The chatter and buzz of discussion rang in Jay Fox's ears. Every face he saw was filled with excitement. Although Lu Ke always had the most reporters around him after every game—there was no doubt that this Chinese-American quarterback had become the center of attention in the league—the crowd today was unlike anything he had seen. The number of reporters had at least doubled, with over 60 of them gathered, waiting for Lu Ke's arrival and for the interview to begin. This was a fantastic game, a game full of topics and points of interest.
First, with this victory, the playoff situation in the NFC West had become clear. With this win, the San Francisco 49ers' season record was now 10 wins and 3 losses, putting them in first place. The Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks both had a record of 6 wins and 7 losses, while the St. Louis Rams' record was 2 wins and 11 losses. With only three games left in the season, even if the 49ers lost all of them and the Cardinals or Seahawks won all of theirs, they would not be able to catch up to the 49ers. This meant that the San Francisco 49ers had already secured the division title and would enter the playoffs for the first time in eight years! This was a definite outcome! It was indisputable and unshakeable!
The San Francisco 49ers were the second team in the NFC to officially secure a playoff spot. The first team to make it to the playoffs was, of course, the undefeated defending champions, the Green Bay Packers. With a record of 13 wins and 0 losses, they were leading the entire league, leaving the Detroit Lions, who were right on their heels at the beginning of the season, far behind. They had made it to the playoffs with an absolute advantage and were the top contenders for the Super Bowl!
In the remaining regular season games, the 49ers would be fighting for a higher seed in the playoffs, a more favorable matchup, and more home-field advantage. The Cardinals and Seahawks would be competing for second place in the division. If they could win all three of their remaining games, they would still have a glimmer of hope in the wild card race. A satisfying victory not only perfectly achieved revenge but also laid the foundation for the rest of the regular season in the division. More importantly, making it to the playoffs for the first time in eight years truly changed the team's slump and dejected attitude! No wonder the visiting fans were celebrating so wildly. One could only imagine what San Francisco looked like at this moment.
Second, the matchup between the two rookies, Lu Ke and Peterson, sparked countless conversations. In their last game, Peterson delivered a blow to Lu Ke with two interceptions. This not only proved that he had the potential to become a top cornerback and that his first-round fifth-overall pick was not a fluke, but it also proved that Lu Ke was not invincible. The rookie's flaws were completely exposed, providing a perfect example for other teams. In this matchup, Lu Ke completely dominated Peterson with a perfect performance, destroying the right side of the defense. The difference could be seen in two simple stats: first, Peterson couldn't force a single incomplete pass in this game; second, Lu Ke beat Peterson twice, with Logan Newman and Ted Ginn Jr. each scoring a touchdown.
It's no exaggeration to say that the strength and performance shown by these two rookies were the focus of both games. They made each other better and helped each other's teams. Before this game, the trash talk between the two young men had already sparked a fire. The confrontations on and off the field added a lot to the spectacle. After this game, the rivalry between the two young men would undoubtedly continue. The two division matchups every year would be something to look forward to. After this game, the division rivalry between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers could no longer be described as lacking fire and confrontation. The two teams had truly become mortal enemies, and history was being forged little by little.
Third, the racist remarks from the Cardinals' home fans during the game would undoubtedly become a major point of discussion. It was once joked that in North America, it was politically incorrect to discriminate against African Americans, but it was politically correct to discriminate against Asian Americans—not just Chinese Americans, but the entire Asian American community. This was a joke, but it wasn't entirely a joke. The way the league handled the excessive remarks in this game would be a hot topic for everyone. From the league's perspective, if they wanted to downplay it, it was a good thing that it was a day game and not a night game. If they wanted to make a statement and set a precedent, the opinions of the 32 team owners would be crucial.
And from Lu Ke's perspective, his approach and attitude would determine how people viewed this event, this person, and even this community. This was not an easy task. Everyone envied those who were in the spotlight, but sometimes, the responsibility and pressure that came with being in the spotlight were far beyond what anyone could imagine. A single misstep could completely ruin a person.
The spotlight, the spotlight, and still the spotlight. A major point, a selling point, and also a hot topic. For reporters, this game was like a treasure trove, hiding countless sales and clicks, waiting for them to dig and explore. Every reporter would undoubtedly report on it with a different perspective and attitude, but before that, they needed to get firsthand information—Lu Ke! This was the unanimous goal of everyone present! No one was an exception, not even Jay Fox.
Looking back at his college days, as Lu Ke and Logan Newman's roommate, Jay had witnessed the ups and downs of these two players. He had always thought that he understood the difficulties of being a Chinese-American player on the football field and the effort and sweat Lu Ke put into making his dream a reality. But now, Jay didn't dare to say that anymore. Unless you were truly in that position, no one could know what Lu Ke was facing and what he had gone through. Just like in this game, sitting in the press box, listening to those ugly and dirty curses, even Jay could barely stand it. So, what was it like for Lu Ke, who was standing on the field?
This interview, once published, might sink into the ocean and not change the prejudice and problems of society. But it could also be the starting point of a historical change. This was true for Lu Ke, for the league, and for the Asian-American community. Just as no one could have predicted the social upheaval that Martin Luther King Jr. would start, history is always made without people knowing it. It could be a small event, a small person, or an accident, but it could change the course of history. Today might be that turning point. After realizing this, Jay couldn't help but squeeze his hand. His voice recorder was wet with his warm sweat, and he could barely hold it.
"He's here!" In the midst of the buzz, someone whispered, and in an instant, all the noise disappeared. All the reporters looked up in the same direction. Then, Jay saw Lu Ke walking toward them, with Logan, Marcus, and others walking beside him. Usually, Lu Ke wouldn't intentionally avoid reporters, but he also wouldn't actively seek them out. Sometimes, he would even give interviews with his teammates, and the atmosphere would be harmonious and pleasant. Today, however, Lu Ke turned to his teammates and said hello, then he actively walked over to the reporters, jogging a little. His active posture and smiling face completely stumped the reporters. Was it because he had won the game and made it to the playoffs for the first time in eight years, and he had forgotten about the conflicts before and during the game? This was indeed a possibility for a hot-headed rookie.
Or was it because Lu Ke didn't want to get involved in those sensitive topics? After all, racism was a tough issue that couldn't be solved overnight. So, Lu Ke was actively trying to avoid it and had no intention of pursuing it or protesting it? Under his agent's advice, this kind of "thoughtful" move was entirely possible. He was giving face to the league, and the league would naturally appreciate it and just brush it off as a minor issue. All kinds of guesses quickly flashed through their minds. At this moment, Lu Ke stopped. The smile on his lips and the light in his eyes slowly disappeared, and his expression gradually became serious. His straight back and upright shoulders showed his proud and unyielding spirit.
"Regarding today's game, I have an official statement to make." Without giving the reporters a chance to ask a question, Lu Ke spoke first. His eyes scanned the group of reporters with determination. He even waited for a moment to make sure all the reporters had their voice recorders on before speaking again. "I am a Chinese-American player, and I am also a citizen who lives in this country. When everyone is emphasizing civil rights and that everyone should get rid of racism and not discriminate against minorities like African Americans and Latin Americans, a very ugly and terrible scene appeared in today's game. This is an insult, not just to me and the minority I represent, but it also tarnishes the sport of football."
"As a player, I have proven my ability and successfully stood on this field. Even as an Asian player, we can also play this sport. And now, as a citizen, I stand here to call for respect and fight for equality. I don't need special treatment, not too much and not too little, just equality! I hope that the Arizona Cardinals' team will give me an explanation and a response to this act of disrespect for sportsmanship that happened on the field today. This is my right, and it is your duty. Thank you."
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