Chapter 156: 155 Life Choices
"Please guide me generously, Mr. Agent."
Donald looked at Li Wei's outstretched right hand but didn't hurry to shake it. Instead, he calmed down and scrutinized Li Wei's gaze intently.
Calm and resolute, a faint smile played on his lips.
Then, Donald knew that Li Wei's nod wasn't an impulsive reaction but a result of rational judgment, just as he had guessed—
While players choose their agents, aren't agents also choosing their players?
This was especially true for Donald; he always prioritized quality over quantity with his clients, which allowed him to maintain long-term relationships and maximize their benefits within his capability.
For Donald, Li Wei's performance was nothing short of perfect.
Therefore.
Donald reached out his right hand and solemnly completed the handshake of collaboration.
"Pleased to work with you, Mr. Li Wei."
The campus of the University of Alabama still buzzed with vibrant life, but at the dormitory entrance, a partnership that would change history was taking place.
Releasing his right hand, Donald smoothly transitioned into his role as an agent.
"So, since you've decided to hire an agent, does that mean you are ready to enter the draft this year? Otherwise, I would be fined by the league."
Is this the humor of an honest man?
A smile flickered in Li Wei's eyes, "Don't worry, I don't plan on facing the NCAA disciplinary committee either; nobody wants to go through what Reggie Bush did."
In the past, when USC Trojans running back Reggie Bush's dealings with taking bribes from agents were exposed, he was taken to court. Ultimately, Bush was found guilty, not only fined and stripped of his Heisman Trophy but also causing USC to be fined and recruitment restricted.
To date, Bush has yet to apologize to the USC Trojans.
Donald was quite surprised, "Oh, you know about Reggie Bush too?"
According to Donald's research, Li Wei was supposed to know nothing about football.
Li Wei flashed a smile, "My roommate gave me a little heads-up."
Donald nodded slightly, "But if you're ready to move into the professional arena, then there's no problem; however, we should start preparing now, time is pressing."
The Professional League is the National Football League, abbreviated NFL, consisting of thirty-two teams divided into the American Football League (AFC) and the National Football League (NFC), also known as the American and National Conferences.
Each Conference consists of four divisions: North, South, East, and West, with four teams in each division.
In North America, football, baseball, hockey, and basketball make up the big four sports, but football leads by far in viewer ratings, commercial revenue, and market impact, surpassing the other three combined.
Every year, the NFL holds a draft, which includes not just NCAA college players but also international athletes from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and others trying to enter football's highest competitive league.
Before the official draft, the league hosts a Rookie Training Camp, gathering the rookies together for four days of training and testing to comprehensively display their capabilities and provide references for scouts and teams.
Each year, thousands apply but not everyone can enter the league; the drafting goes on for seven rounds, where about two hundred fifty rookies are chosen, leaving all others undrafted.
Of course, undrafted rookies still have a chance; after the draft, teams may host their training camps to look for potential signees, but the opportunities are slim—one in a hundred.
Naturally, opportunities at Rookie Training Camps are even more precious and cannot accommodate all newcomers.
Generally, before the official Rookie Training Camps, based on scouting reports, on-field performance, and recommendations from professionals, among other relevant information, the league will send out a series of invitation letters, inviting rookies to gather and participate in state-wide training camps.
After a selection process, approximately 330 rookies are chosen to attend the official training camp—
There, not only veteran scouts attend but also executives, coaches, and team doctors from all thirty-two teams.
But that's not all.
Some teams and Football legends organize smaller training camps. The "Manning Passing Academy," hosted by the brothers Payton Manning and Eli Manning, is the most sought-after stage for quarterbacks before the annual rookie training camp.
There, players can learn from the legendary Manning brothers and showcase their skills in front of distinguished guests invited by the Mannings.
Such smaller training camps often have more specific targets and professionalism, such as running back camps, wide receiver camps; offensive group camps; or some teams may send out invitations for private camps targeting positions or players they are particularly interested in.
This scene is unique to Football.
Because football involves a wide variety of positions and the draft pool is exceptionally large every year, the activities are diverse and non-stop from January to April.
As Donald said, if Li Wei was preparing for the draft, he would need to hurry.
Li Wei's performance this season is evident for all to see, and undoubtedly, many teams are interested; however, at the same time, there are many issues to address, given that Li Wei's college career lasted only one season. From scouts to coaches to team managers, they will need to consider a wide range of complex issues.
"First things first, we need to train to increase your competitiveness."
"The NCAA is already highly competitive, but the NFL is two to three times tougher. You need to undergo comprehensive tests, both physically and mentally. There are countless players who stand out in the NCAA but become just another face in the NFL."
"My advice is that you don't need to attend those smaller training camps. It might make you seem too desperate, or alternatively, picking and choosing only certain camps while declining others could come off as arrogant for a rookie like you."
"For you, the data and results are already there; they are the proof. Moving forward, we need to maintain mystique and train in seclusion."
"During this process, I will promote you and touch base with some suitable teams to probe their intentions and gauge the situation."
"Wait for the league's Rookie Training Camp to start. You just focus on being prepared. By then, we will answer all doubts with practical actions."
"During this time, just focus on your training."
"Here is a list of training personnel."
Snap.
Donald pulled out a neatly arranged document from his briefcase, all on A4 paper—
Apparently, that briefcase wasn't just for show.
Clearly, Donald had everything planned out, from the list of training personnel to the training schedule, and he arranged it all in a document with perfect spacing.
Li Wei saw it at a glance.
Curiously, Li Wei looked at Donald, "What if I hadn't signed with you? Would all this have been a waste of time?"
Donald, face unruffled, "I told you last time, if not this time, there will be a next time; if not the next time, the time after that. I am prepared."
"Besides, I trust you more than I trust myself, I believe you will make the right decision, so you will definitely choose me."
Looking up, Donald met Li Wei's gaze, "Now, it appears that your decision was the right one, and so was mine, a win-win situation."