Thicker Than Water: Two Shields

by JAMoney14 | 2 years ago | 0 Comments

by Jackson Grady, Season 80 Red Zone Draft - 12/21/2022

 

 

They say "Blood is Thicker than Water"... An idiom believed to come from an 1815 Scottish Novel. The meaning? Familial bonds are always the strongest and most important ones to treasure. Those who share pieces of DNA, those who share the same blood pumping through their veins.

Or as Vin Diesel might say... "Nothing is more important than family."

 

Let us take our story back to Crockett, Texas. A small town with less than 7,000 population, Crockett is a tight-knit community. Although squeezed between the large sprawling cityscapes of Dallas and Houston, Crockett shares many traditions and morals that you would see in small-town America all across the country. A town that prides itself on honor, hard work, and family. 

In fact, the entire school system runs through one organization. Crockett's school system motto? "One Town-One School-One Family".

The themes of family and work effort were not lost on the two highest profile athletes to ever come from Crockett since Phil Clark made a name for himself as a standout basetball player in the 90s. Two kids that would grow up in Crockett and become universally beloved by fans of their athletic feats as well as their selfless acts off of the field. Two kids that - whether they knew it or not - would come to redefine the organization standing at the highest level of professional sports, the Red Zone Football League. 

2002-2003

October 2002, the Shields family welcome their first son. Chase Lewis Shields. Just 16 months later, the young Chase was joined by a new member of the family, Jonathan Trenton Shields. Chase and Jonathon Shields grew up togther, almost inseparable as brothers, teammates, and friends. Just 1 grade apart, both Chase and Jonathan (affectionately known as "Jon-Jon" by his family) shared the halls of Crockett Elementary, Middle School, and eventually Crockett High School. 

As the children grew, so did their love for the creative and athletic outlet of competitive sports. Crockett, being a small town public school, lacked the resources to field top-level teams, but that never seemed to bother the Shields'. They knew that they couldn't control things like that. They knew that their entire life, they had been taught to keep their heads down, work harder than anyone else, and greatness would come. 

At times, this mindset can cause those in isolation to grow frustrated. In reality, "hard work" often simply is not enough to drive success. Nothing is promised, no matter how hard you may work. For the Shields', they did not have to live in isolation. Both Chase and Jon-Jon were never privvy to anything except pushing each other to their absolute limit. Even as teenage boys, stories became commonplace of of each athlete ending a workout, just to see their brother push on and deciding to go back and push themselves further because of it. Importantly, neither ever saw this mindset as a "rivalry". It was never about being better than the other. It was never about embarrassing or standing taller. 

This didn't stop in the gym. In the classroom, this desire and drive to propel one another to the very peak - a peak they wanted to share space on - propelled them to the top of their class as students. This drive followed them to the baseball field, the basketball court, and the football field. If Crockett had room for a bowling team, ice hockey team, or any other competitive venture, you can be certain that Jon-Jon and Chase would be side by side on those teams, pushing each other to be the very best. 

Despite Crockett's inability to compete with other local public schools in their division, the losses never halted this drive. Those closest to the Shields' brothers are unmistakeable in their admiration for the boys ability to turn a blind eye to adversity and continue pushing as if they were undefeated in every walk of life. The true embodiment of everything you would want in a student athlete.

 

2016

In the Summer of 2016, a 14 year old Chase moved to Crockett High School as a freshman. While still held in the same buildings, it felt like a lifetime away from the brother he had been inseparable from for their entire lives. Chase and Jon-Jon had played many positions over the years, their overwhelming lust for competition and raw athletic abilities shining in every sport they played, but as Chase moved to high school as a freshman, leaving Jon-Jon to continue wow'ing onlookers with incredible feel for the sports he took part in, Chase was once again a boy amongst older, more mature players.

Building the comraderie Chase did with his younger brother, only to have it taken away, slowed Chase's progress as he reached high school. The classroom and the gym became a more difficult environment to thrive in. The increased expectations from varsity level coaches led to frustration from Chase, who did not see a ton of on-field success as a freshman baseball/football player. Chase spent most of his time as a kid showing off his advanced size at tight end and wide receiver, but now as one of the youngest on the team, he no longer held the same size advantage he once did playing against 6th and 7th graders. 

