Yep! Two Thanksgiving stories in one day! This one tells what happened after Madden's passing, as well as a certain reaction to a new NFL Tradition.
Forever in Silver
He knew what was about to happen. That's why he was here, why he came. He knew fully well he couldn't be here forever. He wasn't able to say goodbye last time but-he was gonna make sure he said it to him.
December 28, 2021...
The Guardians were relaxing after doing training, playing a game of Madden.
Ish: Been quiet recently. Haven't seen any problems on the radar.
Ash: Yeah, but I got a bad feeling cause of that.
Troy: Same here, something just feels off-especially today.
It was then the phone rang as Sandra grabbed the phone.
Sandra Taylor: Hello?-Yes he's here-*covers phone* Ish, phone for you.
That caught his attention as Ish went over.
Ish: Yes?-Commissioner Godell?
THAT got everyone attention as they turned...and they saw Ish pale.
Ish: *pale* I'm sorry-WHAT?
.
.
Liberty dropped the clipboard stopping the team in their place from grabbing their bags in the airport. They could see the disbelief in the Giant Rusherz' eyes as he listened to the otherline.
Liberty: *disbelief* When did it happen, we-we JUST SAW HIM mere days ago.
Cam Brown: *concern* Liberty?
Liberty was shaking.
.
.
Stampede: *mix emotions* HOW?! TELL ME HOW?!
The team flinched hearing the Bills Rusherz' tone as tears began to fell, he was shaking the phone. It was at that moment they knew-Someone had passed away.
.
.
.
Ish: *solemn* Y-Yeah I'll let them know. P-Please keep me posted and-and thank you.
Ish hung up as he turned to his friends and parents.
Marty:-WHO DIED?
Ish said nothing, looking at the paused game for a long time-and it clicked right there.
Ricky: *disbelief* NO. Your telling us HE DIED?
Sandra covered her mouth in shock as Lt. Matt held her close, knowing full well how much that man meant to his family when their son became a Guardian. Ish sadly nodded.
.
.
Liberty fell to his knees with tears falling from his face, the Gaints running over.
Casey Kreiter: *Concern* Lib what's going on!?
Liberty slowly looked up at his team, heartbreak on his face.
Liberty: *tears* It's-It's-It's Madden.
.
.
Stampede threw the bench to the wall screaming before pounding his hand to the ground, tears falling.
Stampede: *tears;mix emotions* DANG IT! DANG IT DANG IT DANG IT!
Sean McDermott: *runs over with the team:rubs his back* Stampede calm down, what happened?
Stampede looked to his team.
...
TWO WORDS HE NEVER THOUGHT HE WOULD SAY ESCAPED FROM HIS MOUTH.
...MADDEN'S GONE.
Later, HOK..
It was solemn in the HOK as the Rusherz and RZ sat around, the tragic news looming over them.
Spot: *tears* I can't believe he's gone, He-we just saw him days ago and he was fine.
Blow-Torch: I-I know. Just-gone. Like that...
RZ: Agree, I never thought John would be gone but-he couldn't sadly stay forever.
The HOK opened as the Guardians walked in, the Rusherz standing up.
Peck: *tears* Guys...
Tua: H-Hey...I take it it's hitting you guys hard too?
They nodded.
Freefall: We-We got word from the owners, It's-a shock.
Stampede: I-kinda lost it to be honest. The team gave me a few days off, gave us all a few days off but-John Madden, GONE. *Shakes his head* I never thought he'd be gone. He was-He should have been to the triple digits.
Ish: I know, we're here if you need any help. Service, funeral, memorials, we're here.
Chief: *tears* Thanks you guys.
Marty: *looks around for someone* -Where's Pillage?
..It hit hard when they realized the team Rusher Madden spent most of his coaching career with was not present.
Liberty: *worry* Oh man Pillage, he must be shattered hearing this bombshell. RZ, can you find him?!
RZ nodded as he looked-it was, instant.
RZ: He's at Allegiant Stadium.
Arrow-Head: Allegiant Stadium? *realization* He got to say goodbye.
All turned the the Chief's Rusher.
Arrow-Head: *tears up* He found out. He manage..to say goodbye.
Allegiant Stadium...
Pillage was leaning on the AL Davis Memorial torch, eyes red from crying. It hurt, it hurt so much but-he manage to say goodbye to him. It always haunted him that he never said goodbye to Al Davis in the living world, so-he manage to at least say goodbye to John Madden. He was emotionally drained but-he got to say goodbye.
