I am a football guy. I have learned to enjoy watching soccer with my brother-in-law or even when he is not around. I like baseball especially around the playoffs. But in essence, I am a football guy.
I played in highschool and college. Have the gait to prove it. I have coached it about a quarter century, youth, highschool and college. Watching games with my best friend is an activity I truly look forward to. It is our mutual connection.
But as far as making it the central facet of viewing pleasure, it has now been relegated to background noise. Like “Everybody loves Raymond” or “Fixer Upper”, it can just run in the background until some play, uncomfortable family matter or demolition catches my attention.
The game has become the mechanism for many things not football. To the point that the players are an after thought. Playing Sunday then Thursday? I thought Monday to Sunday was bad enough. Add to that all of the betting sprinkled in all around it. The questions of a coach or player on the field before, in the middle or at the end of a game.
Playing surfaces that last but create non-contact injuries, tears and breaks. Now college football has NIL and transfer portals so that you can truly make it about yourself – not the men that are busting ass for YOU in the same locker room.
Football was the greatest game ever invented.
What you – singular and plural – accomplished on that field was all about what you – singular and plural – devoted yourselves to the other nine or so months of the year. Leaving it all out there all twelve months for the guy next to you. Serving them so all could achieve.
Now?
The greatest cash cow ever invented.
Nothing like I remember it.
But thank God, I always will.
Wait, what is this one?
Oh, where Ray and the Girl Scout leader have it out.
...my temporary assignment. 