As the story goes, one chilly evening after practice, Chase and Jon-Jon were practicing pitching by themselves, sharing a moment at a dimly lit local park, surely using the opportunity to talk about their future and Chase's desire to have his best friend share a field with him once again... They were joined by the two boys baseball coach, who noticed a certain fire coming off of Chase's arm. This information was shared with then-head football coach Marty Rivers, who himself was a teacher at Crockett High School. Rivers, desperate to try anything new that may give his team a greater chance to compete against nearby local schools, allowed Chase to take snaps at Quarterback as a HS Freshman... A decision he would not soon regret.

Without a certified quarterback on the roster already, his previous starter having graduated the previous year, coach Rivers felt confident enough to allow Shields to take the keys to the offense in just his 4th game as a freshman. Without his ability to use size as an advantage as a receiver, Chase was open to the new experience and practiced his quarterback play alongside his brother in his spare time, as well as at practice. 

Once again, to the surprise of only those watching on, Chase's feel for the game took over and he was instantly recognized as the small town school's best option at signal caller. The coaching style of Crockett High School slowly transformed from a run-heavy team to one that incorporated quick-decision making west coast style throws. Chase struggled his freshman season, more likely attributed to the tiny school he played at, but his knack for reading defenses pre-snap and delivering very quick throws with precision became unmissable for his coaching staff. The future seemed bright for the young kid despite his struggles.

2017

As Chase Shields entered his sopomore high school season, the time had finally come to welcome his baby brother into the dim,  underfunded halls of Crockett High School. Jon-Jon's presence alongside his brother provided an instant boost to both boys. 

Just like that. They were back.

Chase once again entered the new season as the projected starting quarterback. Jon-Jon entered the high school system as a fan favorite pitcher and multi-dimensional weapon on the football field for parents and visiting fanbases alike. The two would often dazzle away crowds with their superior athleticism in middle school, and were both ready to do it again.

At a pre-season practice, coach Marty Rivers was interested in testing the arm of a very young Shields, this time in Jon-Jon. Despite being 16 months younger, Jon-Jon impressed everyone with the zip and precision he had on the football, keeping pace with his brother every step of the way in drills. Chase would come off and watch his brother with an ear-to-ear smile, as he fired rockets that had no business coming from a 14 year olds arm... Though sometimes a little erroneously. 

Despite the greater "raw" tools Jon-Jon showed at quarterback, Chase would go on to win the starting job through the trust and development he had shown reading defenses the year prior. Chase would be even better in his sophomore season and Crockett High School would go on to post their best regular season record in 25 years with Chase Shields under center and his brother driving him to be even better than he was before. 

Sporting numbers 13 and 14 respectively, the Shields' boys were ready to take their small school to a new level. Even losing their friends and seniors at running back and wide receiver to graduation... Next year, they would do just that. 

2018

After posting impressive numbers and becoming the talk of the town, the Shields began to mature and grow into their own. Now a 17 year old Junior, Chase had grown into his more lanky frame, now boasting a 6'3 frame and standing at a respectable 205 lbs. 

Still expected to lead the team at Quarterback, Chase entered the preseason once again ready to lead his team to the next level. In the first game of the season, a traditional warm-up game against the much stronger, much more resourceful Trinity High School, Chase began to struggle leading a team with so few weapons. His ability to read and react on the fly was for not, as many of his inexperienced receivers and offensive linemen were not ready to hold up their end of the bargain. Chase would throw 4 interceptions and fumble 1 more away, as he ran for his life against Trinity in a 40 point loss. 

The game seemed to affect Chase more than any other before. Crockett had suffered plenty of massive defeats in the past, but this one felt different. Something had grown in Chase. As the only Shields' in the locker room, he was chosen to be a starting high school quarterback in the state of high school football. He was chosen over seniors and juniors and Jon-Jon did not share the locker room with him at the time. Perhaps it was the pressure that put on him. Perhaps it came down to wanting to hold up that same standard the two boys had enjoyed setting as they grew up. 

Maybe, getting older and watching classes of your teammates leave your locker room gives you a perspective that our lifespan as athletes -at any level - is inherently limited, so you have to make the absolute most of it.