Pillage: Thanks for being here longer Madden, and thanks Al for the warning.
?: Pillage?
Pillage looked over, seeing the other Rusherz and the Guardians.
Arrow-Head: Pillage...did you-
Pillage: -sighs- Yeah, I got to say goodbye. *gets up; walks over*-Can I have a hug?
Arrow-head responded immediately hugging him, tears falling.
Ash: We're so sorry Pillage.
Lasso: We're so sorry for your lose Pillage-
Pillage: *tears;hugging back* It's not just me, you guys loved him too. We all lost someone amazing. Not just the Raiders, not just the league, the Rush Zone lost a amazing man like Madden.
Hearing this, all the Rusherz fell into tears nodding with the Guardians. He was right, Madden wasn't just a Raider, he was the Rush Zone finest Friend.
Pillage's voice: Really thought he would reach triple..then again I thought Al would too. But-just their time.
.
.
Few days later, Service..
Pillage: Can't change when it's time. Madden was a really special man, with a strong passion for the sport. He lived, breathed, and embrassed it.
The area was packed, all dressed in Black with hints of silver on them. Even the Guardians were in the colors in their armor.
Pillage: I-I never thought we see the day the world of sports, the world of the NFL, the Rush Zone in general, would go on without Madden. I-I actually forgot what it was like without him, he was, EVERYWHERE. whether it be coaching, or commentating, or making his games, *chuckles* Even seeing him on the road heading to games...wonder if he's flying or if the Creator gave him his own bus to drive around?
Some chuckles were heard at that. He looked over to his team and the Rusherz...the Rusherz were silent, have been since that day. Pillage wasn't lying when he said the Rush Zone lost a great man, it hurted the Rusherz deeply. Pillage knew this was hard, it hurt and it SUCKED-but he knew one thing, he learned from the best after all.
Pillage: I know it's gonna be hard to finish the season with a huge loss like this-*takes a breath* BUT WE HAVE TO KEEP PLAYING FOR MADDEN.
That got the Rusherz attention as they looked to Pillage, who gripped the podium. His eyes were filled with determination as his eyes looked at them secretly.
Pillage: I know there are some of you who want to curl up and just-just watch the world go by, but there is so much more than sorrow. There is so much joy, and laughter with the sadness and grief. That's what makes life on Earth beautiful, having both the happiness and the tragedy. Madden would want us to keep going, to keep playing, to keeping smiling and laughing and crying, to LIVE. So..let's finish this season for him. Let's make sure that man with all the fallen greats who have the best seats in the stars see the best of the final weeks and one heck of a Super Bowl.
The Rusherz were standing up, nodding with determination in their heartbreak was still there, but now it filled them with determination and drive. They had a job, and they were gonna do it. Pillage gave a tiny smile seeing his friends.
Pillage thoughts: Madden, you seeing this. I'll make sure to take care of our dear friends and sport.
September, 16, 2022; Allegiant Stadium...
Pillage sighed in satisfaction, having gotten the paperwork done earlier than expected. The plans for the pro-bowl was already done, so now he could focus on the games. Yeah the season was, not the best, but it could be much worse. He was about to get up when-
Pillage: *eyes covered* Wha-
?: Forgetting something important today?
Pillage blinked, then it clicked.
Pillage: Ah! My given Birthday!
The hands were removed and Mark Davis chuckled with a smile.
Mark Davis: I thought you would almost forget, came over to remind you and wish you a Happy Birthday. *sees the paperwork* Your done already?
Pillage: Yep, got it all done so all we need to do is play the game-even if the scores are not pretty.
Mark winced nodding.
Mark Davis: Yeah, not gonna be a good season for us.
He looked over the his side and-
Mark Davis: *curious* Huh, you got a gift?
Pillage looked over, seeing the present. He had a small happy yet sad smile on his face.
Pillage: Yeah-it's, from Madden.
The room went silent at the mention of his name.
Mark Davis:-John Madden. *Pillage nods* How?
Pillage: I guess he knew his time was running out so he got me this. He left it in the Megacore vault after the documentary was made. So, when I got back saying goodbye I-I found it. I knew he would want me to open it on my birthday. Um-mind if you join me?
Mark was speechless, but smiled as both sat down as Pillage opened the present. It was a white box and when Pillage opened it-He dropped the lid.
