Rampage meets up with a famous Player who is concerned about the future for players like him.
Good news, they still got the Rusherz on their side ;)
With great cheerers like them
January 11, 1921...
It was not easy playing sports during eras like these. He knew it would be awhile for the ball to truly get rolling on having more diversity. Fritz Pollard knew that, as did many others. Still, that did not deture him or others as they put their all in for the fans they got. Fritz mind wandered as he looked around the Canton area-before his eyes caught something.
Fritz Pollard: What is-isn't that one of those Rusherz?
He saw a blue ram with yellow horns trying to see something on top of a very tilted bucket.
Rampage: Seriously they should have better things to stand-*bucket falls* ON!
Fritz Pollard: *Reacts* WHOA!
Fritz bolted and caught Rampage before he hit the ground, both sighing in relief.
Rampage: Okay, bad idea on my end Thanks.
Fritz Pollard: *puts him down* No problem.
Rampage gave himself a quick look before turning to Fritz...freezing.
Rampage: Aren't you...Fritz Pollard?
Fritz Pollard: *unsure* Y-Yes.
Fritz had no idea how the Rusherz would react to him, he had no idea how the Rusherz would reaction to the differnt features of human beings
...He was not expecting the Rampage to be beaming at him five seconds later.
Rampage: *Joy* I can't believe I ran into you! OH MAN WHAT LUCK! I saw you at the games against Peck's team you were on fire! I swear you were a blur whenever you had the ball! Fritz was surprised to see this reaction. And you got skills as a coach too! I really hope you get to shows those skills on the field soon.
Fritz Pollard: T-Thank you for the compliment.
Rampage: ARG I WISH I HAD A TEAM! I would do anything to recruit a powerhouse like you on it!
Fritz smiled a bit at this, the Rusher now wishing he had a team to recruit him.
Fritz Pollard: Well, I'll still give my support to you guys no matter what team or if I retire from the spot.
Rampage smiled as the two walked.
Fritz Pollard: Mind if I ask what you were doing?
Rampage: Wanted to see if those merchs the team was selling here, Peck heard they normally sell team stuff in these stores BUT, well-size problems.
Fritz Pollard: Yeah see that, we need to work on the height situation there, and to answer your they do. Saw some Cardinal merch on some of the fans so it's selling.
Rampage: *smiles* Peck will be happy to hear that. He's been busy helping the team grow, and Grizzly and Pack are gonna be starting their venture with their teams this year. Sure they would love having their teams face your team next season.
Fritz Pollard: *small smile* Tell them I look forward to the games.
They walked in silence for a whole till-
Rampage: You looked nervous when you saw me. Is it because of-whatever this weird thing is with you and other people.
Fritz paused at the question, admiring the Rusherz perceptiveness.
Fritz Pollard: Yeah. You Rusherz are, very differnt from humans.
Rampage: Why is that?
Fritz Pollard: Well, some folks just-don't feel comfortable around folks like me.
Rampage: *confused*-I don't see any reason why. Your a very kind and dedicated man. So- what's the problem-*Clicks* OH!-*Nervous* Oh...THAT part of history.
Fritz Pollard: *nods* Yeah, still around unfortunately.
Rampage sighed, before looking at Fritz with what he could describe as-determination, dedication, passion.
Rampage: Well you don't need to worry about that from us Rusherz. Our game is for everyone, so long as they aren't doing evil stuff. We don't excluded.
Fritz was surprised, but he finally fully smiled.
Fritz Pollard: That's really good to hear you guys are cheering for us too.
Rampage: Of course...Yeah there's gonna be bumps but you guys will decrease this negativity! Besides, if I recall the info I read, your son has a bright future given he's go the running gene. He's a smart kid too so got a bright future ahead of him in my eyes.
Fritz smiled even more at the thought of his son. Jr. was a runner for sure, the concept of him making a mark somewhere in sports history made him beam. Not to mention, he was indeed smart. He could see his son making a difference in the country once he grew up.
Fritz Pollard: Thanks-Rampage right? The Ram Rusher?
Rampage nodded.
Rampage: Like I said, wish I had a team to recruit you. Quick on your feet and the smarts to boot, even after football your gonna go places. We'll be rooting for you all the way.
Fritz smiled warmed hearing all this during their walk.
Fritz Pollard: Thanks Rampage, and I'll do my best to help you guys out any way I can.
.
.
Fritz smiled as he drove. He had heard that the Rusherz were firm on their belief on that Football was everyone's game, to hear that in person was even better. Rampage was right; it would take a while for them to be fully in the league, there would be hurdles. He knew that there would come a time they would be out of the game of football for a while, and deep down he knew those Rusherz would be tested back and forth on this for a while.
Yet, he wasn't worried as much anymore. One look at just one of them told him everything he needed to know-RUSHERZ WERE STUBBORN. They would be ready to bring all the information and reality to the table during those times with gusto and power.
He also couldn't help but shudder at the concept of someone ANGERING A RUSHERZ. The concept in his head alone was ridiculous, WHY WOULD YOU ANGER THEM?
Fritz Pollard: Angering a Rusher, for some reason that sounds like a bad idea.
He continued his drive thinking.
Deep down he knew those Rusherz were differnt from humans. With what they experience and gone through, they needed a break. And, despite his and others in his position at the moment in history, he was going to do all he can to help the Rusherz of the core...
Cause not only was they rooting for him, HE IS ROOTING FOR THEM.
Fritz Pollard: Well work together for a even brighter future guys. I promise.
.
.
Hotel...
Peck: LUCKY! I can't believe you meet Fritz Pollard!
Rampage was talking to Peck, Pack and Grizzly about who he had run into.
Rampage: I know! What are the odds with that?
Grizzly: Joseph was right about this place, it draws all football stars to it.
Rampage: Yeah-*sad* I just wish others saw the potential he has too.
Pack went closer and patted the Ram Rusherz' back.
Pack: One day they will, we just landed in a very strange time. Besides, we're support them through these weird years till folks finally chill-even if it's a little.
Rampage nodded, then smile in determination.
Rampage: Well if they don't when the time comes me and my team will make them! We'll break them if we need to-!
Peck: *worried* Think that's a bad idea, Freefall says human bones are alot more delicate than Rusherz.
Rampage: Mostly meant mind and poor moral wise.
Peck: *blushes*-Ah. That's even better.
Pack: Oh yeah much more long lasting.
Grizzly: *Smiles* Well, till then, we'll do our part and spread our message then! Give them a boost!
Rampage: Yeah! I wanna see his son in sports, he seems more of the, hope this is right, Olympic athlete.
The four continued their conversation, still with their's and the other Rusherz' firm belief on their goal, and Rampage's preparations for the future when the time comes.
...He's gonna do all he can to make sure these Humans got the message, even if it had to take years to do so.
In the 1920s, players like Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall we playing in the league, BUT IT WAS THE 1920s so in 1927 they and many others were kicked out of the league. However their contributions were never forgotten and players like Fritz and Bobby were inducted to the Hall of fames (Fritz with the pro, Bobby with the collage).
As for when they allowed players like them again in the league, well; in 1933 there were two Joe Lillard and Ray Kemp (both leaving with Ray becoming a successful coach). But it wouldn't be until 1946; the year the Rams moved to LA and drafted Kenny Washington and Woody Strode that things really started to get rolling. The Browns soon followed their lead and once the 1960s came with Lombardi, the rest is history.
BUT, it all started with the Rams; So keep this in mind when we get to the 1940s ;).