Whatever the case may be, Chase Shields lashed out at his teammates and in what was probably not seen as the greatest "teammate" move, decided to laude his sophopmore brother as the best player on the team who "should have been playing all along." This was uncharted territory for the two brothers, who had spent most of their time as student athletes as hard working, humble guys, just trying to make everyone around them great. For Chase, who had spent a life of being driven in this way, not prepared to complain about his family's lack of wealth or his family's social status, this was the first time that he felt other people should share the same drive he and his brother have. Jon-Jon's aprehension to be lauded in this way was noted as well, with him deciding to side with his teammates and attempt to uplift the locker room. 

The outburst was not well documented and was largely forgotten about afterwards. Even without publicity, there is no doubt in my mind that this moment played a pivotal part in what would develop over the next 4 years. 

Before any of that, though, Chase took matters into his own hands as a leader and team captain. After just 2 games as starting quarterback in his Junior season, and recognizing his growth spurt, Chase forfeited his position as starting quarterback and chose to move back to wide receiver. The motivation to want to be the receiving option he never had for his brother, who he truly believed was the second coming at quarterback, was another sign that despite maturing and changing with the times, Chase would never abandon the love of his brother or the desire to be great. 

Jon-Jon was more than ready for the opportunity, once again evolving the offense from a quick-read, short pass offense into a vertical powerhouse. Still refining his decision making and accuracy, there was still no doubt that Jonathan Shields boasted the strongest arm of anyone in the area, an arm so well defined for a kid his age, that college scouts began to take notice. Although only a sophomore, scouts from small colleges in the area began contacting Jon-Jon. 

The answer never changed each time he responded. "We are a package deal. Chase is one of the most talented players you could ask for."

Crockett tied their previous season's record and gave a scare to a local powerhouse in a late season playoff tournament, though they fell short. The combination of Chase's ability to play multiple positions and take to them like a fish to water and Jon-Jon's incredible raw tools in the passing game led to one of the most dangerous combinations in the area at the time. 

2019

The time had drawn closer and closer for Chase Shields Senior campaign. Chase was as strong and filled out as he'd ever been now up to 220 lbs at 6'3. The apples don't fall far from the tree, as Jon-Jon also enjoyed a growth spurt just as his brother had the year prior, now himself standing over 6 feet tall and growing even stronger than before.

As gym rats, Chase and Jon-Jon were the first in and the last out. Teammates just as determined lacked the ability or stanima to continue as the two brothers were often the final ones in the gym, at times needing to be told to go home by a coaching staff concerned about their physical limitations. 

If you know anything about these two at this point, you know 'Limitations' is not in their vocabulary. Each and every game, each and every practice... When Chase caught a missile from his brother, he'd hit the weights even harder that day. When Jon-Jon was being coached up by his brother on schemes and how to make adjustments on the fly, he'd spend all night watching game tape. Any difficiency, any area of improvement they would see in themselves, they would look to each other on how to address it. 

The chemistry on the field was incredible, leading Chase to his best season yet, posting record receiving numbers and even taking snaps at half-back, option quarterback, safety, and linebacker. 

Jon-Jon also cut his turnover total in half from his sophomore season, throwing for over 2,750 yards and 25 touchdowns as a Junior. 

The calls and contacts from scouts increased. For the first time, the collegiate scouting outlet "247sports" updated their list of recruits, posting Chase Shields as a 4-star "Athlete" as a Senior and Jonathan Shields as a 4-star quarterback. The increased local attention drew the ire of scouts from many smaller schools and heavy pushes from DII programs in the south. 

No contact was perhaps more surprising than the one the brothers received on a rainy Friday night, as they were approached by their coach Marty Rivers and a man donning a Texas A&M windbreaker. The man, who they learned to be Dameyune Craig, offensive assistant with Jimbo Fisher's Aggies, was here to see two prospects in particular... Chase and Jon-Jon Shields. To say he had been impressed was an understatement. The boys had a meeting with the scout and as you could have probably guessed by now... The answer remained the same.

"We are a package deal." 

There was no loyalty to any program, no matter the size, only to one another. As teammates at the next level. That is what they wanted.

