Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 1000 - 999 Rookie Goat

"Ten years, two hundred million US dollars; one hundred million US dollars in guaranteed money; effective from the 2021 season."

The prologue of a brand-new history slowly unfolds.

This means Li Wei will become the highest-paid running back in the league, the first in history to cross the twenty million annual salary threshold, a chasm that running backs have long strived and fought to overcome, finally breached.

This means Li Wei will become the first running back in league history to sign a ten-year contract, shattering the prejudice barrier that running backs are merely consumables—

In ten years, an annual salary of twenty million US dollars will likely still be an astounding number for running backs.

This means Li Wei will become only the second player in history, after Rodgers, to exceed one hundred million in guaranteed money, and he’s not a quarterback.

A series of numbers, a series of shocks.

Merely looking at the numbers is already alarming; but what is truly astounding is the profound impact behind these numbers:

Li Wei has single-handedly broken and overturned the plight of running backs, reversed the disadvantage, set a new standard for running back contract renewals, proving that running backs can achieve more.

Gurley. Bell. Peterson. These excellent running backs have long pursued to break the barrier that finally has a crack.

History isn’t nearly that simple.

So, does this mean other running backs in the league can also turn the tide?

Not necessarily.

Last season, Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings signed the league’s first-ever fully guaranteed contract, which triggered concerns across the league, wondering if it would set off a wave of fully guaranteed contracts.

Yet, it didn’t. In the following year, no player could replicate Cousins’ feat.

The same applies to running backs.

What Li Wei can achieve, not all running backs can.

But no matter what, at least Li Wei opened a gap and set a precedent so when other running backs seek higher pay, they won’t be groping in the dark; they can follow in Li Wei’s footsteps—

Having the first one doesn’t guarantee a second; but there must be a first one for a second to appear.

In a short time, the entire league was in an uproar, even more intense and crazier than when Rodgers signed his record-breaking contract last year.

Bell, "Deserving. Li Wei, deserving."

Peterson, "Li Wei has proven himself, and I believe he will continue to do so, also proving that running backs shouldn’t be ignored or overlooked. We’ll demonstrate our worth through real actions."

Henry, "Wise choice, Kansas City Chiefs! Li Wei deserves such treatment."

Barkley, "Without a doubt, this is recognition that Li Wei won himself; but I believe running backs deserve more."

McCaffrey, "Ahh, ahh!" McCaffrey was even more excited than when renewing his own contract, "I mean, isn’t this the most natural thing? Haha, Li Wei totally deserves this treatment. He’s here, he’s there..."

As he spoke, McCaffrey began to sing loudly on site.

Moreover, a slew of legendary veterans have also come forward to support Li Wei.

Tomlinson, "Li Wei deserves it. If Li Wei delivers such performances and is still ignored, it’s not Li Wei’s loss; I believe it’s the league’s and the fans’ loss. He deserves better."

Big Manning, "This is a good thing. I know everyone is focused on quarterbacks, but I’ve always emphasized that without other players, quarterbacks are nothing. Li Wei has proven the value of running backs with actions, and I believe people should see this and change their bias."

Lynch, "I don’t care. However, even though I didn’t do it, at least someone did. Maybe it’s a good thing. Maybe."

Watt, "Trust me, no one’s happier for the rookie than I am. If you’ve met him, either on or off the field, you’d know why he can become one of the league’s top players and remain so popular."

Donald, "I’m truly happy for him. I called him immediately, and he promised to treat me to a meal the next time he’s in Los Angeles; and I promised him that next time we meet on the field, I’ll do my best to tackle the league’s highest-paid running back."

Praise, affirmation, support.

Especially the running backs, all bustling and united, rallying behind Li Wei.

From advocating for Bell last season to opening the way for running backs this season, Li Wei has grown into a new banner for running backs.

However, amidst all the voices, Gurley has remained silent.

Evidently, this former highest-paid running back is discontent with Li Wei’s rise. Last year, when he raised the salary ceiling for running backs, other running backs accused him of selfishness; this year, when Li Wei did the same thing, he suddenly became a superhero?

Damn it.

This is Gurley’s own thought. He selectively forgot last year’s dispute between Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his signing move was akin to stabbing in the back, hence becoming ostracized among running backs in the league; however, the person involved surely wouldn’t see it that way.

Therefore, Gurley refuses to congratulate Li Wei, and he doesn’t care what others think.

With or without Gurley, it doesn’t matter much, as the whole league has been swept into a stormy whirlpool, all crazy for Li Wei.

Imagine, a rookie, still a rookie; in the coming season, Li Wei is only in his third year, still a greenhorn in the league, and hasn’t even completed his rookie contract.

Yet, Li Wei is marching full speed ahead on the path to being the GOAT, from impressive performances in the past two seasons to winning the Super Bowl two years in a row, reviving Kansas City’s sluggish economy to exploring new market territories, not to mention his commercial prowess, now adding the historical contract to the mix, all is perfect.

Perhaps, the history the league is witnessing is not just a contract, but more of a documentary on a rookie growing into a goat, which is the most fascinating part.

"Rookie Goat," two contradictory terms have found a perfect union in Li Wei.

The entire league is buzzing.

But what about the person involved?

While the outside world is going crazy for Li Wei, Li Wei is indeed in the meeting room watching pre-season match footage with the offensive group—

No lies.

Because Li Wei knows very well, the more overwhelming the sensation is now, the crazier the attention will be next, and all other players in the league are watching intently, eager to not just beat the Kansas City Chiefs, but also him.

The essence of competitive sports is ultimately resolved on the field.

Whether this history-making, highest-paid running back contract can convince others, the long season ahead is the battleground for answers.

And he is ready.

Imagine the upcoming season’s journey, the challenge of a three-peat, and being the target of all arrows, this will be a brand new story different from the past three years; how could Li Wei not be excited?

The contract matters are temporarily put aside, as Li Wei’s focus has entirely shifted to the upcoming new season.

The joy of football has finally returned.