Touchdown

TOUCHDOWN!!!
Why did they go in that direction? The players ram each other here while the football is on the other end. I give up. It’s been 33 years since Jim, my husband, has tried to explain plays, positions, penalties, and playoffs. Do I understand kick-off returns and draftchoices? Are you kidding? Do I now what the referee is signaling after the players stand up? It’s all Greek to me, but then there’s always next season. Perhaps Frank Gifford will teach a class just for football widows.
The lack of understanding of the game did not pass to my children Josh, Ben, and Kristin. They love the game and the Cleveland Browns.
Be assured when the idea was hashed around to visit the Brown’s training camp I was quick to suggest we travel in a different direction.
“Oh, man, that would super!!! When are we going?”
I knew it was useless to try and change their football loving minds.
As we traveled route 71N on a rainy August morning I looked out the car window and pondered, “Oh, well, with it raining we couldn’t have done much. I might as well enjoy the company with my family. It seems family time doesn’t get on the higher brackets of priority lists. I’ll just have to make the best of it.”
Lakeland Community College looked impressive. The campus setting brought back childhood memories of school. The lawn was lush and well maintained. The brick buildings stood strong. The quiet serenity I recognized reminded me of my past school days; the mist of an August morning, empty buildings waiting for hustle and bustle of students and educators, memories of a longing to be the best and knowing education was part of that process.
At the exit of the physical education facility a portion of the lane was roped off. This allowed the players to walk to the other side of the campus for their workout and not be mobbed by adoring fans.
As we stood behind the rope waiting to see the team I heard a clanking sound. I looked up to see the familiar brown, orange, and white uniforms. The noise was their cleats hitting the pavement as they walked. The players reminded me of military soldiers as they march.
“Why do they look so intense?” I inquired of my husband.
“They know they have a job to do.” He replied.
“A job to do? You mean all of that wasted concentration just to get a ball over the goal line?”
“Donna, there’s a lot more to it than that. Not all will get the chance to play, just those who are willing to show they can contribute and aren’t afraid to risk putting themselves on the line.”
It wasn’t long until I was caught up in the enthusiasm. I cheered when Michael Dean Perry walked by. Josh and Ben had their football signed by different players. The highlight of the day was Kristin’s accomplishment: Bernie Kosar’s autograph.
Do I understand any more about the game of football? No, in fact I think I’m more confused than ever.
What I do understand is this; whatever you desire to accomplish, go down within yourself and be willing to risk putting yourself on the line to make it happen.
It doesn’t matter if the defense knocks you flat, there’s always one more play, one more chance to make a first down.
I think that’s ten yards down the field toward that prestigious goal line.
Do you think they’ll change that next season?