Crockett would once again enjoy a record setting regular season, though they were once again trounced in their postseason playoff by a much larger school. Still, confidence was at an all time high for both boys. Chase Shields final game at Crockett High School was so well attended that the school needed to add seating besides the bleachers to fit all of those who wanted to watch. Chase spent the game as a gadget player showing off his incredible sense for the game to everyone in attendance. The victory was ended with Chase & his fellow seniors praying with one another in the center of a huddle in an emotional send-off. 

After the dust had cleared. Jon-Jon and Chase sat together in the end zone, still with all of their equipment on. They sat there for what had to be an hour. What they talked about is between them, though the emotional stakes could not have been higher for Chase, a kid who knew what it was like to briefly be separated from his best friend and was not yet ready to experience that as he headed off to college.

Time comes for everyone. Unbeknownst to Chase, the best was yet to come. 

2020

As Chase enjoyed well-deserved attention from scouts around the south, both brothers agreed that in order to be the best, you have to go up against the best. 

On Wednesday, February 5th, 2020... Chase sat down in a jampacked gymnasium, wearing his Crockett High hoodie. After speaking about his teammates and coaches, Chase looked at the table in front of him to see several hats of potential suitors. The local students and faculty watched with a light in their eye, as the kid that sprung into one of the brightest, strongest student athletes their small town has ever seen was set to make his decision. 

Even after his heartful speech, Chase paused and brought his brother to his side. "Nothing I have done or ever will do would be possible without this man. I'm so proud to be your brother. I love you." 

Standing arm in arm, Chase reached forward to pull the Texas A&M hat over his head, as the legions of locals erupted. Jon-Jon snatched his brother up and hugged him tightly, though as the mess of cheers and pride calmed down, Chase held up his finger. 

"And... And... As we've said from day 1... This is a package deal. This is signing day, but nobody said you can't commit."

A nervous shriek overcame a handful of onlookers who picked up on the inference. Suddenly, a tearful Jon-Jon reached behind his back to pull a second Texas A&M ballcap and threw it over his own head, signifying his intent to sign with the Aggies as well. 

An even louder explosion overtook the small gynmasium as the two embraced once again and posed for pictures, both donning their Aggies apparel. 

Despite Jon-Jon's intentions being clear, he still had a senior season to complete, and for Chase, it meant once again facing a new locker room and a new environment, one that was hard enough moving to a small town high school and one that was assuredly going to be even tougher moving to one of the largest collegiate football programs in the country. 

Jon-Jon grew even bigger and stronger, not nearly as lean as his older brother, but at 6'3, 235, he was a physical specimen and used every lb of it on the field. During the season, Jon-Jon came into his own as a leader. Without the brother who had run the show on both sides of the ball for most of the last 4 years, Jonathan became that leader. The affectionate nickname that Jonathan had once embraced was pushed to the side, as Jonathan felt it was time to move forward. The 18 year old took charge of an offense, which led them to the best regular reason record in their history, setting many passing records and cleanly establishing a wide open, pass first offense. Despite not having his #1 weapon in his brother anymore, his teammates grew around him and learned to prioritize their deep shots down field instead of complex routes and adjustments. Jonathan not only became widely accepted as the best player in his school's history, he became wildly respected for his leadership... For the first time in school history, the athletic director green-lit games against more larger schools in out of conference play, leading to much more exposure for Jonathan. As such, his 247Sports profile was upgraded to 5-stars, even despite having already committed to join his brother at Texas A&M. 

Chase did not enjoy this level of growth as a freshman at Texas A&M.

After offseason workouts and early season practices, Chase was moved back to the position he originally fell in love with. A position he could use his elite awareness and playmaking to it's fullest potential. A position where HE controlled everything, just the way he wanted it on the field. 

The older Shields brother enjoyed a full roster spot as a true freshman, as Jimbo Fisher made it clear that the additional exposure as a backup quarterback could better prepare Shields for a future as the starter. At the start of the 2020-2021 season, fellow future RZ Pro QB Kenny Green, a redshirt holdover from the previous year, manned backup duties behind another future Pro QB in Kellen Mond. Neither Shields or Kenny Green would take a snap at QB during the regular season, as Mond would dominate his final season with the Aggies before moving to the RZ with the Minnesota Vikings. Currently, Mond awaits phone calls as a 26-year old Free Agent. 

