Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 993 - 992 League Leader
Everyone thinks that the Kansas City Chiefs’ main task this offseason is the defensive group.
However, Veach plans three steps ahead, already setting his sights on the offensive group, first establishing a foundation, then considering strategies to further improve the team—
Of course, the defensive group is also a key focus.
This offseason, the internal turmoil of the Kansas City Chiefs far exceeded expectations.
However, Veach did not plan to fully report the specifics to Li Wei, just giving a hint was enough, as he did not intend to let Li Wei interfere with his work.
Thus, Veach smoothly changed the subject.
"So, how has the overall performance of this year’s rookies met expectations?"
For the rookies, the coaching staff is responsible for tactical and technical training, while Li Wei handles psychological adaptation and coaching. Now, with both veteran captains Houston and Berry leaving, the heavy responsibility has fallen entirely on Li Wei’s shoulders, and Kelsey’s eyes also follow Li Wei.
Li Wei was about to speak when his phone vibrated in his pocket.
Li Wei apologized to Veach, "Sorry, it’s probably Sherlock, the tactical meeting reviewing today’s video footage…"
Veach didn’t mind, waving his hand repeatedly, smiling to indicate for Li Wei to take the call, "No problem, no problem, we’ve already finished the important matters. If I’m not happy, I’ll just deduct a million from the contract."
A joke like this showed Veach’s good mood.
Li Wei was about to play along with Veach’s joke but was slightly stunned when he saw the caller ID, "Roger Goodell?"
Veach was also puzzled, gesturing for Li Wei to answer the call with his eyes.
"Good morning, Mr. Goodell." Li Wei calmly answered the call.
"Haha, still calling me Mr. even now? I thought we agreed you’re the rookie, I’m Roger." The voice on the other end was lighthearted.
Li Wei replied unhurriedly, "Rookie is a nickname, so is Mr. Goodell, I think that’s fair."
Goodell laughed straight away, "Looks like everything went smoothly in this morning’s training? The rumors buzzing outside probably aren’t true at all."
Li Wei refused to respond, even if the other party was the League’s commissioner, "Mr. Goodell calling me early in the morning should not be out of concern for whether I’ll appear in the next preseason game, right?"
Goodell was unyielding, "Why not? You’re the League’s face now, everyone wants to see you play, even in the preseason. You have no idea how many people are asking me if I know any insider information. I’m also looking forward to you playing in the next game."
Li Wei didn’t fall for it, "Ha. It’s my honor."
And then... nothing more was said.
Clearly, Li Wei didn’t believe that was Goodell’s purpose.
Goodell also realized Li Wei’s complexity, so he didn’t keep skirting around the issue.
"The League values every talent and closely watches your every move. After all, the League is your League, and players are the main body of the League."
"You haven’t appeared; we’ve always been concerned, and it’s the same for other excellent players. We are very saddened by Andrew’s departure."
The main topic surfaced.
Li Wei raised an eyebrow and glanced at Veach, "Andrew Luck?"
Veach also showed a strange expression.
Goodell, "Yes, such a young and talented player choosing to leave in his prime is undoubtedly a significant loss for the League."
Li Wei, "Of course. It’s a torment whenever I see teammates unable to run freely and enjoy the game due to injuries."
Goodell, "Can you tell the media these things?"
Li Wei, "Hmm?"
Goodell nodded, "Yes, just like you said to Le’Veon Bell last season."
Honestly, Li Wei couldn’t figure out what Goodell meant for a moment—
Luck’s retirement, what does it have to do with him?
They weren’t teammates or friends.
But now, Li Wei finally understood.
Luck’s sudden retirement caused a seismic reaction in the entire League, with endless controversy surrounding Luck, while the media’s focus began to shift towards the League, criticizing its poor management of injuries, which placed immense pressure on players and teams.
Of course, Li Wei knew that the emergence of a problem is not that simple; underlying causes are complicated, and the League is just one part of it.
But this time, people needed a target, and the League was the biggest one—
Just like the revelations related to "concussions" back in the day.
Because of this, the League now needed to leverage the power of opinion leaders to shift the pressure away from itself.
And now, in the entire League, who could be more influential than Li Wei?
However, Li Wei didn’t want to help Goodell.
Because Li Wei is also a player, he needs to fight for players’ rights, helping the League today could make him the next Luck tomorrow.
This account, Li Wei had it figured out in his mind.
But Li Wei also knew that since Goodell was willing to lower his stance to call personally, going head-to-head with the League might result in mutual destruction.
So.
Li Wei took a detour, "Roger, hasn’t enough been said already? I’m already at the eye of the storm, and if I get drawn in easily, it might backfire."
Goodell knew it, Li Wei got the message—
If "Mr. Goodell" was a nickname, then "Roger" represented a stance for discussing business.
However, Li Wei did not agree.
Indeed, currently Luck is the focus of criticism, and players, coaches, and experts inside and outside the League have come forward to express their opinions, many of which support Luck.
But the controversy continues, and it’s getting more heated on social media.
The situation is out of control.
Otherwise, Goodell wouldn’t have called Li Wei.
Goodell, "Rookie, right now, I need exactly you."
Li Wei carefully went over this sentence in his mind, immediately detecting something unusual, "You mean you need me to help shift the topic?"
Goodell, "Don’t put it so harshly, I just hope to hear the voice of the League’s First Man."
Li Wei laughed, "Haha, as expected from you, I guess I was still too naive to step right into your trap."
Goodell, "You? Naive? No, I believe you may be many things, but naive is not one of them."
Li Wei stopped bantering, "You should know my stance. Even if I speak up, I will be supporting Andrew."
Goodell, "I know, I know."
Li Wei, "I completely understand his decision, and I also believe the decision’s background is not that simple; more importantly, I think the League needs to show real concern."
"As you said, players are the foundation of the League. We all know the League is about capital, and we’re just a bunch of tools."
"You believe, without Luck, there’s always luck somewhere else, as long as there are people struggling below the poverty line, football will never lack talent. But don’t forget, there’s also basketball, baseball, and oh, let’s not mention hockey."
"What I mean is, there are other professional leagues, and you should worry about losing talent, so you must take action."
"It’s not just about providing psychological counselors to help players relieve mental stress; nor is it just about offering better guidance and care for physical injuries."
"No, that’s far from enough."