Derrion Thompson stood on the edge of the football field, the sun casting long shadows over the freshly mowed grass. At fourteen, he was just a freshman at Riverdale High, but his dreams were big. He wanted to be the best quarterback in the state. Every afternoon after school, he would practice his throws, envisioning himself leading his team to victory under the Friday night lights. With his worn, leather football in hand, he would visualize the cheers of the crowd, the thrill of making that perfect pass, and the glory of taking his team to the championships.
Determined to improve, Derrion often stayed late at the field, sometimes long after his friends had gone home. He studied videos of legendary quarterbacks—Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Drew Brees—trying to mimic their footwork and precision. He practiced tossing the ball against an old tire hung from a tree, working on his accuracy and strength. But each time he threw, he could feel the weight of expectation pressing down on him. His father had been a high school football star, and Derrion wanted to live up to that legacy, even if it sometimes felt like an overwhelming shadow.
One rainy afternoon, as the clouds poured over the field, Derrion reluctantly stepped inside the bleachers, hoping the storm would pass. There, he met Jenna, a girl from his school who was setting up a photography project. They struck up a conversation about their passions, and Derrion opened up about his dream of being the best quarterback. Jenna, with her bright smile and encouraging words, inspired him to believe in himself. “You know, it’s not just about the plays you make,” she said. “It’s about your attitude, your teamwork, and how you rise after falling.” This was a new perspective for Derrion; it was more than just skill, but also about heart.
Motivated by Jenna's encouragement, Derrion decided to join the school's junior varsity team. It was a challenge, filled with tougher competition and experienced players who all had their own dreams. The first few weeks were tough; he often found himself sitting on the bench, watching and learning. But rather than feeling defeated, he applied his newfound philosophy. He cheered for his teammates, soaked in the coaches' strategies, and practiced tirelessly. Slowly, he began to earn the trust of his coaches and teammates, until he finally got sent into a game during the second half of a crucial match.
The moment he stepped onto the field, all the focus shifted to him. The adrenaline surged through his veins as he called the plays. With every throw, he remembered Jenna's words, playing for his team rather than himself. In the last quarter, with only seconds to go and the team down by four points, Derrion took the snap from center, scanned the field, and launched a 40-yard pass right into the hands of his receiver. The crowd erupted as the touchdown was scored, and Derrion felt an overwhelming sense of pride and joy. He realized that while being the best mattered, it was about sharing the game with others and finding joy in the journey. In that moment, he knew he was on his way to achieving his dreams, not alone, but as part of a team.