In America, the winner takes all.

Chapter 318 Return to Hawaii

"If the fans, coaches and players are willing to choose me, I will participate." Ethan said.

As the NFL's "All-Star Weekend", the list of personnel participating in the Pro Bowl adopts a voting system. The National League and the American League each select 44 players.

However, even if it is included in the list, there will still be many variables.

For example, players participating in the Super Bowl typically do not travel to Hawaii to prepare for the game.

There are also some players who voluntarily give up participating due to physical reasons. They are afraid of injury.

The most important thing is that although the Pro Bowl will give participants a certain amount of compensation, the amount of compensation often does not exceed 1% of the annual salary.

There is no huge income, there is the risk of injury, and it also affects preparations for the Super Bowl. Under the influence of various factors, half or even more than half of the lists selected by fans will not appear in Hawaii, and they will often be substituted.

The unattractive lineup, coupled with the lack of confrontation in the Pro Bowl itself, and many contact rules are different from those in the regular season, further leading to poor ratings.

Looking purely at numbers, the ratings for the Pro Bowl are similar to those of other leagues' All-Star Weekends, and are actually even lower than those for the regular season. This further exacerbates the vicious cycle of the Pro Bowl, to the point that more and more Players have lost interest in the Pro Bowl.

But Ethan obviously had a different view. Even though the Cowboys had reached the Super Bowl, Ethan decided to go to Hawaii.

"The continuous high-intensity training makes my mind highly tense. I need to relax properly and enjoy the happiness that rugby brings to me." Ethan explained.

"I'm really looking forward to your performance in the Pro Bowl." Penny nodded.

"As a reporter, will you go to the Pro Bowl to report?" Ethan turned to look at Penny.

"I very much hope you can be there too." Ethan looked forward to it.

Such words should be said in private, but in front of the camera, it will look more or less like flirting.

Penny was stunned for a moment, then she smiled and said, "I don't know how my boss will arrange it...but Kelsey will also go to Hawaii, right?"

In addition to the players, the Pro Bowl will also invite cheerleaders. According to the rules, each cheerleader has a quota. Needless to say, as the captain of the DCC, Kelsey is obliged to attend.

"This is our job. No matter what, I hope to see you in Hawaii." Ethan nodded.

Before the interview ended, the conversation between the two was broadcast to thousands of households in the United States through the broadcast signal of the television program.

"Didn't Ethan still interact with Kelsey in the last game? Did the two of them have a falling out?"

Many local Texas fans sitting in front of the TV had this question.

Of course they hope that Kelsey can "love and get married" with Ethan. This is simply a fairy tale on the court. Speculating on CP stems from human instinct, and it also works in the United States, which has a very different cultural atmosphere, especially as fans become more and more interested. After sensing Ethan's potential, this expectation increased exponentially.

And this also gave Kelsey a lot of attention bonuses. With attention, there is no shortage of communicators. Nowadays, she has not only appeared in the sports section of the local newspaper, but also appeared in the entertainment section with Ethan. The local TV station in Dallas even invited her to participate in the show.

Unfortunately, what was shown on TV was not enough to show the truth, which made fans more and more curious.

Correspondingly, some people support Ethan and the female reporter from Fox to go further. These people are often loyal viewers of Fox Sports. These people are already familiar with Penny in front of the camera. In the eyes of these people, Penny Ni is truly worthy of Ethan.

Two people with different views even had an argument online.

[Penny comes to almost every game, but what about Kelsey? The cheerleader was only around half the time, so Penny clearly had the advantage. 】

[Idiot, that’s because Fox bought the rights to the National League, and the cheerleaders can’t follow them to away games. Ethan once walked up to Kelsey and hugged her after a touchdown. When did your Penny get such treatment? 】

【BULLSHIT! When Penny first interviewed Ethan, Kelsey was still memorizing high school history. 】

[Then why don’t you marry the neighbor you grew up with? It never happens first! (middle finger)]

These people seem to have become detectives, holding a magnifying glass, not missing any micro expression or look, and using this to prove their point of view.

