your favorite retail shop."