Maximum Exposure

Saturday, April 15
"I feel as though I'm the family's last hope in professional sports," says Elkins. "Dad couldn't do it, and Rod never got a shot. It will be a crushing disappointment to them if I don't make it. Truthfully, I'm relieved that I'm not a No. 1 pick. It seems like the more expectations people have, the easier it is to let them down. Come in with less, you'll do better. And you won't alienate anyone."

Sunday, April 23 GREENSBORO

The Elkinses' rambling brick two-story on Northampton Drive is overflowing with people, anticipation and food. Two of Mike's brothers and his sister have arrived with their spouses and kids to watch the draft on TV. The guest of honor arrived with Kay late last night. "He's going to be a Number 1 pick," says Muriel, racing around the kitchen, getting lunch ready. "Mom needs a Valium," says Mike jokingly. Muriel loads up platters with sourdough bread, cold cuts and raw vegetables.

About halfway through the first round, Elkins escapes to the backyard to throw a Frisbee with his brothers. As the second round begins, just before 3:30 p.m., he and Kay sneak off to the front porch. A little before four o'clock, the phone rings. It's the Chiefs, who select Elkins with the fourth pick of the round. That makes him the 32nd player, and second quarterback, chosen overall.

"I love it!" says Elkins, shooting his fists in the air. He's in tears, as is everybody else. After hugs and champagne toasts, the clan breaks into song: "Kansas City, here we come...."

"I'm surprised," Elkins says of being picked so high. "I felt I was good enough to be the second quarterback taken. If it hadn't happened, I would have been crushed. That would have shown me the scouting process looks for negatives. But that's not what happened. They saw all my positives."

Three high school pals drop by with a newly purchased Chiefs hat. In a quiet moment, Elkins pulls Kay into his arms. "I'm so excited," he whispers in her ear. "I'm ready to play football again."