Chapter 952: Strive to the utmost

Thoughts surged wildly in the mind, stirring up crashing waves.

Mahomes carefully studied Li Wei’s casual, indifferent expression. Finally, he couldn’t hold back, a sigh of amazement roared in his chest.

Wow!

Mahomes realized he was simply a relentless sigh machine.

Li Wei remained exceptionally composed.

“Quarterbacks and running backs, they’re ultimately different.”

“When negotiating contracts for quarterbacks, teams often start with four- or five-year deals; but for running backs, it’s typically two or three years.”

“Of course, running backs aren’t fools–they often demand four or five years; but at this point, teams start to negotiate. They’re willing to extend the duration, but in turn, the annual salary figure must be adjusted down.”

“The entire tone of negotiation is different.”

After all, running backs are considered “expendable.” Once injured, the situation could completely change.

Running backs like Peterson, who return from injury and still maintain peak performance, are the exception; moreover, even after enduring three severe injuries, Peterson inevitably began to slide into the abyss, until last season’s triumphant comeback once again proved he remains one of the league’s top running backs.

But the reality?

People still hold pessimistic views about Peterson’s future.

“So, you should seize this opportunity.”

“Still, I’m sure your agent knows all this and is far more professional than I am. I strongly believe you should sit down and have a serious talk with your agent.”

It’s easy to guess–Mahomes’ agent probably doesn’t appreciate Li Wei meddling and giving unsolicited advice.

Yet Mahomes hadn’t absorbed any of it–his left ear had heard it, his right ear let it out, his thoughts lost elsewhere.

“But you’re different, aren’t you? You’re a… rookie. For God’s sake, you’re a rookie!”

Li Wei chuckled speechlessly, “Last year, Bell in his prime was supremely confident yet tore apart his relationship with the Pittsburgh Steelers; meanwhile, Gurley quickly reached a deal with the Los Angeles Rams, which goes to show teams don’t even need to say a word–they’re already on the same page.”

Mahomes shot upright, “But Cousins broke through the league’s barrier and got fully guaranteed money, didn’t he?”

Li Wei, “He’s a quarterback. Quarterbacks always have exceptions. Teams are willing to take risks for them. Cousins wasn’t the first, and certainly won’t be the last.”

Moreover, there’s an immediate blind spot–

The Kansas City Chiefs are currently trying to negotiate extensions for both Li Wei and Mahomes, which means salary cap pressure might be far beyond expectation. If forced to choose, it’s evident where Veach’s priorities lie.

So, Li Wei indeed faces thorny challenges.

Mahomes let out a long breath, his face full of frustration, “That’s not fair.”

Li Wei, however, remained extraordinarily calm. Shortly after joining the Alabama Crimson Tide Storm, through Clark, Li Wei had already grasped the running back predicament.

To Li Wei’s understanding, the system guiding him toward the running back role must have its reasons. This would be the true advantage he holds over other running backs.

Moreover, wouldn’t Veach have already considered this?

After decisively letting go of Houston and Berry, as well as trading starting linebacker Ford, Veach’s series of moves undoubtedly hinted at an impending storm.

Thus, Li Wei ought to trust himself more–and trust Veach more.

So, Li Wei flashed a smile, “Sherlock, don’t worry. Leave these matters to the agents. Have you ever seen me back down without a fight?”

“Rest assured, though my salary might not compare to yours, I’ll fight to the bitter end.”

Mahomes took a deep breath, “That’s true. If I don’t trust myself, I should trust you. I feel like you won’t be put in a difficult spot by the team manager.”

He lowered his voice slightly, even though they were the only two people here, Mahomes still acted conspiratorially, “Honestly, I feel like Mr. Veach is a little afraid of you.”

Li Wei spread his arms, “I’m so kind-hearted. Please don’t falsely accuse an innocent man.”

Mahomes doubled over laughing.

Veach: Achoo! Who? Who’s bad-mouthing me?

After a small joke, Mahomes’ emotions–excited and anxious, elated and tense–finally began to settle, “So what should we do now?”

Li Wei, “Train.”

Mahomes, “Huh?”

Li Wei, “I’m serious. We’re professional players. Our job is to train well and prepare for the new season. Chasing the three-peat in the new season isn’t just empty talk.”

Mahomes widened his eyes, blankly paused before finally catching on–

Last year, around this time, they had also gathered here for off-season training.

Back then, Smith decided to leave the Kansas City Chiefs, “playing the bad guy,” and relinquished the position of starting quarterback to the young Mahomes; Mahomes was both excited and uneasy, and even now, he couldn’t forget the chaos of emotions back then.

He and Li Wei stood beneath the starry sky, shouting their wishes–hoping to take over Smith’s mantle and lead the Kansas City Chiefs to successfully defend their title.

A year later, there they were again; but now, the challenge ahead wasn’t about defending a title, it was an unprecedented feat.

“Three-peat!”

Mahomes bounced to his feet, raising his right hand high, shouting boldly and loudly.

“Ho ho ho, three-peat! Three-peat!”

The challenge quietly waited ahead–a towering mountain behind which loomed another towering mountain.

In the world of competitive sports, there is no end: “higher, faster, farther.” What they sought to challenge wasn’t just their limits, but the limits of humanity itself.

Perhaps in the NFL universe, the three-peat remains an unconquered peak. Whether in the Super Bowl era or before, no team has ever achieved such a feat; precisely because of this, the challenge is all the more intriguing and thrilling.

Passion erupted like a volcano, surging endlessly.

Ho ho ho, ho ho ho.

Li Wei joined Mahomes, cheering exuberantly.

When Kelsey arrived, what he saw was this scene–he looked around suspiciously before staring again at the two lunatics in front of him.

“Wait a second, is this Planet of the Apes? Sorry, wrong door.”

But Mahomes didn’t seem to care, he even enthusiastically mimicked gorilla movements, pounding his chest like King Kong, loudly cheering without restraint.

Kelsey hesitated for a moment before finally catching on–the two gorillas in front of him were shouting about a three-peat. Standing there, he tilted his head toward the sky in helpless despair.

Reluctant yet conflicted, in the end, he still charged in with a heroic expression, imitating their antics and joining the cheering.

At the door–

Watt silently exited, only to bump into Donald getting out of his car. Watt shook his head, “Nope, not going in. The place has been invaded by aliens.”

Donald, “Huh?”

Under Miami’s blue skies, the sunshine was perfect–the hubbub of the football off-season was slowly unfolding.

Evidently, it wasn’t just Li Wei and company–their competitors were gearing up too, one by one sharpening their blades. Next season, they would pour every ounce of effort into targeting the Kansas City Chiefs. Across the league, other teams shared a singular goal–

Defeat the Kansas City Chiefs!