Do you ever wonder what its like to feel that chill of running out under the Friday night lights? If you don’t then you should. The gridiron is my getaway. The smell of the fresh cut grass, sounds of raging fans, and the bond between the boys in blue is untouchable. The brotherhood that is created among my teammates, fans, and the community is something that’s very special because when you’re at the lowest point in your life you always have them to fall back on.
I consider the football field my getaway because you can always count on your teammates to put a smile on your face. There is nothing more comforting than being around people you’ve shed tears with and bled with before. All the blood, sweat, and tears only make you closer to one another and the feeling that you know they have your back is very heartening. You can play other sports and participate in different clubs but nothing can compare to the boys of fall. My personal experience has been great.
I have made memories that I will cherish till the day I lay to rest. Football camp with my team is the greatest involvement I will ever have. The bond that is created during this time is incredible. Spending time with my teammates and going to work with them every day changes teams morale. You can go from being a mediocre team into a great team just by having that family atmosphere because you know that they are playing for the guy to their left and right and not for themselves.
My favorite memory is my junior year team camp because it changed the game of football for me. I went from playing just to get myself into the next level to playing for my brothers and that made me a better player but more importantly a better man. The life lessons football teaches is the most important thing about it. One lesson that it helps with is dealing with adversity and how to overcome it. My coach always says, “If it wasn’t for football I would not be able to deal with what life throws at me everyday. That hits home for me coming from my coach because I will never understand how he pushes through some of the situations he does with a smile on his face. Another lesson football teaches is how to have a great work ethic.
I have had seasons where we just did what was enough and didn’t go that extra mile. We also had a 2-9 season as a result. When I am older and have to provide for my family my work ethic is one thing that will help me be successful because I know that if I don’t go out and get my job done then my family doesn’t eat that night.
No man wants to see his family suffer so he is going to put that extra work in when no one else is looking and knowing he isn’t going to get any credit for it. Football teaches all of that and more. I will always consider the football field my place of comfort because it has always been first nature to me. I have played since I was a little boy and it was my first love. I am thankful for having the opportunity to go out and compete and make myself better everyday and do what others cant. That’s why I love the game.
