We Interrupt This Family for Football Season

You can almost smell it and you can definitely feel it. It's the electricity in the air. It's the crisp feeling of the morning breeze and the anticipation of those chilly, sweatshirt wearing nights. That's right, it's football season. I know that wouldn't thrilling to most people, but in my house..well, let's just say that it takes on a life of it's own. Maybe it's just that football is so prominent in this area. Why do most men (my husband included) get so excited this time of year? I happen to think it's a way for most of them to relive the glory days of playing on the gridiron. Maybe it's the feeling of being part of a team or maybe it's the feeling of knowing that for the next four quarters, you have a few hundred people on your side. Think about it, how many other times in life will you have the attention of that many people and they're all rooting for you, not against you. Let's face it, although most little boys dream of playing in the NFL, most will never play past high school. For some, this time of year brings back the memories of two-a-days, running until you think you just can't go another step, praying to God the biggest senior doesn't pick you for senior "hit" night, and relishing the opportunity to pick out that same type of freshman when it's your turn. Maybe it's just the pure and simple love for the game. I think officiating and coaching is a way for Joe to still enjoy the game. While most people see the referees as the enemy, I see them as grown men trying to pass on a tradition. A tradition of sportsmanship, respect and of course, love for the game. So remember the next time you decide to yell at those men in the stripes, most of them are not there for the money. They're out there for the same reason we all go.....those sweatshirt wearing nights, the electricity in the air and the love of the game.