Martin had arrived before any of the other rookies, and he sat alone in silence, thinking about his two touchdowns last night. He thought about his injury and as always his thoughts turned to getting his mother better. For the first time in his life he felt helpless and powerless. What do I do now, he wondered? He was in such deep thought that he didn't notice Coach Ken, the offensive line coach, approach him. When he finally woke up he saw a tall, imposing man with a short gray buzz cut standing in front of him. Everyone knew about Coach Ken. He was an All-American in college and one of the best offensive linemen to ever play professional football. And yet as someone who had played the game weighing over 300 pounds, Coach Ken now resembled a tri-athlete more than an offensive lineman. He was tall, lean, and fit.

"How you doing, Martin?" he asked sincerely.

"Okay, Coach. Getting better every minute," he answered, flashing a big smile. "What are you doing here so early, anyway?"

"I'm an early riser. I like to get an early start on the day, and it also allows me to come down here and see how the players are doing. Great game last night, by the way. You really lit it up."

"Thanks. Now I just got to get better."

"Yeah, about that. When you are done with your treatment, come to my office. I'd like to talk to you about a few things."

"Okay," Martin answered anxiously as he wondered if he was about to be let go from the team.

His heart started to race as Coach Ken walked away and Gus approached.

Martin turned to Gus. "He wants to see me in his office. Do you think this is the end of the road for me?"

"I don't think so," answered Gus. "Like I said before, you probably got the coaches curious and he wants to get to know you better. And if I know Coach Ken, he probably has some advice for you."

"Advice ... from Coach Ken? Are you serious?" asked Martin. "He hardly speaks."

"It's not how much you say. It's what you say when you say it that counts," Gus said. "Those who have the most profound things to say often speak the least. So if I were you, Martin, when he speaks, I'd listen up."

"Oh, you bet I'll listen to him. I'll listen to every word, especially if he's not going to cut me from the team," Martin said with a big smile.

"Good luck," Gus said, smiling and shaking his head as he walked away to deal with the other injured rookies who had just arrived.

Martin continued icing his ankle for another 10 minutes as he wondered what in the world Coach Ken wanted to talk to him about. Then he picked up his crutches and hobbled to the other side of the building to Coach Ken's office.