2021

Chase Shields waited patiently on the sideline for an entire year of eligibility for his brother to walk through the doors. However, it was the doors of Crockett High School that would be the first to breach, as Chase Shields made a surprise return during his brother's official signing day to celebrate with his former teammates and his best friend. 

The offseason saw it's fair share of turmoil for the men of Crockett, TX, as long-time coach and teacher Marty Rivers left his post for his first ever coaching job at the next level. Rivers would join HBCU Alcorn State as a quarterbacks coach for the 2021-2022 season. 

As of press time, Crockett has yet to come close to replicating the success they found under coach Rivers and the Shields brothers. 

Jonathan reaffirmed his decision and excitement to join Texas A&M and said farewell for the final time to his friends and family. 

Later that year, the time had finally come for both Chase and Jonathan to share a locker room together at the collegiate level. 

The two brothers entered a QB locker room nervously awaiting a rebuild. Coach Jimbo Fisher found himself with the underrated redshirt Sophomore Kenny Green, the true Sophomore with incredible game sense, accuracy, and patience in Chase Shields, and the new 5-star blockbuster with a rifle for an arm in Jonathan Shields. The thing with the position, though, is only one person can play at a time. 

Despite Jimbo's insistence that Chase Shields was the man after Kellen Mond moved to the Red Zone, the ripple effect of a four-year starter dominating a conference like the SEC lingered on the minds of fans and coaches alike. Chase was expected to be the new man in College Station during most of the offseason... But the thing about assumptions - well, you know.

Everyone expected Jonathan Shields to be redshirted given the emergence of several young quarterbacks in the A&M locker room. However, during preseason scrimmages, the tantalizing combination of arm strength and newfound confidence in his accuracy led all eyes to be on Jonathan Shields. There's no reason to doubt Chase's ability, as he was routinely delivering precision strikes on time... but once you come off the field and watch an 18-year old launch a ball 65 yards without so much as a wince, people get excited. 

We all know where this story ends.

August 20th, 2021, Jimbo Fisher would name Shields as the starter... Not Chase Shields, but his younger brother Jonathan. 

The freshman handled his promotion extremely maturely and professionally. Not only treating his teammates to a well deserved "player's night" later that week, but showing poise and brilliance as a young leader... The same traits usually attributed to the older Shields. As Jonathan and Chase grew, Jonathan continued to follow his brother wherever he went. He wanted to be exactly like him, and vice versa.

Unfortunately, Jonathan's perceived growth as a football mind and a dynamite prospect caught up to him. Both men had spent their lives working harder than everyone and dedicating themselves to one another. While Chase was still the last guy out of the gym, it seemed no amount of work would ever give him the raw arm talent Jonathan had. On the flip side, sacrificing some of his physical work for mental work brought Jonathan to the dance. Every weakness he had as a younger player had now brought him near Chase's level. There was never a shadow, but Chase always controlled the room. Jonathan was the flawed diamond waiting to be carved.

The jewelcrafter arrived just in time, and Jonathan Shields took over starting duties for Texas A&M with Chase as the clear QB2. 

The same scenario Chase had lived through 5 years ago, being without his brother for his high school Freshman season, transitioning in as "the guy" while he awaited his brother... Vouching for his brother whilst leading the team and watching him 'wow' coaches who saw his potential, but trusted Chase's history... That wasn't the same anymore. Texas A&M was not the tight-knit family Crockett was. Texas A&M is a college football powerhouse who's main goal is to make money for the organization. Texas A&M has no loyalty to anything but success. Because of Mond's career before him, Chase never got the chance he did in high school to prove what he could do. He never had the chance to prove he could run the team before his brother arrived. Once that happened, the raw tools took precedent. 

It's the nature of the beast. It's nobody's fault. 

The 2021-2022 season saw Chase begin to distance himself from his brother. Having built a strong bond with fellow QB Kenny Green the previous year, the two backups often confided in one another. Jonathan, being an 18 year old true Freshman, experienced plenty of struggles himself. Unlike with Mond, there were several rough periods for Jonathan at quarterback, as anyone would expect. There were several moments where Chase entered the game for his brother.

In a late September showdown with 21st ranked Arkansas, Jonathan threw a bad interception on his first drive, one that was brought back for 6 points by Arkansas. Eventually, after losing their grip on the game, Arkansas found themselves with a 28 point lead early in the fourth quarter. Chase Shields, who was earlier shown supporting his brother after the mistakes, was called on for what was his first major playing time in his career. 

