Too Far Gone

by GronkSpikes

I had everything. An NFL Career, a beautiful fiancee, and I was about to have the life I dreamed about. But now, it's fighting for my life, day in and day out. And I can't stop fighting, for my sake or her's. Rated T for violence and language. Constructive Reviews Greatly Appreciated.

1. Draft Day

-DISCLAIMER- There are some parts to the story that I will be altering to fit my rendition of Telltale's The Walking Dead games. I do not own Telltale, The Walking Dead, or any characters depicted other than my own OCs.

Chapter 1 - Draft Day

April of 2010. I sit in my living room nervously with my Mom, Dad, brother Mick, sister Mia, and girlfriend Carley. A camera crew from NFL Network stands in the room as well. The clock strikes 7 P.M., and day 2 of the draft officially starts. My chest pounds as hours pass and names are read off and other prospects' dreams come true.

Pick 82 had just passed. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Emmanuel Sanders, a wide receiver from Southern Methodist University. The Atlanta Falcons were officially on the clock, my childhood team. What I wouldn't do to get to play for the Dirty Birds. My chest starts pounding harder than it already was before, and I damn near have a heart attack as my phone rings, with no contact name.

"Hello?" I ask.

"Hi I'm looking for a Mr. Brendon Dawkins?" A woman's voice comes through the line.

I sigh. "I'm sorry you have the wrong number"

"My apologies" She hangs up. I drop my phone and sigh again.

"Damn" I groan into my hands.

"Nervous?" Carley puts her hand on my shoulder.

"You have no idea babe. I've never" I'm cut off by my phone ringing again. Another number with no name.

"Hello?" I pick it up.

"Ian? This is Thomas Dimitroff of the Atlanta Falcons. How are you doing?"

"Holy shit." I chuckle. "Hello sir I'm doing great. How about yourself?"

"I'm fine. How would you like to play for the Atlanta Falcons?"

"Nothing I want more sir" I start laughing as my childhood dream comes true.

"Great. Here's Mr. Blank"

"Ian, how are you" I hear an older man's voice. Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons.

"I'm having the best night of my life, sir. This is crazy. I'm going to be an Atlanta Falcon." The TV cuts to the stage, where the commissioner comes onto stage. The pick is in.

"With the 83rd pick in the 2010 NFL draft, the Atlanta Falcons select Ian Sullivan, Wide Receiver, University of Georgia" The camera cuts to two video feeds, one of Falcons fans celebrating and one of me sitting in my living room. I reach down below and pull out an Atlanta Falcons cap, firmly putting it on my head. I turn to my mother and kiss her cheek. My dad pats me on the back as everyone cheers. I turn to Carley, who was grinning more than I was. I pull her in for a tight hug.

As our hug slowly fades away, I back up, and pull out a small black box. "Carley," I begin, "These past two years have been a hell of a ride. And as I start this new journey into the NFL, I want to start this new journey with you. I love you very much. Will you marry me?"

Carley pulls me into another hug. "Yes. Yes I will." She whispers through tears.

The greatest day of my life. I was an Atlanta Falcon, and I was engaged to the love of my life. What could possibly go wrong?

Not a crazy exciting chapter. Mostly just an introduction. Walkers will be introduced next chapter. I'll be accepting OC submissions for characters in later chapters- mainly just for the chapters in between seasons.