These first few days of preseason have really been about getting my body back into the rhythm of team training and adjusting mentally to all the newness around me. Transitions always bring some type of challenge, even if its change that you wanted to happen. My mind has been cycling between confidence and doubt, optimism and uncertainty. It is really interesting to sit back and kind of observe this pattern passively, you know? There are moments when I feel fully prepared and excited, when I can clearly see how this step in my career can elevate me. And then, without warning, questions surface. Will this work the way I hope? Will it unfold the way I envision? They aren’t triggered by anything specific. They just appear, uninvited, throughout the day at random times.
In the past, I would have reacted to those fearful thoughts and let them dictate my decisions. Having been down that road many times before, I’ve learned to take a different approach. Now I step back. I observe the emotion, acknowledge it, and let it pass without giving it authority. Of course, there are still moments of discouragement, and others where I feel like the most optimistic person in the world. But neither extreme gets to control my commitment to improving, my effort, or my enjoyment of the game. The work stays steady regardless of the mood.
From a team perspective, the locker room is full of funny, competitive, and driven guys. Even in less than two weeks, I feel like I’ve started building real foundations with them. I’m curious about everything: what makes each guy tick, how they communicate, how they respond to adversity, who stays late, who shows up early. I genuinely believe this group can do something special. There’s quality in every position and a willingness to sacrifice for the badge. And at the end of the day, that’s all you can ask for.
Overall, I can clearly see how the work I put in this offseason (mentally, physically, technically) has prepared me. Three months away from a team environment makes re-assimilation a challenge, but it’s sharpening me in a different way. When I truly hit rhythm with this group, when everything starts flowing naturally… just know it’s going to be a sight.
On a personal note, Ellie and I moved into a beautiful apartment in Ballantyne, NC, close to everything we need. The opportunity came out of nowhere through someone we know, and we took it as confirmation that we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be. Although, I’m grateful to have moved in, don’t even get me started on talking about what it was like moving furniture in 30/40-degree rain, renting a U-Haul, and shelling out money like its charity. In the moment, I was moody and had instances of crashing out but looking back, it’s one of those stories we’ll laugh about for years.
I was also able to reconnect with an old mentor of mine, Josuet Rea, who I met when I was 11 or 12 years old. Back then, he was a pro player training in the area, and my family helped house him for a short time. Life has a funny way of bringing things full circle. Now he owns JRea Loaded Potatoes here in Charlotte, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best meals I’ve had in the city so far. Absolutely top tier. If you’re ever in Charlotte, go ahead and check him out.
My visit to Josuet’s food truck on February 21st, 2026
And yes, the movie obsession continues. Ellie and I signed up for AMC memberships which includes four free movies a week for around $20 a month. Financially, it makes too much sense for us not to. We’d spend that on one trip to the movies anyway. We’re probably going to be on a first-name basis with the theater staff soon. Cinema might be one of life’s greatest simple pleasures right up there with family, food, football… and maybe a great book.
That’s the latest from the 704. Here’s to staying committed to the process and letting the chips fall where they may.
