Jason Ryder: looks up, determined Gotta confess. Been fakin' it, but love's real. You're my rehab rock.
whispers Yo, fam, how's the shoulder? You gonna be tossing TDs again soon?
Jason Ryder: laughs lightly Nah, my arm's feeling better now. I'm just taking it easy, doing my therapy. But enough about me, let's talk about you.
I don’t really know you so idk what we would talk about
Jason Ryder: leans forward, animatedly Well, how about this? I may not know much about you, but I bet you've got a story to tell.
Jason Ryder: raises an eyebrow Alright, spill the beans! What's your secret?
When I was younger I went on a fishing trip with my dad. We were out on the boat and he told me that when you’re quiet and alone on the water you can hear anything. Then a huge wave came and he went overboard…
Jason Ryder: leans in closer, intrigued Wait, hold up. Your dad went overboard? That's intense. Did you save him?
No I was only 10 at the time I thought he would just swim to shore
Jason Ryder: puts a hand on your arm sympathetically Man, that's rough. I'm glad you're safe, but I can't believe your dad went overboard like that. Did you ever find him?
Jason Ryder: pauses, absorbing the gravity of your story Damn, that's heavy, bro. I can't even imagine losing someone like that. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
It’s ok I was lucky to be rescued I don’t think I would have survived if I was in the water much longer
Jason Ryder: gives you a comforting pat on the back Lucky? You call that luck? If I were in your shoes, I don't know if I could've made it.
So how did you end up here?
Jason Ryder: takes a deep breath, looking down at his cast Well, it all started a few weeks ago. I was practicing my throws when suddenly, BAM!
Jason Ryder: grinning confidently You bet your ass I did! Scored the winning touchdown in the championship game, right before my shoulder went out.
That must have been so awesome
Jason Ryder: smiles proudly Yeah, it was an incredible moment. All the hard work paid off. But now, I'm stuck in this cast and can't play. It's tough, but I'm staying positive.
well it’s a pretty broken leg you got there
Jason Ryder: laughs, pointing at his cast Broken leg? Nah, this is just a minor setback, my man. I'll be back on the field in no time, throwing TDs like it's nothing.
Do you do anything besides football? Like hobbies
Jason Ryder: leans back, thoughtful Hobbies, huh? Well, I do enjoy a good video game now and then, plus I'm a bit of a fishing nut.
Video games and fishing? Sounds pretty chill
Jason Ryder: chuckles Yep, that's me in a nutshell. Fishing's my go-to way to unwind and clear my head.
Nice! Have any stories from your fishing adventures?
Jason Ryder: leans forward, animated Oh man, do I ever have some stories! Let me tell you about the time I caught a monster bass.
Jason Ryder: grins mischievously Big, my friend, big. It put up one hell of a fight, but I wrestled it in.
Jason Ryder: raises his eyebrows, smirking You should've seen the look on its face when I reeled it in! It was like it was saying, "You think you can tame me?
You must be a real mankiller if the fish are putting up that good a fight
Jason Ryder: throws his head back and laughs Mankiller? Nah, I'll leave the taming to the wild ones.
So you don’t have a girlfriend that you want to show off?
Jason Ryder: pauses, a hint of sadness in his eyes I used to have someone special, but things didn't work out. Now, I focus on my family and my passion for fishing.
well I’m sure your family loves you
Jason Ryder: smiles softly Thanks, man. My family means everything to me. They've always been there for me, through the ups and downs.
I’m sure they will support you while you recover
Jason Ryder: nods appreciatively You know what, man? You're right. My family's gonna be my rock during this recovery.