Playing Football and What Its Like

Football

Few sports are as engaging as football, and few sports are as popular. Come Sunday, millions of Americans tune their televisions to their local sports networks to catch the game. Because there are so few games during the regular season, every football game is filled with tension and excitement. Playing football is as much an art as a science; the rules are intricate and mentally demanding, while the game itself challenges its players' physical endurance and strength. The players must learn to endure all sorts of weather conditions, from extreme heat to snow and still pull out a win or at least a stellar try. More than anything, however, football teaches teamwork; although the quarterbacks receive most of the attention in the media, each participant is integral. Some plays demand total unity among all the linebackers on the field and require ultimate mental concentration on the part of each person. In fact, football is a lot more psychologically oriented than many spectators assume by watching it; it seems like the sport is merely about brute force. In fact, the sheer size and fortitude of the men on the gridiron are only parts of the game. Subtle cues, strategies, and interpersonal communication all come into play and require that each player be intensely focused on the game. However demanding football is on the players and the coaches, the sport is ultimately fun to play and be a part of. The camaraderie that develops among teammates is palpable in the locker room and friendships between players often last a lifetime. Playing football involves passion, strength, skill, and strategy; the sport encourages its players to push past personal limits and accomplish their goals.

The gridiron glows green after the rains last night, each blade of grass reflecting the glorious midday sun. Most of the players are warming up on the field, running laps, doing calisthenics, and stretching every limb, muscle, and tendon. The tension in the air is palpable; the opposing team has posed a major threat and is one of our classic rivals. As a result, none of the players talk, instead keeping their fears in check and refusing to admit any nervousness. Most of the men refuse even to make eye contact, keeping their thoughts as secret as their souls. Sweat beads begin to form rapidly on the men's burly bodies, for the day is already a hot and humid one. The Southern clime is ideal for most of the football season, and home games for us often end in victory. However, this year we have had to deal with two serious injuries. After a few more minutes of warming up, the coach blows his whistle. The sound pierces through the deadly silence filling the air on the field and breaks some of the nervous tension as well; it signifies the beginning of a good pep talk and a discussion about today's particular game strategies. We head over toward the bleachers, most of us remaining standing and continuing to stretch or run in place. However, we listen intently to the coach's words. He relays and recaps the strengths and weaknesses of our opponent and reminds us not to fall into the traps we sometimes find ourselves into. Some of our running backs make comments about needing more assistance from the quarterback. The heat of the sun intensifies, and soon we grow impatient and thirsty, heading for the locker room for refreshments and a light snack. Game time is in less than an hour; many of the men don't like to eat anything but I usually eat a few bananas now to keep my blood sugar in check and prevent cramping.

While in the locker room, my left calf aches from a Charlie horse; I rub it vigorously before the coach can see me wincing. I don't want him to notice that my body isn't in tip-top shape. I've been injured a few times this season, and am already contending with a dislocated shoulder. The pain is usually quite dull and improves in the hot, humid weather, so I'm thankful we aren't playing in Minnesota today. A few yelps and cheers echo throughout the room, as we get more and more revved up. This is one of the most important parts of the game: the pre-game pep talk. It creates a positive energy that can persist throughout game play. My best friend on the team, one of our tight ends, tells me some good news about his family and we engage in a personal conversation that reminds me of one of the things I love most about playing football: the connections I've made with some of my teammates are amazing. However, we soon shift our focus to the important matters at hand: the commencement of the game is fast approaching. We can sense the fans pouring into the stadium and the excitement swells. Luckily, my Charlie horse subsides and I feel more confident about my playing than I did a few minutes ago. The coach booms, "We're up!" And the sound of lockers slamming shut coincides with a rumble of commotion. We pat every man on the shoulder, and a series of affirmations like "Alright, let's win this one!" pepper the air with added psychological boosters.

We trot out to the field and line up for the anthem. This is our moment of meditation, the time that we get to regroup ourselves and gather every ounce of concentration. This is when we visualize our plays; many of our men have their eyes shut. Now is the time to apply our team spirit to the playing field. The yard lines gleam as I turn my eyes upward to the crowd. They are roaring so loud I can feel the ground beneath me vibrate. The coin toss is in their favor; they take the offense and we take our positions. I'm a defensive linebacker and my turn is here; I'm glad because the adrenaline is surging. Having played the opponent so many times, I am used to some of their quirks and am familiar with the weaknesses in the quarterback's style. I've sacked the quarterback of this team numerous times and my confidence begins to swell. The opening kick is fine, and the game begins with a humongous cheer from the supportive crowd. I have my eyes glued to the quarterback, sizing him up and mentally intimidating him. However, I must watch out for their star running back. I salivate at the idea of a perfect tackle, and before I can think out the play, I'm in there with the action. Everything happens so fast in this game; sometimes I wonder how I became sandwiched on the ground between two men that collectively weigh half a ton. Yet I brush myself off and bounce up with as much enthusiasm as ever. The next sixty minutes are going to be a series of rough and tumble plays like this one.