Shields slowly and methodically led the Aggies down the field in 2 separate drives, securing 13 total points (after missing a 2pt conversion at the end of the game). Unfortunately, it was too little too late for Texas A&M, and despite the elder Shields playing cerebral, mistake free football, the final score ended 40-20 in favor of Arkansas. This loss was enough to send A&M tumbling down the rankings, exiting the top 25 entirely. 

Despite the struggle, Jonathan was given the vote of confidence and returned with force, throwing for four touchdown passes and rushing for one more against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a blowout win. 

Later, in a key matchup against Alabama, Shields was again benched, but this time due to injury. Jonathan suffered a dislocated shoulder early in the 2nd quarter and despite his insistence that he could re-enter the game, was removed for precautionary reasons. That gave Chase another chance to prove himself. Chase took his brother's spot under center and led the offense to three straight touchdown drives, scoring once on his own on a 22 yard scramble after the play broke down. Chase led the Aggies into overtime, where Alabama eventually emerged victorious 41-38. Despite entering the game against the #3 ranked team in the nation down two possessions, Chase's almost surgical dismantling of an athletic, but not funadmentally sound defense nearly shocked the world that night.

Still - Jimbo Fisher maintained his confidence in his laser-armed QB and Jonathan once again took the reigns for the rest of the season.

It was clear that frustration was building in Chase, who found himself as the most efficient quarterback on a college football playoff potential roster, yet could not crack the starting lineup, despite the fact that the man in his way was the one he himself had been putting on a pedestal for his entire life. The very real nature of limited opportunities once again reared it's ugly head. 

For someone outside of athletics at this level, it may seem trivial to place so much emphasis on your limited playing days, but for athletes like Chase and Jonathan Shields, who have only known this as their life, it does mean so much more. Life itself is limited, but for these men, this IS life. 

Perhaps it was that motivation that once again led Chase Shields to approach his coaching staff and request a move to wide receiver. His 6'3 frame certainly allowed him to make plays on the ball... but this wasn't high school anymore. Simply being big and strong does not hold the same wieght in the SEC as it did in small town Crockett, Texas. 

Unsurprisingly, Jimbo Fisher was not overly impressed with Chase's work at WR at this level and was not willing to sacrifice his very capable backup quarterback on this plea for an opportunity. 

Despite the trouble, Jonathan maintained his calm and professional demeanor, continuing to impress with his elite level throws as an 18 year old freshman. His season long play was good enough to grant then now 25th ranked Aggies an appearance in the Gator Bowl, as they were set to take on #17 Wake Forest. Jonathan committed to Texas A&M to play alongside his brother at the highest level possible against the best competition. This was his chance to bring a bowl win home to the Aggies. 

Two early deep balls for Jonathan Shields were immediately stricken from the game after the Aggies turned the ball over on 4th and 2 on Wake Forest's 10 yard line. Wake Forest would eventually lead a long drive that would see them take a 7 point lead. Shields, not to be outdone, once again led the Aggies down the field with a huge 42 yard strike, only to lose the football on a sack-fumble later in the drive. The Aggies would also come up short on the next two drives and found themselves trailing 17-0 after the first half. 

Jonathan Shields re-entered the game for the 3rd quarter and through 2 drives, was able to lead Texas A&M to 3 total points, as Wake Forest delivered another score to go up 24-3. As the 4th quarter began, it seemed like a foregone conclusion as the Aggies usually potent offense had been neutered entirely by Wake Forest's defense, led by future Red Zone standouts LB David Ferrell (Bears), CB Marshall Bonds (49ers), and DE John Hodge (49ers).  

At the start of the 4th quarter, Jimbo Fisher decided enough was enough and replaced brother for brother. Though just 16 months apart in age, Chase had always been the older brother. Chase entered the game facing a 17 point deficit and a Wake Forest defense with future Red Zone stars across the field. With just a quarter to make a difference, Chase immediately orchestrated a 9 play, 67 yard touchdown drive, capped off with a slick pick route to slot receiver Jonathan Slaughter (Dolphins) to cut the lead to just 10. The Demon Deacons, not to be outdone, drive down the field quickly with a massive screen pass, though are eventually held to just 3 points.

