One minute you're cleaning out a rental car, preparing it for a customer. The next, your hometown NFL team is calling to offer you a job.
That's not EXACTLY how it happened for Elliot Coffey, but it's pretty darn close.
"I actually got a call from my agent," Coffey said. "He said that the Texans were interested, and you've got a workout on Sunday. Make sure you're ready to go out there and fly around."
Coffey signed with the club and practiced this morning and afternoon. This time last week, the inside linebacker was working at the Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Sugar Land, on Highway 6 between 59 and 90.
"I had to leave work and start working out for the next five days as hard as I could without hurting my chances on Sunday and it worked out," Coffey said.
The team waived undrafted rookie Evan Frierson to make room for Coffey, who played collegiately at Baylor from 2008-2011. He spent a bit of time last season with the Denver Broncos, but said the last year has been one full of "odd jobs" and staying in shape.
In fact, last Tuesday was when he first found out he had another chance at the NFL.
"The past couple days have been a little bit surreal," Coffey said. "It's really refreshing to have a chance to be back out here fighting for something. Fighting for my hometown team and just going out and playing football."
As for his old employers, they were sad to see Coffey go but happy for his chance. Michael Hein, an assistant manager at the Enterprise where Coffey worked, said everyone at company is pulling for their former co-worker.
"It's tough to lose somebody, but if you're going to lose them, this is a great way to do it," Hein said by phone on Monday. "I knew Elliot back in middle school, so it's awesome to see him get this type of opportunity. He's got everybody's support with this company."
Coffey played his high school ball at Clements High School in Sugar Land and said he grew up a Texans fan. He's now fighting for a roster spot that's been thinned some by injury, and he'll have a solid group of family, friends and former co-workers from nearby pulling for him.
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