RJ Neasman

**Robert Jordan Neasman (simply known as RJ Neasman)** was a quarterback in the Heyan Football League, playing his 23-year career with the Gerald Monsters. During his career, he played in 10 championship games, winning all of them, as well as 7 separate MVP awards. After his retirement, he was widely considered the best QB to play the game due to his skill and accolades. He is also known for his broadcasting career, partaking in a color commentary role in 8 Ultra Bowl Games.

## Early Life

RJ Neasman grew up in Wyaton, Halburn, Heya, located roughly 80 miles northwest of Williamsburg. As a child, he grew up rooting for the Williamsburg Giants, who had won two Ultra Bowls during his time growing up. He attended the University of Esside, a coastal city located just north of Williamsburg. He played for the Esside Puppets, receiving critical acclaim as a starter for his raw talent, as scouts projected him to be a mid-first-to-late-round pick.

## NFL Career

Neasman was selected with the Gerald Monsters' first-round pick. In the previous season, the Monsters finished with an 8-9 record, third in the NFC North. Gerald had a Monstrous defense, which carried the team to a middling record in spite of one of the worst offenses in the league. In the wake of hiring veteran coach Mike Cowell, instant improvements were made to the offense by GM Greg Motar. In addition to Neasman replacing Cornell Togiai at QB, veteran TE Liam Welsh was signed from the Manopati Titans, where he had previously won three championships including the year prior, providing an instant upgrade at that position. Laquon Jeffery was selected in the second round of the draft, who was initially projected to be a late first-round pick, though falling in the draft causing Motar to trade up for him. Sammy Moxey was selected to bolster the D-line in the third round, adding more depth to an already deep position.

Neasman beat Togiai for the starting job, entering Week 1 as a starter against the Delvin Browns, emerging victorious, 25-21. Despite the first-week win, the Monsters' struggled to begin the season, limping to a 3-7 due to injuries, Neasman's mistakes and inexperience, and lack of depth on offense at the offensive linemen, running back, and wide receiver positions. The defense was still top-10 caliber, but took a step back from the previous year due to several key departures in free agency. However, despite Neasman's rocky start to the season, he led a complete turnaround for the Monsters, leading the team to seven straight wins to finish out the season. The turnaround was sparked by a trade for top-tier defensive end Ira Hufanga, who could not reach a contract agreement with the Amelia Patriots. The Monsters acquired Hufanga for two firsts and multiple other picks, immediately making him the highest-paid DE in league history. The investment proved worthy, as Hufanga would transform Gerald into the greatest defense in the league throughout his playing time. In the last game of the season, the Monsters hosted the Williamsburg Giants in a nationally-broadcasted game that would decide first place in the NFC North. The Monster's defense dominated, as Gerald led 24-9 to begin the fourth quarter, holding Williamsburg to just three field goals. However, the Giants came roaring back. With the Monsters ahead 31-15 with 6:41 left to play, Williamsburg scored a touchdown and converted on a 2-point conversion, the Giants tried an onside kick with 2:26 to go, failing to convert. However, with the Monsters only needing two first downs to win, Neasman was hit by Giants DE Jacob Jenkins while attempting a pass, causing the ball to hang in the air and get intercepted by DE Cody Kileson. However, the Monsters' defense held on, finalizing the win and stopping the Giants in only 4 plays.

Though the Monsters would emerge victorious in their wildcard win against the Ryth City Knights, they would fall to the first-seeded Manopati Titans in the divisional round, losing 13-10 despite a dominant performance by Hufanga, earning 5.5 sacks. Despite Neasman's subpar performance against Manopati, expectations were high entering his second season. The next season, Neasman delivered, throwing for 35 touchdowns in the regular season to 7 interceptions, improving in nearly all statistics following his rookie year. The defensive additions proved to be dominant, holding opponents to an average of 16.5 points per game and pitching two shutouts, as 2041 fourth-overall pick Deadrin Hopkins shined, earning DPOY. Neasman led the Monsters to a 15-2 season, but despite earning the #1 seed, fell short in their first playoff game, losing to the Alexon Islanders 31-19, as the Monsters' defense gave up its highest point total for the season.