Mark Davis: *eyes wide;shock* No, way.
Pillage starred at what was inside; a Vintage Jacket that looked JUST like Al Davis', with a emblem on it. It had A.M. on it-ALL MADDEN. Pillage shakenly lifted the jacket up-just HIS SIZE. It was then he saw a letter at the bottom, lifting and opening it.
Pillage: *reads* My dear Friend Pillage-
...
John Madden: *Writing* So if your reading this I'm gone. Can't be here forever even if I wanted to. But on the plus side, if you need to see me just do what you guys do best, BE YOU (All be it not nearly dying, gave me enough heart attacks as is). I know it's gonna be rough with me gone, you lost Al a decade ago and me being gone you'll definitely feel the blues. Then, this idea popped in my head; you having something to remember us and know we always have your back (this present being literal). And it's battle proof so it's not gonna tear apart anytime soon. I wanted to write this and hope you get this on your Birthday; I want to thank you and the Rusherz for being apart of my life; I was blessed with a loving family, amazing friends, and one fantastic job. I am so happy I got to help the Guardians of your dreams and was able to see one hundred years with you all. So, if you need anything just stop by. Hope you have a Happy Birthday and many more to come-
...
John Madden's voice: Yours and All, JOHN MADDEN.
Pillage sobbed as he held the letter and jacket, Mark comforting him.
Pillage: *tears* I-I love it John, I love it so much!
Mark hugged him as Pillage sobbed; tears filled with joy and sorrow.
HOK, bit later...
Arrow-Head: *worried* He hasn't come back yet?
All the Rusherz were waiting for Pillage to return.
RZ: He told me he needed to do something, he just messaged me saying he will be arriving soon.
The portal opened at that-
Stampede: *smiles* And there's the man of-(Pillage stepped out)-*awe* HOUR..
They were speechless.
Pillage: *wearing the jacket; beaming* Pretty grand huh! Look at this, really living in silver now! Gonna wear this bad boy often with the uniform.
Nothing but shock...
RZ: Where, did you get that jacket?
Pillage gave a warm smile at that.
Pillage: Madden gave me one more surprise. He left it in the vault after the documentary and told me to open it on my birthday...So um, you like the new look?
The Rusherz went over immediately, smiles of shock and awe on their faces.
Spot: YOU, LOOK, AMAZING.
Pillage: R-Really.
Peg-Leg: I mean, look at this! It's exactly like the one Al wore, and look at that emblem! "AM"-"ALL MADDEN"!
Chief: I love it, really suits you!
Arrow-Head: It's a wonderful gift Madden gave you Pillage, I'm sure he and Al are happy you love the gift.
RZ smiled warmly at Pillage.
RZ:-It really suits you Pillage.
Pillage smile grew.
Pillage: T-Thanks guys. -sighs- This brings back memories. Can't wait for the team to see me in this.
All smiled excited to see how the team would react to the Rusherz' new treads.
Thanksgiving, 2022...
Pillage: OKAY-I know you guys wanted to make sure I wasn't feeling down this Thanksgiving-but, the blindfold really?
Pillage was being lead down the hall by Terry Bradshaw.
Terry Bradshaw: *smiles* Come on we really want to surprise you, we've been working on it for weeks.
Pillage: Well alright, trust ya Terry.
Terry Bradshaw: By the way, you look really good in that jacket by the way. Suits you.
Pillage: *Smiles* Thanks, I-I really love this jacket and been receiving alot of compliments from everyone.
It was then after a while they stopped.
Pillage: Oh, we're here?
Terry whipped off the Blindfold and-
...
Pillage was left speechless.
The Rusherz, Guardians, commentators and analyst were grinning. The area was decked out for Thanksgiving for sure but-MADDEN. MADDEN was at the forefront. The banner said it all-
"JOHN MADDEN THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION".
He could see on the screens the logo of a iconic image of Madden on the 25 yard line, he could see stickers of it on the back of the players helmets, He could hear his iconic commentating on some of the screens. Gabe Gault ,a son of a football player and a artist, PAINTED A MURAL OF MADDEN.
Cris Collinsworth: BEHOLD! PRESENTING THE NEWEST TRADITION FOR THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL! John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration! Football is all the same, of course we're gonna have the Turducken and the awards given to the players but it's all gonna have that Madden flare to it. We're gonna start if off with tributes to the man himself on all three stations and the main channel.
