SAN DIEGO – As Super Bowl Sunday draws near, Stephen Moritz, an area scout for the Padres and a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan, finds himself enveloped in a whirlwind of emotions.
He’s filled with hope as he imagines his Chiefs chasing a potential third consecutive title, yet he can’t shake the nagging regret for a talent he once had the chance to guide: A.J. Brown.
Lost Opportunity
Drafted in the 19th round back in 2016, Brown has flourished into a star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now, he stands poised to take on Moritz’s Chiefs in Super Bowl 59.
Moritz always believed in Brown’s athletic prowess, particularly given his dual-sport excellence at Starkville High.
However, the allure of Brown’s potential on the baseball diamond ultimately swayed the Padres’ decision at that fateful moment in the draft.
Reflecting on his choice, Moritz recalls the excitement that surrounded Brown’s signing.
The Padres saw a tremendous opportunity, believing that nurturing this young talent could lead to securing an All-Star caliber player.
It felt like a gamble that could yield high rewards with minimal risk.
By signing him, they retained his rights while allowing him to train at their facilities during the off-seasons.
Connections Through Sports
Throughout his college years, Brown dabbled in baseball, participating in extended spring training with the Padres.
While he never suited up for an official game, he dedicated himself to refining his skills, taking batting practice and honing his fielding, all the while daydreaming of a future in sports.
Brown himself has often shared his passion for football, frequently attributing the discipline he gained from baseball to his gridiron success.
He likened the moment of tracking a deep pass to gauging a fly ball in center field, demonstrating the direct influences of his baseball experience on his football career.
Moritz vividly remembers the moments that underscored Brown’s remarkable athleticism.
One instance that sticks out is when Brown’s quickness shone through as he sprinted from first to home on a well-hit ball.
Another unforgettable moment came when he smashed a difficult pitch over the left-center fence, proving his power and precision at the plate.
A Bittersweet Super Bowl
Even with the passing of time and diverging careers, the link between Brown’s talents across sports remains striking.
Recently, Moritz was captivated as he watched Brown make a game-changing play during the NFC Championship, a testament to how seamlessly his athleticism translates from baseball to football.
As the Super Bowl approaches, Moritz hopes for a triumphant day for his Chiefs while secretly cheering for Brown to shine, embracing the bittersweet nature of the matchup.
He looks forward to gathering with family and friends, all decked out in Chiefs gear, ready to immerse themselves in the excitement of the game.
Ultimately, while Moritz’s allegiance lies with the Chiefs, he can’t help but celebrate Brown’s achievements in football.
He wishes the young athlete well, all the while silently hoping he won’t overshadow his team’s big moment.
With years of memories behind them, the pride Moritz feels over his past decision endures, even as he rallies for Kansas City to claim yet another victory.
