It was surreal, sitting in front of a bunch of reporters for what was going to be one of my last times doing this.

Over the last eight years, I’d been prey for these guys more times than I could count. Trying not to become their next soundbite, trying to liberally dole out my answers in a politically correct way. I’d played the game, and I’d played it well. Both on the field and off. And now it was time to say goodbye.

My knee hadn’t been the same, and although I’d played an incredible season, with one more notch to put in my belt before I went, I knew I was done. I could feel it. And while I was sad, I was also looking forward to the next chapter.

I looked to Demi, who was waiting just outside the line of sight of the cameras pointed directly at me, my sole, lonely figure seated at a table in front of the NFL and Cheetah’s logos on a blue background. She waved, giving me a thumbs-up and a small smile. My woman, the one person who I’d discussed this with in depth. Yes, my brother knew, but he hadn’t been the one staying up with me when I couldn’t sleep at two a.m. because I was so confused and anxious about retirement.

It’s unprecedented, the fact that the Super Bowl is being held in the same city as one of the team’s playing in it. It’s only fitting that it will be my last game, with all of the stars aligning.

The team’s public relations manager, Angela, walks up behind me and announces that I’ll be giving a press conference. Asks if the reporters can hold their questions until the end.

And then she turns the floor over to me.

“Thank you all for coming out today. Not like you have much else to do as you’re stuck in North Carolina for some football game.” I smile at my sarcasm, and a light round of laughter moves through the room.

My heart is pounding as I clear my throat, my lips suddenly dry. This had been my whole life, the thing I lived, breathed and killed myself for, for a long time.

I took the leap, stepped over the edge, and started to speak.

“As most of you know, I hurt my knee last year and was traded from the team I’d thus far played my entire career with. I got to come back to the city I played for in college, and it has been an incredible season with an incredible group of teammates and staff here at the Cheetah’s organization. But as any aging athlete knows, as the years go by, your body and your stamina are not what they once were. My mind is sharper than ever, is filled with plays and ways to win, but my muscles and limbs just can’t keep up. And neither can my heart, if I’m being honest. For eight years, I’ve poured everything into this game. I have no regrets about that. But … it has kept me from settling down. From meeting someone special, from starting a family and a legacy. And that is something I’m looking forward to. Because after this game, after the Super Bowl, I will be retiring.”

A buzz goes through the crowd, and I can hear the questions bubbling out of their throats. I look to Demi again, and she nods, and I see my future right there in her beautiful brown eyes.

I put a hand up to quiet them again. “Before you ask, this has absolutely nothing to do with anyone but myself. My teams, both of them, have always treated me with the utmost respect and professionalism. The men I’ve worked with, who have put their bodies on the line for me just like I have for them, have always been nothing but driven and focused. I count myself lucky to have played this many years in this league. The only thing you can attribute this retirement to is me becoming an old man.”

Another round of quiet laughter.

“I wanted this to be my swan song, a Super Bowl ending if you will. And win or lose, I’m walking away with my head held high. So please, I’ll take your questions, but no negativity. This is bittersweet for me, but it’s more sweet than bitter. I’d like to think that my parents are looking down on me, proud of what I’ve accomplished and anxious to see what I’ll do next.”

I have to stop, to bite my fist, because I know the words I speak are true. I rarely talk about my parents to the press, but they should be involved in this moment. They sacrificed so much for me when I was growing up so that I could live this dream.

“I’d like to thank them, my mom and dad, for always believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. For teaching my brother and I that we could do anything we set our minds to. I’d like to thank my brother for celebrating holidays on the day after everyone else’s for the past five years, because my work kept me on the road. Dylan, this year we can celebrate Christmas on December twenty-fifth just like everyone else.”

The reporters laugh again.

“And last, but certainly not least, I want to thank my girlfriend. Demi,” I turn to where she’s standing, and I see some of the cameras focus on her, “I could have never gotten through this transitional time without you. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I know that is a common phrase used, but you are. I love you, thank you for putting up with my ego and insane work schedule.”

She tilted her head at me, blowing a kiss in a rare display of affection. I knew that even though she was a public figure in Charlotte, she hated the attention. But I had to acknowledge how big of a part in my life she played.

“Now, who has questions?”

They came at me full force, and for once, I was sad that soon, this wouldn’t be a part of my normal Sunday.