Life is Like a Game of Football: Life Lessons From Father to Son

I was very excited when my husband approached me about writing his own blog post. So now, sports fans, a word from the father...

In our house, college football is important. Football season starts in July, when the preview magazines and (more importantly) NCAA football for the PlayStation 3 arrive in stores. Saturdays in the fall are sacred--there is tradition to be followed and songs and chants to be learned. But these things are not the only--or the most important--things I want my son to take away from football. There are life lessons to be gleaned from football, Little Man:

• Showing your colors is a good thing. You’ll find friends you never knew you had, doors will open for you (some will also close) and you won’t have to waste energy hiding your feelings.
• Even the greatest teams don’t score a touchdown on every play, but great teams execute each play. Do your best with each thing you’re given. Small successes build towards great ones. Don’t fret a sack or a loss, just do better the next time.
• Some of the most important players on the team won’t ever get enough credit. Offensive linemen and defensive lineman are key to victory. They can change a game, but they almost never share the limelight with a star Quarterback. That’s okay. People who know the game understand it takes the whole team to make the Quarterback look good.
• Coaches call the plays, but they can’t make them. As your parents, we can tell you all we know, but you’re the one who has to make the final decision. We can provide you with a plan and we can teach you skills, but you’ve got to play the game yourself.
• Fans will always remember your greatest successes and your greatest defeats, but it’s what you do tomorrow that counts. Winning a championship is great, but every team starts the next season with the same record. Having a losing season doesn’t make you a loser. Focus on the possibility of tomorrow, rather than the feelings of yesterday.
• It’s okay to love your family. There is great tragedy in a loss, but it pales in comparison to the great joy of a key win.

We are already gearing up for football season, which is shaping up to be very exciting for several reasons--the most being that our own little running back will be with us for every kick off.