Are You Excited for Football Season?!

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As summer days dwindle and the sun takes its sweet time rising, I couldn’t help but notice how my 11-year-old son, Jake, was becoming more and more glum. When he hopped off the bus after day camp, the looming start of school hit him hard. Like many kids, he eagerly counts down to summer—the ultimate paradise of endless playtime, zero homework, and no enforced bedtimes. The idea of waiting over 250 days for the next summer break was just too much for him to handle.

But then, something magical happened. He heard that familiar tune, and his face lit up like a Christmas tree. Those first few notes of the theme song send shivers down his spine. It’s the highlight of September for so many, and it can be summed up in just six words: Are you excited for some football?

Sure, fall brings its fair share of homework and tests, but it also ushers in tackles and touchdowns. The swimsuits go back into storage, and jerseys come out to play. Plus, who can forget the buzz of the new Madden NFL game available at GameStop? Five days of school are totally worth it for a Sunday packed with games—and let’s not even get started on Monday and Thursday night games, plus college football on Saturdays.

Growing up, my dad was a huge football fan. Every week, he would make bets with his buddy, Mike, while pouring over the sports section of the newspaper. Sundays were a wild ride as he spent the whole day in front of the TV, yelling and cheering alongside my two brothers. If their team lost, you could bet the mood around the house would be pretty sour. I never really got the obsession; it seemed like a waste of time and, honestly, a bit too violent.

When I got married, my husband, Tom, enjoyed football too, but not to the same extent as my dad. He’d watch, but he was cool with making other plans unless it was a big game. This continued even after we had our two daughters. But then our son came along.

At first, we had a solid game plan for parenting. With three kids, we divided and conquered our weekends. Saturdays were all about sports for the girls, while on Sundays, Tom would stay home with the baby. I’d find him on the couch “watching” the little one with a remote in one hand and the monitor in the other. As the baby grew into a toddler, he joined Dad on the couch—mostly to munch on chips without Mom’s watchful eye.

When Jake turned 7, he transitioned from Nickelodeon to ESPN as his morning entertainment. Just like my dad, he began to obsess over stats and scores. Technology made it easy for him to consume sports content 24/7. He even begged Tom to get NFL RedZone so he could watch every game at once!

In 2009, he fell head over heels for the Jets (one of their rare good years) as they made it to the playoffs. Our friend, a lifelong Jets fan, warned him that being a Jets supporter often came with disappointment. And boy, was he right. We’ve had our fair share of teary Sunday nights and tough Monday morning bus rides surrounded by Giants fans. Now, at 11, Jake has discovered that fantasy teams help cushion the blow—he has three, just in case!

With all the sports chatter in our house, I’ve picked up quite a bit about football myself. Recently, I reminisced about how I used to think sports were silly, and my dad couldn’t believe how I became such a fan. I explained that I’m not really a sports fan, but I’m a fan of my son. If checking scores first thing in the morning means bonding with him (and figuring out what jersey he wants to wear to school), then I’m all in!

Watching football with Jake has also opened up opportunities to teach him important life lessons. Professional sports often showcase incredible stories of perseverance, like when the Patriots staged an epic comeback in last year’s Super Bowl. On the flip side, the controversies in sports have led to tough conversations about bad sportsmanship, cheating, and drug use. I appreciate how football has become a bridge connecting me to my son, especially as he edges closer to his teen years.

So, am I ready for some football? Absolutely! I’ve got the chips, salsa, and a box of tissues all set for kickoff!

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In summary, as the football season approaches, it brings not just games but also a chance for families to connect, share lessons, and create lasting memories. It’s a time to embrace both the fun and the challenges that come with sports, making it a much-anticipated season for many families.