That night, there were already many eye analysis posts on the local BBS in Texas.

Of course, most of the people who pay attention to these are young female viewers, and men, especially middle-aged men, are obviously more concerned about the results of the game.

[The continuation of the dynasty? At least until we get our sixth Super Bowl]

[Ethan happily agreed to go to the Pro Bowl. It was obvious that he was very relaxed, which was obviously a bad omen. 】

[My intuition tells me that Ethan is about to fall over (worry)]

[No matter what, Ethan contributed a beautiful pass. Thanks to his efforts, the Broncos successfully defended the Super Bowl. 】

Back in the locker room, the news that Ethan was going to the Pro Bowl also reached other people's ears.

As for the club, they naturally don't want Ethan to go, but it's hard to say anything. After all, this is an NFL project.

"I only have one request, don't get hurt." Dave Campo shook his head. He originally wanted to let Ethan try more training in the past few days.

The American League game was held that afternoon. The Denver Broncos faced the New York Jets at home. Similar to the previous game against the Dolphins, the Broncos took the Jets away 23-10 at home without any blood and once again won the American League title. champion.

It is worth noting that the Broncos quarterback John Elway actually reproduced Ethan's previous "falling leaf pass". Although the ball speed is slow, the arc of the lateral movement is not as exaggerated as Ethan's. But it was clear that the prototype of the "falling leaf pass" was already in place. This seemed to be a declaration of war. After all, the Broncos had already established a lead in the fourth quarter, but John Elway still used this pass.

"Yes, I noticed what Ethan said after the NFC. He said this is the Cowboys' secret weapon, but for the Broncos, it's nothing at all, so it can be displayed openly."

In an interview with Bonnie Bernstein, a well-known CBS beauty reporter, John Elway said very frankly when facing the camera.

Although his expression was calm, the contempt contained in his words almost spilled over the screen.

"He's just messing with your preparation," Dave Campo reminded.

Ethan took the initiative to watch John Elway's falling leaf pass repeatedly, but due to the camera angle, he was unable to see all the details of John Elway's throw, especially the hand movements and wrist depression at the moment of release. Amplitude.

In the next few days, in addition to the basic preparations, Ethan followed Dave Campo to practice falling leaves every night as usual.

The result made Ethan feel desperate.

Ethan has never suffered a similar setback since he started playing rugby. He has always learned quickly.

It is undeniable that this pass is indeed very difficult. The structures and shapes of rugby and football are different, and it is almost impossible to achieve a similar effect.

A few days later, the NFL officially announced the selection results of this year's Pro Bowl.

In the National League, Ethan's approval rating at the quarterback position is the best. Compared with Randall Cunningham from the Vikings, he is far ahead. The third place in the approval rating is the 49ers. Stephen Young, all three will be All-Stars heading to Hawaii over the weekend.

At the wide receiver position, the National League's lineup is also very dreamy, including 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice and Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss.

The first person to bear the brunt of the running back position was Ethan's teammate, Emmitt Smith of the Cowboys. The second place was still the running back from the Vikings, Leroy Holder, but Emmitt did not choose After participating in the Pro Bowl, he had to stay in Dallas to prepare for the Super Bowl, so Ethan's running back partner in Hawaii was Leroy Holder.

In addition to Ethan and Emmett, the Cowboys' offensive left tackle, cornerback, and defensive end were also selected. Except for Larry Allen, everyone else chose to give up participating in the Pro Bowl.

"Good luck to you two, blow John Elway's head off!" At the end of the day's training, the teammates said to the two Ethan, who will leave for Hawaii tomorrow.

In the American League, the Broncos' quarterback naturally tops the list of support ratings, but Ethan is not sure whether he will participate in the Pro Bowl.

Early the next morning, Ethan showed up at the Dallas airport with his assistant and driver Peter.

The two first met Larry Allen and his wife in the lounge.

"It's my wife's intention to participate in the Pro Bowl. She wants to take advantage of this time to go to a warmer place for vacation." Larry Allen said.

