Late April, Las Pegasas...
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, I'm Jeff McColt alongside Kilmer and Dennis Stronghoof. Welcome back to the EFL Network where we're live from the Strip and moments away from kicking off this year's draft. So guys, with just minutes until the pick is announced, who do you think is going to be the number one pick?"
"Jeff, there are a ton of great prospects in this year's class, no doubt about it," Dennis said. "But one that really stands out to me is Diglet Diggs, a defensive lineman from Whinnyapolis. He's got great speed, and impeccable strength, and puts fear into the hearts of both linemen and quarterbacks. At 6'2", 300 pounds, he's gonna be unstoppable in this league. Easily the best defender in the draft."
"I like Diggs a lot, but to me, it's gotta be EJ Moss, the quarterback from the University of Orlando," Kilmer said. "He can do it ALL y'all! I mean whether it's passing, scrambling or just playmaking, he's got it. Finished top-10 in passing yards and touchdowns every year he's played plus, he almost had 2000 rushing yards in his college career. It's just insane, guys. In the right system, I believe he'll flourish."
"Well, the pick is in! Let's send it down to the commissioner and see who the Canterlot Crowns select!"
Down at the amphitheater setup, commissioner Goodell walks out to a symphony of boos. A chime rings out as the Crowns make their pick. Fans from every EFL team watch as Goodell gets the podium.
"With the first pick in the EFL Draft, the Canterlot Crowns select... EJ Moss. Quarterback, Orlando."
A loud roar emerges as EJ is seen on camera in a backstage room with his family. He hugs his parents with tears in his eyes while his brother Marvin, sister Justice, cousin KP, and the rest of his friends and family clap for him. After dapping and hugging everyone else, he makes his way toward the stage.
Outside, Crowns fans are jumping for joy as the face of the franchise has finally arrived.
"And what a pick for this Crowns franchise," Kilmer said as the quarterback walks onto the stage proudly. "EJ Moss, 6'3", 220 pounds. He's got a perfect mix of accuracy, speed, and throwing power. He can get the ball pretty much anywhere on the field whether it's in the pocket or on the run. He threw for over 5000 passing yards so you know, he can fling the football. He's drawn comparisons to Lamar and even Mike Vick, but really, he's a bit different from both of them..."
EJ grabs his maroon and gold hat with a crown logo with a smile. He shakes hands with the commissioner and holds up a jersey with #1 and Moss on the back and faces the crowd for pictures.
"...but if you're the Crowns, you have to be careful with him," Dennis warned. "Remember the RG3 era a few years ago? You do not want another stud QB to get taken out by injuries. Invest in the offensive line because if you don't, there will be problems."
"Great point, Dennis. Now, let's send it down to Justina Gage who's with Moss for the interview presented by Dresspone. Justina?"
On the side of the stage, Moss stands alongside Justina who holds a microphone up to him with a smile.
"EJ, when did you believe you could be the number one overall pick in the EFL draft?" She asked.
"It's... it's been my dream ever since I was a foal. Getting the opportunity to play in the EFL is something I've wanted my whole life and being in this position is just something special. My family, my coaches, my teammates, and my friends all helped me become who I am today. It's uh,... it's just incredible."
"You may have played high school and college football in Orlando, but you grew up just outside of Canterlot. How do you feel about coming back to the nation's capital?"
"It's surreal. Watching the Crowns when I was younger was something special. Got to meet the legendary White Knight as a kid. Uh, still have a lot of connections there so, I'm excited," EJ said happily.
"Now, your head coach, Riverboat Ron, has spoken high praises of you ever since the combine. What are you looking forward to playing under him?"
"They're just a good combination. Ron's more defensive-minded but, he's coached guys who can throw and run before so I'm confident I can dial in and make the most out of it."
"Well, congratulations and good luck this year," she said.
"Thank you very much."
Months later...
EJ was in his downtown penthouse apartment that overlooked the city.
Looking out, he could see the majestic castle itself on the right. Far to the left, he could see the 85,000-seat Celestial Stadium. Below, high-end shops and apartments filled the cobblestone-lined streets as the population hustled and bustled through.
Summer was great and all but life after the draft had been... hectic.
Hours after he had been drafted, he got to meet Princess Celestia and Princess Luna at the castle and got a tour of the royal grounds. They held a fantastic feast in his honor and even gave him a special diamond as a gift. Fans had even crowded around him when he arrived at the train station.
He signed a 4-year, $45 million bit contract with his signing bonus coming in at $6.2 million. Of course, he was responsible and used a portion of it to get a penthouse, take his family on vacation, and get a private chef. The rest of his time was spent doing interviews, going to charity events, training, chilling at home, and hanging out with his new teammates.
He was friendly with everybody but a handful of guys really befriended him.
On offense, here was Tear McLaurin, the confident, suave star wideout; Gibson, the humble running back; Dotson and Cee Samuel, two of the best support wide receivers in the league; Shield Protector, the grizzled veteran center; Leaf Leaf, the laid-back right tackle from Hawaii; and Saahdiq, the amiable left tackle.
On defense, there was Tez Sweat, a talented defensive end who sweat like crazy; Mayo Holcomb, a trash-talking linebacker; and Curly Curl, an elite safety who was drafted in the second round and also went to Orlando.
He also got along well with the head coach, Riverboat Ron, and offensive coordinator, Turnwell.
In short, he had found a new family in the Crowns and was eager to make his mark on the league. But before the regular season began, day one of training camp awaited...
Author's Note
Enjoy!
