[4th April 2000, 15:25, Tigers HQ, Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y]
The room absorbed Xavier's words in silence. A few coaches exchanged glances—some sceptical, others intrigued. Belichick leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, studying the young owner with an expression that gave nothing away.
"Two years," Xavier continued, capping the marker. "That's our window to build the foundation. By 2002 at the latest, we need to have our franchise quarterback ready. Preferably, we draft him in this year, so look at the talent pool and identify someone who could be moulded or has enough potential."
"Bold strategy," Rex said, a hint of approval in his voice. "From what I've heard, Most owners want wins yesterday. You're talking about playing the long game."
"Because the short game is how you end up with the Achaemenid empire, never building anything sustainable," Xavier replied. He looked directly at Belichick. "Coach, what do you think a star quarterback immediately or can you use Vinny for a year, maybe two?"
Belichick didn't answer right away. His fingers drummed once against the table, a rare tell that he was working through something. The room waited for him to come to a conclusion.
"Vinny can run the system," he said at last, voice low, steady. "He's experienced, smart, and he knows how to protect the ball. I can work with him and try to get the most out of him. But he's not the long-term answer — we all know that."
Xavier nodded at his answer. "Good, then we are in agreement. We were looking for a QB around the third round and below, while mainly building the pieces in the roster with our higher picks." He clarified, taking Belichick's response as the answer to his question, not wanting to linger too long on this.
While the QB crisis was important, Vinny still had star power and could manage for the upcoming season. The coach's job was to make do with what they had and find a way to acquire what they didn't have. "Before we end the meeting, I would like to announce the projects for the Tigers franchise."
His words piqued everyone's attention, since they had to be important if they trumped the roster discussion. Xaver turned over the whiteboard and wrote two words, {HQ} and {Stadium}, in bold letters. "As stated when I took over the franchise, I'm ready to invest $2 billion into this franchise; a portion of that, around $200-240 million, will go into the construction of our new HQ"
The room straightened up. Even Belichick looked mildly surprised — and for a man who'd clawed his way up to his current position, that was saying something. Xavier turned the marker in his hand, writing a rough figure beneath the first heading. {HQ – $220M Estimated Capex}
"This is still in the ideas phase, but I am setting up meetings with both architect firms and construction companies in the following month," he said, voice calm but assured. There are still some hurdles with location, but we're looking to have the Campus ready for use by the 200 season. The stadium, on the other hand, may depend on location and local legislators' approval."
Even the seasoned coaches couldn't hide their disbelief. Ryan leaned back, arms folded, grinning like a man watching history unfold. "You're gonna build that in New York? You realise you're stepping into Yankee Stadium territory, right?"
"Location hasn't been settled yet, but what is sure is that the New York Tigers need a home if they want to become a dynasty." He stated, looking around the room. "How can we hope to become that when we can't even dominate New York, and that will never happen if we don't have a home. So this is a necessary step, and hopefully it shows you my commitment to this organisation."
A hum of low conversation rippled around the table. The old men were grappling with deciding whether the young man was brilliant or completely unhinged. Nathan watched the room quietly, a faint smile curving the edges of his mouth. "Alright, gentlemen, let's break here. We all have our assignments. Be sure to get back to me as soon as possible."
~~~
[5th April 2000 – 15:25, Tigers HQ, Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y]
The next day, the morning's sunshine did little to soften the buzz around the Tigers' offices — phones kept ringing. Scouts were moving briskly between departments, and Nathan Stewart was busier than ever, locked in one conversation after another. The draft was ten days away, and now that the staff had settled, it was time to build the roster.
Nathan sat in his office, sleeves rolled up, the blinds half drawn. The phone on his desk blinked with waiting calls from three different teams. Across from him sat Thomas Dimitroff and James Harris, each with open folders, draft charts, and value sheets spread out before them.
"Alright," Nathan muttered, flipping to the next page of his notes. "We've got needs — corner, safety, receiver depth, and a backup for Curtis Martin. But the elephant in the room is that contract."
"Keyshawn," Harris said grimly, causing the name to hang in the air like static.
The Tigers' star wideout, charismatic and controversial, had already made it known he wasn't thrilled about the new regime. His agent had been hinting at wanting out, and in the press, his management portrayed him as bigger than the franchise or 'difference in ability', trying to force a move. However, where they wanted to go made no sense to management, and Nathan planned to ignore them, as he got the best value from them.
"He's still our best offensive weapon," Dimitroff reminded him, though his tone suggested he knew the argument was already lost.
"Maybe," Nathan replied, "but he's not Belichick's type of player. If we keep him, he'll become a distraction. Since the coach doesn't want him, his best value right now is the draft capital we can get to build depth."
Harris frowned. "We'll never get fair value. The league knows he wants out."
Nathan leaned back, a ghost of a grin forming. "Then we find the one team desperate enough to overpay." He reached for the phone and hit the line flashing Tampa Bay.
~~~
[5th April 2000 – 16:10, Phone Call: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Front Office]
"Rich McKay speaking," came the composed voice on the other end.
"Rich, Nathan Stewart here. I'll get straight to it. You need a playmaker for your new quarterback. I've got one. Keyshawn Johnson."
A pause followed his words. "That's a hell of a name to start with, Nathan. You planning to unload him or test the market?"
"Unload," Nathan said evenly. "And I'm not testing anything. I'm calling you first because I know Dungy's trying to take that next step. You've got the defence, you need an alpha receiver."
Rich chuckled quietly. "You're not wrong. What's the price?"
"Pick thirteen and twenty-seven."
That earned a longer silence. When McKay spoke again, it was cautiously. "That's steep. He's a Pro Bowler, but we both know what kind of personality we're buying. We were thinking more like a first and a late second."
"Then call me back when you're ready to win the NFC," Nathan replied smoothly. "Because if you don't, I'll send him to Carolina, and your cornerbacks will get to enjoy him twice a year."
He hung up before Rich could answer. Dimitroff looked up, eyebrows raised. "You think he'll bite?"
"He's Dungy's GM," Nathan said, sipping his coffee. "And Dungy's tired of losing in January, so he needs a big move if he wants to secure his job. He'll bite."
~~~
[6th April 2000 – 11:45 AM, ESPN Headquarters, Bristol, CT]
Rumours of the trade spread quickly, initially leaked from the Tigers camp, and the sports world caught fire the next morning. "Reports: Tigers Exploring Trade of WR Keyshawn Johnson" blared across ESPN's ticker.
Analysts immediately hopped on the news and started debating the wisdom of moving their only offensive star. "They just promoted Belichick — what are they doing gutting their offence, even the best cook can't cook without tools?" Eric Dickerson exclaimed.
"If we had any doubts, it's now clear the Tigers are rebuilding," Dan Fouts replied. "This is about cap space and control. Nathan Stewart isn't afraid of cleaning house."
Rumours around the league spread fast, and before noon, teams that need a wide receiver came knocking. Most of their offers were honestly insulting, but Nathan didn't rush as he waited. Sure enough, by midday, McKay called back.
"You're ruthless, Stewart," he said without preamble. "Dungy wants the player. You've got a deal. Picks thirteen and twenty-seven for Keyshawn."
Nathan smiled faintly. "I'll have the paperwork sent over. Pleasure doing business, Rich."
He hung up and turned to Harris. "Call the league office. File it."
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To be Continued...