Then Larry Allen’s wife took the initiative to say hello to Ethan.

"It's nice to meet you. Your performance on the court is very impressive. Larry and I both think you will be the next NFL superstar." She took the initiative to extend her hand.

Although their skin is dark, Larry Allen and his wife talk and dress like white elites. They are good at talking about various high-end red wines and various good vacation spots around the world. They look like people with the same skin color but at the bottom. Compatriots from a different world.

Ethan also captured a detail in which Larry's wife actually showed disgust at the black waiter's poor reception.

It’s not just black people, including those aboriginal people, Mexicans, Vietnamese, and Indians, who are also indifferent to and unable to empathize with their compatriots who are still at the bottom.

The conversation between Ethan and Larry Allen and his wife did not last long, and soon a familiar figure pushed open the door.

"HI, Ethan." Kelsey smiled brightly and hugged Ethan's arm directly after getting close.

Peter, who was sitting aside, saw this and immediately took the luggage from Kelsey.

"Let me introduce to you, this is my current assistant." Ethan said.

"I don't think I need to say anything more about the remaining two."

"Of course I know Mr. and Mrs. Allen." Kelsey nodded immediately and quickly started chatting with them.

As a game hosted by the league, all stars are invited, and the treatment is naturally not much different. First-class accommodation is the most basic.

As soon as she got on the plane, Kelsey couldn't wait to share her experience with Ethan. She hadn't seen Ethan for almost a month, so naturally she missed him very much.

"Half a year ago, I would have never imagined that you would enter the Super Bowl. This is an unprecedented achievement." Kelsey's face was filled with happiness. Nothing made her happier than watching her beloved man be crowned.

Although the Super Bowl hasn't started yet, she feels this is enough. After all, this is only Ethan's rookie season, and he will stay in the NFL for a long time.

When she thought of this, she rushed over to kiss Ethan.

"I miss you." Kelsey closed her eyes, smiled like she was dreaming, took the initiative to grab Ethan's hand, and put it on her body...

·

When the first-class stewardess brought today's menu to the two of them, Kelsey was arranging her clothes, her face rosy at the moment.

Before serving the food, Ethan saw Kelsey take the initiative to put away the Givenchy toiletry bag that came with the random ticket, obviously saving it for later use.

"When I get back, I'll ask Peter to bring you a secondary card." Ethan held her waist.

Kelsey's expression looked a little excited. How much salary can she earn every month as a nurse? The Xingyao Project has not yet created any income. In fact, she is still in a relatively poor state and has to plan everything she buys. But even so, she did not take the initiative to say anything.

Although she knew that Ethan's salary was quite high, considering that Ethan still had so many people to support, she had no idea of ​​asking for it from him.

"Besides, I want to buy you a house in Dallas after I go back. How about buying it in Highland Park?" Ethan continued.

You must know that the cost of living, consumer prices, housing prices, etc. in Dallas are all very high, second only to several major cities such as New York and Los Angeles.

For Kelsey, who is from Nebraska, Dallas is obviously a place beyond her reach. Without Ethan, she would never be able to buy a home here in her life.

Kelsey did not agree immediately, apparently because she felt that the house here was too expensive.

"No matter how expensive it is, it can't be as good as you. I asked you to make sacrifices, so naturally I have to make up for it in extra ways. I will take over your parents later," Ethan said.

Kelsey's nose was sore: "Even if you get a head injury and become dementia in the future, I will still be with you."

Ethan was so frightened that he patted the big peach.

Don't talk nonsense.

·

Entering the Hawaii Airport, Ethan and others were frightened by the huge formation around them. Fans wearing all kinds of jerseys almost completely surrounded the place.

In addition to people, there are also dense flash lights.

Kelsey was captured walking alongside Ethan, which was obviously a great victory for the Ikai party.

In addition to the Cowboys, players from all over the country came to Hawaii one after another.

Broncos star running back Terrell Davis, Jets wide receiver Wayne Claybet, Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell...

Naturally, the cheerleaders of each team will accompany the star players. Wearing a silver sequined peaked cap, shorts on the lower body, and a leopard-print down jacket on the upper body, the woman wearing sunglasses was chewing gum. In addition to being surprised by the warm atmosphere, she noticed that many people in the crowd were taking A sign with Ethan's name on it.

"Ethan has so many fans." She couldn't help but sigh.

"Belinda, this is mainly because there are so many fans of the Cowboys. If I were the quarterback of the Cowboys, the result would be the same."

The tall man walking in front of Belinda turned around and left the passage to the parking lot. The man also asked the team staff to buy two cups of coffee.

"Cheerleader, I just saw you taking a nap on the plane. What can you do if you don't have energy?" He handed the drink to Belinda.

"Thank you, you are so considerate." Belinda took the coffee and smiled at her team's quarterback.

Just this smile can't help but make the quarterback a little fascinated, and then a graceful smile appears on his face: "You are too polite. In fact, I am more considerate to my girlfriend."

Belinda continued to smile, neither agreeing nor denying. This ambiguous attitude of not taking the initiative or refusing, coupled with the exaggerated and extremely hot figure and beautiful face, has made her very popular with the opposite sex since she was a child, and she is also happy to enjoy the pursuit of the opposite sex...

The reason why she joined the NFL cheerleading team is also very simple. By relying on football, she can easily and effectively accumulate fame, which will be of great help to her modeling career. From this perspective, it is also in her interest to maintain a certain degree of enthusiasm with the team's quarterback.

When getting into the car, Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell took the initiative to open the door for Belinda, showing his gentlemanly style.

He is currently a fanatical pursuer of Belinda. In addition to being a part-time cheerleader, this dancer is also a professional model. After joining the Jaguar cheerleading team last year, she quickly became the one who attracted the most attention in the team. Many people in the Jaguar They all regard her as the lover of their dreams.

Mark Brunel feels that he is the one closest to victory. At least Belinda will not refuse to talk to him. This time it coincides with the Pro Bowl and he will spend a pleasant weekend with Belinda in Hawaii. Prepare to take advantage of this good opportunity to capture Belinda in one fell swoop...

·

At the same time, Peyton Manning and his girlfriend Ashley also appeared in the eyes of fans.

Although the Colts' results this year are extremely miserable, this does not affect Peyton Manning's status in the hearts of fans.

At least, we won one more game this season than last season.

In fan voting, Peyton Manning's support rate for the quarterback position ranks first in the American League. Even this season's Super Bowl favorite John Elway can only lag behind him. When it comes to traffic, Peyton Manning ranks first in the American League. Not much worse than Ethan.

And compared with the play-hearted bad boy Ethan, although Peyton Manning was crazy enough when he was in college, at least in the public eye, he is the symbol of a traditional man. In the eyes of outsiders, he has a stable relationship. In life, he has a fierce playing style and is humble off the court, which has allowed him to accumulate a large number of fans.

I don’t know if it is for this reason that John Elway voluntarily refused to participate in the Pro Bowl weekend. Ethan and Peyton Manning will meet head-on again in the All-Star showdown the day after tomorrow.

The woman who appeared next to Manning and his girlfriend seemed very lonely, with not even a staff member around her.

The black and gold cheerleader jacket directly declares her identity - the cheerleader of the Saints. She was the only Saints element this Pro Bowl state weekend.

"Is Ethan here?" She also noticed the sign in the hands of the fans and thought subconsciously.

In my mind, I couldn’t help but replay the night when I talked with Ethan outside the police station...

She only started to pay attention to Ethan after the game with the Cowboys ended, and she watched Ethan become the National League champion in front of the TV.

Also witnessed him hugging Kelsey in front of the camera.

Ha, what does that woman have? Am I no worse than her at all? Christine thought like this and walked out of the passage quickly.

Then players and cheerleaders from the Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions and other teams arrived one after another. The male players looked strong and muscular, while the female captains also had hot bodies and delicate faces, and some were fresh. They are cute, some have hot bodies, and of course there are traditional blonde beauties. The fans waiting here are so addicted to seeing them that they can't keep up with them.

