The last moment of an NFL rookies dream

This is the last moment of their dream, the last opportunity to wear an NFL uniform and make the roster of the Miami Dolphins.

The NFL rookie adjusts his pads, turns his Beats up, closes his eyes and gets his competitive mindset right. He has the trainer do his thing and then he paints his face with war paint. He might even have his new friend and future teammate smack his pads and scream some encouraging motivation in his face.

Starting at camp in mid April the unknown NFL rookie is just one of the ninety men trying to make the NFL roster. Trying to gain the attention of the general manager and coach, trying to prove himself worthy of a spot on the up coming seasons roster.

All the hard work, the blood, the sweat and all the tears. The aches, the pains are set aside and forgotten. The rookie takes the head phones off, slides the helmet on and starts to make his walk down the tunnel towards the field. It’s the fourth game of the preseason and the fifty-three man roster cut is looming.

All the rookie hears is the clicking of cleats, the echoing chants and screams from teammates in the tunnel and the distant roar from the crowd. Adrenaline pulses through his veins, the anxiety kicks in, and…Boom!

The heat from the flames at the end of the tunnel, the engineered smoke rolls over his body as he runs through it to reach the field, the deafening sound of the hometown fans yelling and cheering. It’s game time!

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His shot is here, his last chance to make a play, to make a hit, rip off a run, a clutch catch and the last opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the fans, his teammates and most importantly the coaches. Trying to put enough on film that he is not one of the 1,184 soon to be released players.

Hoping that if he doesn’t make this roster, that a GM of another team might see something special and pick him up for their practice squad or even their roster.

The rookie huddles up for an electric, motivational pregame speech from his captain and teammate. Energy is at its peak as he lines up for what might be his last kick off. The realization this could be the last time he ever plays the game of football. The referee blows the whistle and the blinding flashes from the photos light up the stadium.

This is his dream, the dream of solidifying a spot on the roster of a professional NFL team. Leaving it all on the field and leaving no doubt that his contributions can help the team achieve greatness.

This is his last moment and his last chance for his dream, his dream of becoming an NFL football player. A Miami Dolphins football player.