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Chapter 32 - Chapter 10: The Business Side

The agents had come and gone in the weeks following their first meeting, leaving behind a trail of glossy business cards, promises of greatness, and a cloud of uncertainty. KJ, Kyle, and Kareem had all met with different agents, each offering a different vision of what their futures could look like. But now, the real decision-making began. They had spent days discussing their options, weighing the pros and cons, and listening to their parents' advice.

KJ had initially been skeptical of the agents who showed up, sensing they were more focused on the immediate, easy gains rather than long-term development. But after much thought, he chose an agent who didn't have any big names in his roster yet but showed an unwavering hunger to bring his clients up to the highest level. The agent, a young man named David Brooks, had no history with established stars, but he had a fire in his eyes that KJ respected. Brooks was driven, passionate, and, most importantly, he believed in the vision of building players from the ground up. He wasn't just looking for an easy paycheck; he was looking for players who were ready to work hard, build a reputation, and eventually, succeed on their terms.

KJ didn't want to be just another name on an agent's list. He wanted someone who would make sure his career path wasn't rushed. He wanted someone who would take the time to help him grow into the player he knew he could be. After a long discussion with his family, KJ made the decision. He felt good about it. He trusted his instincts, and David Brooks was the right choice.

Kyle, on the other hand, struggled more with his decision. He was younger, still figuring out what kind of player he wanted to be, and self-doubt had crept into his mind. There were moments when he questioned whether he was good enough, if his skills would be enough to make it at the top level. But when he met Emma Peterson, a highly intelligent and experienced agent who had worked with a mix of high-potential young players and rising stars, something clicked. Emma wasn't flashy. She didn't promise Kyle the world. Instead, she made him think deeply about what kind of player he wanted to become.

Emma had a way of speaking that made Kyle reflect on his journey. She didn't just talk about getting him to Europe or signing big deals. She asked him questions that no one had ever asked before: What kind of legacy did he want to leave? Did he want to be known for his flashy skills, or did he want to be remembered for his work ethic, consistency, and versatility? Kyle had always known he was a talent, but Emma challenged him to think beyond that—about his mental game, his attitude, and how to balance his natural flair with the tactical side of the game.

After his meetings with Emma, Kyle felt a sense of clarity. He didn't want to just be known as a quick, skillful winger. He wanted to be the complete package—a player who could thrive anywhere on the field, who could outwork and outsmart opponents. And with Emma, he saw that path clearly. She didn't promise him fame or fortune. She promised to help him grow into the player he wanted to be—and that's what Kyle needed most.

Kareem, ever the silent observer, had his own thoughts. Despite being the youngest, he was already thinking ahead. Unlike his brothers, who were in the thick of the decision-making process, Kareem wasn't ready to sign with anyone just yet. He didn't want to rush. He had a clear plan: he would only consider an agent when the time was right, when he had developed a stronger sense of his identity as a player. For now, he wanted to focus on growing and perfecting his game. He watched his brothers carefully, seeing their decisions unfold, but he knew that rushing into the business side of things would be premature.

His family supported his decision, understanding that Kareem still had time. He wasn't even close to hitting his peak yet, and his talent was still blossoming. The day would come when he would need representation, but for now, he was content focusing on the field, where his growth was still in full swing.

It wasn't just about the contracts or the fame. Kareem wanted to be the best version of himself first, and he knew that would take time. He respected his brothers' choices, but he wasn't in a rush to follow in their footsteps just yet.

As the weeks passed and they settled into their decisions, the brothers continued to train hard. KJ and Kyle now had the weight of their new agents on their shoulders, but they were confident in their choices. They were ready to put in the work. Kareem, meanwhile, felt no pressure to keep up. His time would come, but for now, he was focused on what mattered most—his growth as a player.

And although they weren't yet facing the trials of the professional world, the brothers knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges. But they also knew one thing for sure: they were prepared for whatever came their way. They had learned to deal with pressure and overcome doubts. The road was long, but they were ready for the fight.

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