The Cowboys team arrived at the hotel to put down their luggage. Not long after Ethan sat down, he heard a knock on the door.

Needless to say who it was, Ethan opened the door, and a figure wearing a tulle floral halter skirt had jumped into Ethan's arms.

Kelsey had actually changed into summer clothes and asked Ethan to take her around Honolulu, Hawaii.

Looking at the Mexican girl who had put on flip-flops and had a bright yellow flower in her black hair, with an expectant look on her face, Ethan certainly would not refuse.

After thinking about it, he decided to let Peter arrange the car. Now that he had an assistant, everything was very convenient.

·

The coconut trees outside the window reminded Ethan of the last time he came to Hawaii. At that time, he was still in high school and came to Hawaii to play games. By the way, he also met a local girl in Hawaii - Margaret. Maggie Q, later known as Maggie Q.

At this time, Li Meiqi should have officially started her career as an actress in Hong Kong Island...

"Ethan, do you know where there are local delicacies? I'm so hungry and want to try it." Kelsey was so hungry that her chest pressed against her back. The main reason was that she did too much exercise on the plane.

"I know a place." Ethan gave Peter directions and came to the small restaurant where he and Margaret had been.

Several years have passed unknowingly, but nothing has changed here at all. Everything is exactly the same as the last time I came here, except that the people around Ethan have changed again and again.

"What's wrong, Ethan? It looks like you're worried."

Kelsey noticed something unusual about Ethan. She scooped out a spoonful of seafood pineapple rice and handed it to Ethan.

Ethan opened his mouth, and Kelsey put the rice into Ethan's mouth.

"I think of a friend... not really a friend. At that time, I was living in Beverly Hills and came to Hawaii to play games..."

Ethan began to talk in detail about how he and Li Meiqi met, even the details of how Li Meiqi took him home afterwards.

"She was... not even 16 years old at that time, right?" Kelsey said loudly, but she didn't expect girls from church schools to be quite bold.

"Then did you still keep in touch?" Kelsey asked next.

Ethan shook his head.

He did have the phone number left by Li Meiqi back then, but he had never dialed it.

"How about trying now? Maybe she hasn't moved away." Kelsey thought for a while and said.

You don't want me to have a relationship with her again, do you? Ethan shook his head. This was obviously impossible. Besides, their identities were completely different now. If she was in Hollywood, he might still be able to help her.

"Forget it." Ethan shook his head.

The next second, Ethan's cell phone rang, and there was actually a call.

"It's her!" Kelsey said immediately.

"Stop joking." Ethan answered the phone.

"Ethan, the boss asked me where you have been and when you will be back. There is a reception hosted by the league tonight." Larry Allen's voice was on the other end of the phone.

"Which boss?"

"Who else could it be, Charlotte Jones."

She arrived anyway.

"I don't know. Every club has sent representatives this year. It seems there is something important to discuss." Larry Allen said.

"Can you not participate in the reception?"

"Of course, but if you don't have any valid reason, I advise you to participate." Larry continued.

Obviously in addition to the players, representatives from each club and the league commissioner will be present, and you should still attend as usual on such occasions.

"I know." Ethan asked for the specific time and then hung up the phone.

"It seems I can only go shopping with you tomorrow." Ethan explained to Kelsey.

Not long after Ethan and Kelsey left the small restaurant, a slim black-haired figure got out of the car, walked quickly to the store, and asked the boss for some food to be packed...

"Maggie, I haven't seen you in the past few years. In a blink of an eye, the dark girl has become so beautiful..." The boss took the initiative to greet the other party.

"I am developing in Asia during this time." She said while fiddling with her hair. Inadvertently, she saw a TV hanging from the ceiling not far away, which was playing news about the Pro Bowl.

·

"Welcome everyone to come to the Pro Bowl. This year the league has prepared a wealth of entertainment projects for you, including various commercial and charitable activities..." League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue spoke on the stage.

