Chapter 228: The GOAT Humbled
"Lance!"
"Lance! Lance! Lance! In the final moments, Lance once again made life miserable for the New England Patriots' defense, delivering a game-clinching performance with an incredible touchdown run."
"Oh my God!"
"Even the boldest, wildest, and most reckless predictors couldn't have seen this coming. The biggest highlight of the 2017 NFL season opener was a running back."
"There's no doubt about it: Kansas City Chiefs' No. 23 pick has announced his arrival in spectacular fashion. Lance's flawless debut not only silenced all the skeptics but also justified the bold decisions of Brett Veach and Andy Reid during the draft. They've started the season by defeating the defending champions."
"Leading up to this game, doubts about Lance never stopped swirling. Was he worthy of the third overall pick? Was he worth the effort the Chiefs put into drafting him? Were they making a mistake by selecting two running backs?"
"Could he handle the NFL's physicality? Could he replicate his NCAA brilliance? Could he prove that an Asian player can compete in such a physical league? Could he withstand the pressure and deliver?"
"Well, here's the answer."
"188 rushing yards. Three rushing touchdowns."
"And let's not forget, a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown to start the game."
"The young No. 23 dominated this game in a way that was nothing short of spectacular. You could even say he single-handedly dismantled the Patriots' run defense, completely flipping the script in the fourth quarter."
"Remember, the defending champions were ahead by six points at the end of the third quarter. They ended the game losing by fifteen."
"Hey, NFL, take note: Lance has arrived."
In the broadcast booth, Michaels and Collinsworth couldn't hide their awe.
Lance's performance had won them over completely.
In the NFL, each season brings new stars and breakout rookies. Just look at players like Robert Griffin III, who dazzled everyone before injuries derailed his career. But even among standout debuts, Lance's performance stood in a league of its own.
188 rushing yards? Three touchdowns?
A 40-yard game-sealing touchdown run, bookended by a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown?
Collinsworth thought back to Adrian Peterson's NFL debut—103 rushing yards and a single 60-yard receiving touchdown. Impressive, yes, but Lance's performance set a new bar entirely.
The rest of the 2017 draft class had just been put on notice, and defenses across the league now had a new player to fear.
Even the GOAT had been humbled.
Michaels grinned, rubbing his hands together.
"This season is shaping up to be interesting."
On the Field
Lance was... slightly disappointed.
He had been expecting more boos, more jeers, more middle fingers. After all, wasn't this the ultimate recognition of a visiting team's success?
But the Patriots weren't the Chiefs' bitter rivals, and this was just the season opener—not a high-stakes playoff game. The Gillette Stadium crowd had lost its fight after the defeat.
Next time, I'll do better, Lance thought. I'll make sure the boos are deafening.
As Lance scanned the field, he noticed a figure approaching—No. 12, Tom Brady.
Brady walked toward him with a composed stride, hand outstretched and a tight-lipped smile.
Lance blinked, trying to recall the name. He definitely remembered it... something about goats?
"Brady. Tom Brady," the quarterback introduced himself, his voice calm but tinged with a hint of steel.
Brady's smile didn't falter, but the glint in his eyes revealed his irritation—word of Lance's earlier "ignorance" had clearly reached him.
Brady might have claimed it didn't bother him, but his actions said otherwise.
Unfazed, Lance shook Brady's hand with a confident smile of his own.
"GOAT, nice to meet you. I'm Lance."
The rookie's calm response and subtle jab caught Brady off guard.
GOAT?
Admit it? Deny it? Either way, it felt like a trap.
For a moment, the seasoned quarterback—who had faced countless high-pressure situations—found himself momentarily at a loss.
Still, Brady recovered quickly, gripping Lance's hand firmly.
"I look forward to our next meeting."
This was Tom Brady, a five-time Super Bowl champion. He wasn't one to lose his cool over a single defeat. He understood better than anyone that victory is decided at the season's end, not in Week 1.
Of course, he hated losing.
And he acknowledged that tonight's defeat was largely thanks to Lance. But there were no excuses—only a bitter resolve to ensure this rookie would never get the better of him again.
Brady's gaze burned with determination.
Next time, we'll see who comes out on top.
For the two teams to meet again this season, it would have to be in the playoffs. Otherwise, their next scheduled matchup was three years away.
Brady hoped—no, he needed—that rematch to happen. He wanted to be the one to send Lance and the Chiefs packing.
"Good luck," Brady said, his words laced with hidden intent.
Lance wasn't privy to Brady's thoughts, but he caught the competitive fire in the quarterback's eyes. He responded with genuine sincerity, "Good luck to you too. Let's both give it our all!"
Brady: ???
Wait a minute.
Was Lance... encouraging him? Was this rookie offering the GOAT words of motivation?
For a moment, Brady was completely flabbergasted. The audacity left him speechless, and before he could formulate a response, Lance turned to walk away.
"Wait," Brady called out suddenly, gesturing to his jersey.
Unlike in soccer, jersey swaps aren't common in football—helmets and pads make it cumbersome. But over the years, players had begun adopting the tradition for special occasions.
Brady's request was clear: he wanted Lance's jersey.
Lance paused, glancing at his own uniform. This was his first-ever NFL game jersey—and not just any game. His debut performance had been legendary. The jersey's collar was even torn from a fierce tackle by Harrison and Chung. It was the perfect keepsake to gift his parents.
But...
Fine, Lance thought. If the GOAT wanted it, who was he to refuse?
----------
Powerstones?
For 20 advance chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates