He waits in the shadows, hoping that, with the game on the line, he will receive the call. He knows not why he has enjoyed the success he has, nor why he attracts legions of female fans at every hotel and bar. He only knows that he has been hired to do a job, and it is one he does as well as anyone else in the National Football League. Others may have the records and the accolades, the glory and the fame, but he keeps producing week after week. He is a working class hero, a legend in his own time. He is Al Del Greco, the Human Highlight Reel.
Al Del Greco has been playing football in this league for a long time, but recently, his efforts have drawn the attention of Godking, highly volatile owner of the Legion. In 1998, the Token Minorities won a late-season contest with the Legion, and Godking has never forgotten the diminutive kicker's important role. Just this past week, though, Del Greco brought back all of the painful memories, once again driving a spike through Godking's chance for victory. Once can be considered a coincidence, but twice certainly merits investigation. Regardless, the image of Al Del Greco is indelibly printed in the mind of Godking.
The score is 16-14, and there are mere seconds left on the clock. The Tennessee Oilers have just scored to take the lead on the Steelers, and only a miracle will save the fast-fading Pittsburgh franchise. When the kickoff is fielded, the laterals ensue, as every Steeler knows that a fallen man will signify the end of the game. During this haphazard play, the ball squirts free into the end zone, where a Tennessee Oiler pounces on the ball for a touchdown. Oilers dash for the exit, elated from this victory over their hated rival. But, wait - what about the extra point? The Oilers return from their locker room, Al Del Greco trots back onto the field, and his extra point puts the finishing touches on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Godking's Legion would have owned a narrow lead over Echo's Token Minorities were it not for this late touchdown, and the Legion still would have gained a tie-breaking victory had Al Del Greco not returned to kick the decisive extra point. The spunky Oiler did return, and the Legion fell to the Minorities, 184-183. Last week, with Tennessee trailing the Kansas City Chiefs, 14-7, backup quarterback Neil O'Donnell led the Titans on a late scoring drive, tying the game at 14 apiece. Overtime followed, and, with the game on the line, guess who got the call? Al Del Greco, who promptly knocked home a chip shot to lead the Titans to victory. Of course, his late field goal also propelled the Token Minorities over the Legion, 166.30-164.80.
How can one man haunt a team the way Al Del Greco has haunted Godking's Legion? The intimidating owner, who first gained notoriety following the alleged disappearance of some of his DC Felons in 1998, still fumes at the mention of Del Greco. What has remained a mystery until now is whether or not Del Greco is aware of the pain he has inflicted upon Godking. It turns out he has known all along, and he even relishes his role:
"Lawrence Phillips, Michael Irvin. The list goes on. Over the years, Godking's team has been a haven for the morally reprehensible! Any time I can strike back at an institution of such filth, I do not hesitate. I line up my kick, and I knock it home," said an impassioned Del Greco, a smirk plastered on his face. Then again, he is the Human Highlight Reel. Should we expect anything less?