With the score at 27-10 in favor of the Deacons and just 6:32 to play, Jonathan Shields watched on with a smile on his face as his brother once again led a touchdown drive, this time with 3 minutes and change to spare. Notably, Shields took a scramble 14 yards by himself to pick up a clutch first down on 4th and 3. That drive would once again end with a touchdown strike to Jonathan Slaughter in the corner of the endzone. 

Down just 6 now, the Aggies needed a stop from the defense, which they were able to secure, leaving about 85 seconds and no timeouts for Chase Shields, who benefited from excellent field position from his punt returner Dillon Pettis (Cowboys). Chase led the Aggies down the field and within the 30 yard line, spiking the ball with 18 seconds to play. A 2nd down outside pass from Shields marked A&M down at the 7 yard line with 9 seconds left. After taking a snap out of the shotgun, Shields was able to use his superior athleticism to extend the play, eventually finding TE Carlos McCoy (Dolphins) for the game winning touchdown. The extra point ran through and chaos ensued, as Texas A&M had delivered a comeback for the century through sheer force of will, behind the arm of Chase Shields. 

After the final play, a celebration followed, but national television cameras were extremely privvy to see Chase sprint to the sidelines and scream in the faces of his head coach and his younger brother Jonathan. While nobody truly knows what was said in the scuffle, Chase being carried away by teammates in a frenzy cut the interaction short, as Jimbo and Jonathan initially reacted with confusion, before joining the scrum to celebrate.

In the post-game presser, Chase was asked about the interaction and explained it away... "I'm a very competitive guy, we all are really. I got caught up in the moment. I have nothing but respect for Jon-Jon and coach Fisher."

The interaction seemed to sour Chase within the coaching staff at Texas A&M, as shortly after this interview, Chase announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.

2022

Just a year earlier, the NCAA had approved a "one-time transfer" rule, allowing players to move schools without the need to sit out on a transfer red-shirt. This timing perhaps could not have been better for Chase Shields.

Despite the performance in the team's bowl game the year prior, Chase was once again snubbed as the starter in favor of his brother. Chase has since claimed he once again pleaded with Jimbo to activate him as a wide receiver and even chatted about a multiple QB system, recognizing Kenny Green's abilities. In a conversation that mirrored the same he had years prior, putting his brother on the stage and vouching for him, Chase's intentions now seemed less pure as his position as a player was more compromised than it had been in high school.

After the pleas, Jimbo reassured his confidence in the man he saw as his next four-year megastar QB, Jonathan Shields. Chase made it clear, that it this point, it was no longer a package deal. 

Jonathan Shields refused to budge from his new role, respecting his brother's decision but refusing to relent. The same competitive nature that drove the two men to this moment... Led them to a breakdown. In Chase's eyes, his brother had betrayed him by shifting allegiances to the coaches and teammates that told him he was a star. In Jonathan's eyes, Chase's refusal to accept his role and be a team player went against everything they grew up being taught. Being willing to put his brother first when it was convenient, but running away once Jonathan earned the respect Chase said he deserved for so long. 

The Gator Bowl would be - for now - the last time the Shields brothers would don the same uniform. 

As Chase entered the transfer portal, primed to take advantage of his ability to move without sitting out, he received a call from a familiar voice... Marty Rivers, now offensive coordinator for the Alcorn State Braves... Former head coach of both brothers at Crockett High School. Marty had convinced head coach Fred McNair, brother of legendary pro quarterback Steve McNair, to bring this grimey white kid to Alcorn State, a historically black university. 

The dust settled once again, revealing the bright uncertain future of a new college football season... but this time, the Shields were not sitting together in an endzone. They weren't alone in a makeshift gym as teens. They weren't together at all. 

Chase, searching for a fresh start, found it in the man who he'd already proven himself to as a football mind. Chase would take over as the starter at Alcorn State immediately. 

In his Junior season as the starter of Alcorn State, Chase Shields led the Braves to an unbelievable 10 win season, throwing for over 3,800 yards, rushing for 400 more, and leading Alcorn State to a SWAC conference championship. 