Representatives of each club sat in the first row of the audience. Charlotte Jones's position was just in the middle, which invisibly represented the Cowboys' status in the league.

At this moment, she was crossing her legs and crossing her arms with her hands on her chest, looking a little impatient on her face.

Then, she suddenly turned around and looked at Ethan, who was sitting in the third row. At this time, Ethan was whispering to Larry. It took a while before she noticed Charlotte's gaze.

Charlotte glared at him, as if to suggest Ethan should keep quiet, and turned her head back.

The brief welcome meeting ended quickly, and Ethan saw the league commissioner and representatives of each team stand up. It seemed that they had another small-scale meeting.

No matter what, these have nothing to do with Ethan now, and he doesn't need to worry about it.

Larry Allen next to him seemed a little eager to try.

"All members of the Players Association will be invited to attend this year's union event party, which will be held in the banquet hall on the 8th floor. The event will officially start in twenty minutes."

"Ethan, I remember you also joined the players union, come join us." Larry Allen invited Ethan.

Ethan joined the players union not long after joining the Cowboys and has to pay corresponding dues every year. Fullback Daryl is the representative of the union in the Dallas Cowboys. There are trade unions in all walks of life in the United States, with the purpose of uniting labor and conducting collective bargaining with management. In the NFL, the main role of the players union is to negotiate with the NFL and increase the players' basic salary and corresponding benefits every year.

"It's just a simple gathering to discuss the union's negotiation requirements for next year in advance." Larry Allen explained.

The reason why the party is held at the location of the Pro Bowl is also very simple. Those who participate in the Pro Bowl are all core players of each team. These people belong to the "elite class" among the players. The union cannot do without their support, so it will naturally give them For more benefits, this gathering is one of them. It is well-known and enjoyed in the name of "meeting".

Ethan felt that there was really no need to attend this kind of gathering, but he couldn't stand the enthusiasm of the players present.

"Ethan, you are the representative of the players now. You cannot be absent at this time." Several old players from the National League said.

Ethan finally chose to agree. The first time I arrived at the gathering place, I saw Peyton Manning.

He also saw himself and took the initiative to walk towards Ethan. The two chatted for a while, sharing their lives as professional players.

"Ethan, I have to admit that your performance this year is much better than mine. Of course, your teammates are not bad either. They are much better than those on the Colts." Peyton Manning said with a smile.

Obviously there is something in his words, and he feels that Ethan's current achievements are all due to his teammates.

"However, the owner of the Colts is planning to sign a lot of players this year and make a major overhaul of the team. Plus, with a good pick, it won't necessarily be worse than the Cowboys." Peyton Manning continued.

This is not because Peyton Manning is overconfident. The NFL itself has a hard salary cap, and each team's substitution strategy is very aggressive. Even the greatest players cannot "retire", which has also led to the rapid emergence of "dynasties" , collapsed quickly.

According to historical rules, today's Colts are in a period of rapid rise after a trough. On the other hand, the Cowboys will not only be at the bottom of the draft next year, but the team itself has also reached a key point in the transition between old and new. This kind of pain will have to last for several years. .

"Just think about how to defeat me in the Pro Bowl, so that your rookie season is not a complete failure." Ethan smiled.

Peyton Manning opened his mouth, but was so swallowed that he couldn't say a word.

But soon, Peyton Manning controlled his emotions and took the initiative to raise his glass to Ethan: "Then let's have a good competition tomorrow."

"No problem." After Ethan said that, he left directly without any intention of clinking glasses with him.

Ethan moved to other positions and communicated with several other players from the American League.

"Gentlemen, at such an important moment, you didn't call us and just let a group of grown men chat here. Isn't it too boring?"

The door was suddenly pushed open, and a clear female voice interrupted the party.

Ethan looked around and saw a group of girls standing at the door, and Kelsey was among them.

"Oh, Belinda! You're finally here." The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback next to Ethan immediately greeted him with enthusiasm.

(End of this chapter)