Searching For- Sidelined The Qb And Me In- Now

"Most people aren't trying to pass their practical exam."

Dallas Fielder without a football was like a bird without wind. He was awkward, restless, too loud in quiet spaces. He laughed at his own jokes. He texted me memes at 2 AM—terrible memes, the kind your dad shares on Facebook. He showed me a photo of his childhood dog, a lumpy beagle named Waffles, and got emotional about it. Searching For- Sidelined The QB And Me In-

"Someone had to."

He was quiet for a long time. Then he shifted on the table, swung his legs over the side, and stood. No crutches. No brace. Just him, balancing on two legs, one of which still wasn't quite right. "Most people aren't trying to pass their practical exam