Dominate the Super Bowl

Chapter 545: 544 Restless Chapter 545: 544 Restless Gazing at Li Wei’s sincere face, Smith knew that he hadn’t misjudged him.

Having gone through this season, especially the roller coaster of the playoffs, they had indeed fostered a camaraderie that was more precious than victories and championships.

“Rookie, thank you.”

Li Wei: ???

What’s up with that?

How did the topic suddenly jump here?

“I wasn’t planning on picking up the check for this meal.”

“Haha,” Smith laughed out loud, “With so many endorsements, you won’t treat me to a big meal?”

“Hehe, says the Super Bowl quarterback who is bargaining for a top salary,” Li Wei retorted without missing a beat.

The heaviness that weighed heavily on Smith’s chest was completely lifted, as his mood brightened up, not just his smile, but the entire emotional load he had been carrying.

“What I mean is, thanks for motivating me.”

“I didn’t dare to dream, because the dream of the Super Bowl was so grand and so far away; but now, we’ve done it, we are the Super Bowl Champions now.”

“I never thought that this title could be associated with me.”

“However, it’s time to say goodbye now.”

Smith looked at Li Wei, without evasion or avoidance, his gaze clear and calm, this was the first time he honestly faced himself without concealment.

“We all know that the team’s transformation, the Super Bowl victory, depended on you, not me.”

Just as Li Wei was about to speak, Smith cut him off first.

“I know, I know, we relied on the strength of the team, where everyone played their roles, so in the end, we could execute the trick play.”

“But you are the soul.”

“Not just because you made the final pass, but because you made the team believe we could turn things around, you encouraged me to take bold steps to block, you led Hunter to give his all despite past grudges, and you instilled in us the belief in victory—securing the entire team even as we stood on the edge of a cliff.”

“For that, I’ve been full of gratitude, and I feel fortunate to have completed this journey with you.”

“But now, I want to go on by myself.”

Li Wei’s mouth opened slightly, a vague understanding dawning on him.

Smith gave an affirming look: you are right.

“You gave me confidence, made me believe that I still had potential and possibilities.

I want to prove to myself and the League that without Li Wei, I am still an excellent quarterback, that I can also be the key to victory, and that I can change the temperament of an entire team with my energy.”

“Hey, don’t forget, the quarterback is the superstar of football, okay?

You stole my limelight, now I need my own solo stage.”

A bit of teasing, a touch of banter.

But more so, it was about sincerity, facing his own weaknesses honestly, confronting his desires and ambitions truthfully.

This required courage, far more than one could imagine.

The man in front of him, Smith, had truly undergone a transformation, growing into a qualified leader, not just as a quarterback, but as the soul of the team.

“Captain,” Li Wei called out, filled with sincerity, “I wish you the best of luck.”

Then.

Li Wei raised his glass, glancing at the mineral water inside, “I still have training this afternoon, so let’s keep it simple.”

“Haha,” Smith laughed heartily, lifting his own glass of water, “Thanks.”

Cheers.

Down in one gulp.

Even though it was just mineral water, it tasted of alcohol.

Setting down his wine glass, both Li Wei and Smith finally relaxed.

The serious business was over, and they prepared to thoroughly enjoy their lunch.

Smith seemed completely at ease now, “Rookie, what do you think of New York?”

Li Wei was taken aback, “Do you mean living there or vacationing?”

Smith gave him a meaningful look.

That was clearly playing dumb, “Giants.”

Li Wei’s eyes widened, “So, have teams already contacted you?”

Smith didn’t deny it, “After the Super Bowl ended.

So far, six teams.”

More than one, indeed.

But thinking about it seriously, it wasn’t surprising.

The entire League was in shortage of quarterbacks, not just every year during the draft, but also on the free market where experienced veterans were in demand.

Last season, Kansas City Chiefs picked Mahomes at the tenth spot in the first round, and the whole League noticed.

Smith’s future in Kansas City had become a hot topic; it was perfectly normal for eager teams to secretly inquire about Smith’s personal intentions after the Super Bowl.

Moreover, six teams—that number alone revealed how sought-after Smith was.

This was while Smith hadn’t made any public statements, and other teams presumably thought Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs were likely still in contract renewal talks, with many probably still watching; once Smith’s agent started to move, competitors would probably emerge like bamboo shoots after rain.

What really intrigued Li Wei was just how severe the quarterback problems of these six teams were that they already couldn’t wait to sound things out, even though the negotiations between Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs were still ongoing.

But then again, there’s more than just one or two teams in the League with quarterback issues.

Smith noticed the flicker in Li Wei’s eyes and couldn’t help but laugh, “You can gossip a bit.

I don’t mind.”

Li Wei wore a hurt expression, “Captain, do I really come off as such a gossip in your eyes?

I thought I maintained a very good image throughout the past season.”

“Haha.” Smith, “No, no, that’s not it.

It’s because I want to brag a little.

When I left San Francisco, I never anticipated this day would come.”

Li Wei, “So, which teams are they?”

Smith didn’t hold back, “Denver.”

Denver Broncos?

Reasonable.

Since Manning retired, the 50th Super Bowl Champions had sunk into a quarterback quagmire, making them regret pushing Manning to retire.

At the end of the day, a skinny camel is still bigger than a horse, and the Denver Broncos wouldn’t have fallen from Super Bowl Champions to the bottom of the division.

The cheeky moves of the Denver Broncos also sounded an alarm for the League; even if the veteran’s performance was declining, their experience and heritage are treasures not to be underestimated.

John Elway, once instrumental in bringing Manning from the Indianapolis Colts and basking in glory, had to swallow the bitter fruit he had sown himself, enduring tough days at the club these past two years.

Li Wei didn’t hide his surprise because the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs were archrivals in the same division.

If Elway wasn’t truly in a tough spot, he wouldn’t have called Smith’s agent.

Smith nodded lightly in affirmation—

He was surprised as well.

Then.

“Buffalo.”

“Miami.”

“Jacksonville.”

There was a pause, “Oh.

By the way, didn’t Jacksonville call you?

They hinted they wanted to reunite me with the Super Bowl MVP in Jacksonville.”

From the American League finals view, Jacksonville’s passing offense was indeed a mess.

Bortles was having a tough time, even being backstabbed by his own teammates; their reaching out to Smith was an expected yet unexpected move.

The real surprise was in the second half of Smith’s sentence.

Realizing the profound look in Smith’s eyes, Li Wei was full of question marks, “Why doesn’t the person concerned know about this?”