Gemotions

The weight of the helmet felt oppressive on his head. "Okay, Jackson, we're sliding you to defensive tackle." It wasn't the pain; it was the unknown. A quarterback, now a lineman. The idea was absurd. His usual easy swagger evaporated, replaced by a strange tightness in his chest.

The offensive line, hulking figures, stood ready. He felt their eyes on him, sizing him up. He ran a hand over his face, trying to clear his head, but his palms were clammy.

He took a deep breath, the air tasting thin. He tried to recall his playbook, but his mind felt scattered, like a deck of cards had been tossed into the wind.