Stacey Dales: Of course the turkey legs will be award to the players of the game as well to keep the homage to Madden. But in addition, we will have a "Madden Player of the Game" award. This award with the NFL Foundation will donate ten thousand dollar to the winner's name for a youth or high school program of their choice.
Pillage starred.
Liberty: *Smiles* SOO, What do you think?
Pillage: *shock;gibberish* MA-mad-ma-ma-madd-mad-
Tony Romo: *smirks* Ha-ha! He's speechless.
Marty: He almost look like he's gonna faint.
Pillage SLOWLY began to head to the floor and everyone realized he WAS gonna faint.
Rich Eisen: *realization* Oh he is-WHOA THERE!
Pack: *frantic* NOPE! LET'S NOT DO THAT!
Rich and Pack caught Pillage and helped him to his knees as he continued.
Michael Irvin: Okay this is not what I was expecting. Is-Is Pillage okay?
Pillage continued as he waved his arms at, well, EVERYTHING. The 30 team owners (plus Packer Representative) and the 32 coaches came out worried.
Jerry Jone: Never seen Pillage react like this before.
Marty: Is he gonna be okay?
Sheila Ford Hamp: I do believe we have broke him.
Antonio Pierce and Mark Davis went over trying to calm Pillage.
Antonio Pierce: Pillage, deep breaths buddy.
Mark Davis: Let's calm down and try to merge the words-
BIG MISTAKE THERE.
Pillage: *shock;high voice peaking* MADDEN GETS THANKSGIVING!
Everyone covered their ears not expecting the Raider voice to be loud.
Troy: Okay yeah, bad idea there.
K-9: *To Freefall and Sonar* And I thought you two's voice range was the only one that could go that high.
Jim Nantz: Maybe we should give him some time. I think he's feeling alot of emotions, and not the bad ones.
Looking at Pillage more closely..they could see he slowly had a smile grow on his face.
.
Pillage finally got his words, and his heart, calmed down as he stood up and went to the display grinning with tears pricking his eyes.
Pillage: *beaming* LOOK AT ALL THIS! THIS IS AMAZING! You got his famous fist up air pose as the Logo! And on all THE STADIUMS! *quickly goes to a screen; beaming* You got his quotes from his commentaries on INSTAGRAM AND SNAP-CHAT!?
Soar: It was not easy to find them all, but we got help from NFL Films and his family to get them.
Pillage smile only grew as he looked around more.
Pillage: *at a screen* You got his new game for next year featuring before the game-AND YOU GOT HIM AS THE FEATURE IMAGE! And he would love the new award helping a chosen school and youth program!
At this point his tears fell as he went to the mural.
Pillage: Gabe, this is GORGEOUS! Look at this oh I love it! Madden would love it!
Gabe Gault blushed hearing this as Pillage turned to them-his eyes red with tears of joy and a smile on his face.
Pillage: Madden would love this! I-I love this! How did you-so many questions.
Arrow-Head: Well it's defiantly weird not to have John Madden during Thanksgiving, with that in mind everyone decided to give him the day for Football.
Tua: So they Branded the game days on Thanksgiving in his honor.
Pillage sniffed wiping his eyes.
Pillage: This is-this is one the greatest thing I've seen. I-I'm so happy Madden got Thanksgiving games celebrating him. He would love this, so much.
Pillage tears kept falling as wiping them did nothing, he was smiling as Mark placed a hand on his shoulder with a warm smile.
.
.
Pillage took a drumstick of the Turdunken, wrapping it in tinfoil as the party went on through the games.
Beast: Oh, you saving it Pillage?
Pillage: I'm actually making a new tradition, tell the others I'll be back shortly.
With that he made a portal and jumped in, Beast warmly smiling as he knew where he was going.
Cathedral of Christ the Light Mausoleum...
Pillage ran down to the location and stopped, smiling and panting a bit.
Pillage: H-Hey Madden, I-I hope you love what the league did for you cause I certainly do. Sorry for the unexpected visit, know I saw you a few days ago but I want to give you something.
Pillage set the wrapped Turducken drumstick next to Madden's place.
Pillage: I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Madden, I'll see you later.
With that Pillage turned and walked out-he turned to the spot again and...The Turdunken was gone.
HE SMILED.
Pillage: *warmly smiles* Glad you like it Madden.
THE
END
Hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving :)!