Jonathan, now without his brother at his side, rallied around his teammates at Texas A&M. Almost in spite of his brother rushing for the door, Jonathan posted similar impressive numbers, with over 3,300 yards, 33 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. A&M would once again land in bowl territory, and Jonathan Shields would lead them to an emphatic win over Ole Miss. 

Even apart, the two studied one another, seeing what their brother was doing that they could do to improve their game. Jonathan watched as his brother dissected SWAC defenses almost at will, leading them to success they hadn't seen in recent memory. Chase would tune into Aggies games to watch Jonathan fire footballs out of the cannon attached to his arm, patiently waiting to see them fall in the soft hands of fellow future pro RZ players.

Chase's time at Alcorn state was not one of pure success, however. Shields saw his GPA decrease and found himself butting heads with teammates and coaches. Despite his on field talent, Chase was not interested in staying for what could have been an incredible senior season, as he declared for the Season 78 Red Zone draft about 6 weeks after Alcorn States final game of the season.

2023

As Jonathan Shields became a household name entering his Junior season, primed to set records with the Aggies, who themselves were welcoming an incredible class of new freshman and transfers stemming from the new transfer rules, Chase sat alone without a team as many RZ Draft pundits pegged him as an "unknown" and "uncertain" quarterback coming from a low-level collegiate program. 

Despite everything Chase had done to prove to everyone he had what it took, still the doubters made their voices clear. Chase had no choice but to sit and watch Ben Baker (Bengals), Joe Allen (Giants) and Timothy Fowler (Steelers) were selected ahead of him in the first round. In the 2nd round, he received the call that would change his life. The man on the other side was someone who knew plenty about turning "unknown" quarterbacks into superstars. The GM of the Indianapolis Colts, the most decorated champion in RZ history, Cory Astin.

From his time in Crockett, Texas, to his unfortunate move to Lorman, Mississippi... And now a direct flight to Indianaplis, Indiana. 

Chase Shields would move into the starting role of the Colts immediately. The cerebral approach to the game matches his coaches perfectly, and the fit was too good to pass up. Chase would go on to dominate his rookie season, receiving an overwhelming number of votes to be crowned Seaosn 78s rookie of the year. 

Jonathan Shields posted career numbers in year 3 as a Junior, leading to Texas A&M to a college football playoff berth, though falling to the eventual champion Georgia Bulldogs. 

Present Day

In 2024, both men donning the Shields name carried their teams with their newfound confidence and dominance. Jonathan accepted his role in the split as the second coming and was hyped up as one of the greatest A&M quarterbacks we've ever seen. Eventually, Shields improvement as a decision maker, throwing the ball away and turning the ball over at an alarmingly low rate, led to the Aggies making it back to the college football playoff. Despite his efforts leading A&M to a 13-point lead, the Auburn Tigers were too much to bare. Despite the lead, mirroring a moment he was on the other side of 2 years prior, QB Pat Howe was knocked out of the game with an injury, leading the way for backup J.R. Ragland to take over and lead a cerebral game winning drive to lead the Tigers to a national championship. 

Chase carried the Colts through the toughest division in pro football into the playoffs, and while he eventually fell to the Miami Dolphins 24-27, it has never been clearer that Chase Shields is the future of the AFC at the quarterback position. All of the hard work, all of the drive to be the best, it has finally paid off for Chase. He is a franchise quarterback. 

As of press time, we are but 30 hours away from yet another Red Zone Draft, what will lead into the 80th season in the Red Zone's storied history. Jonathan Shields is currently projected as the number 1 QB, though is far from a unanimous #1 overall pick, given the immense amount of talent in this years class.

Just days ago, the Houston Texans made a massive trade to secure the #1 overall pick away from the Las Vegas Raiders. Houston played with a strange combination of three QBs in season 79, eventually leading to their downfall in the season 79 postseason at the hands of the Jets. 

Between two brothers whose dream it was to play beside each other every step of the way, there can only be one. Many RZ Draft analysts are shouting that Jonathan Shields... "Jon-Jon"... Will be the Texans selection end up being the man who Jimbo Fisher chose over Chase Shields? Only time will tell...

 

I know this much though, if Blood truly is Thicker than Water... We're going to see how thick that blood is every single time Houston and Indianapolis line up against one another going forward.

 

Thank you for reading.