SoFi Stadium, the Giants' locker room.
Forty minutes until kickoff.
In contrast to the roaring crowd outside, which was loud enough to shake the heavens, the locker room was nearly silent. No one spoke, and no music played.
The only sounds were the clang of metal lockers and the RIIIP of equipment assistants tearing open rolls of athletic tape.
At this stage, every single detail had to be perfect.
The players checked the tightness of their pads, the fit of their helmets, and the screws on their facemasks.
Li Wei sat in front of his locker. He had already put on his number 1 jersey, but his helmet still rested on the bench beside him.
His eyes were closed, his hands clasped over his knees, his body leaning slightly forward.
Taped above his locker was a photograph of the moment he had leaped over a defensive player to score a touchdown in the championship game.
