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Confessions of a Football Mom
When my oldest son, Jake, was a freshman, he casually mentioned wanting to try out for the football team. I had no idea that once he picked up that football, he would be forever hooked on the game.
As a rookie football mom, I had no clue what I was getting into. I figured he’d just need a helmet and some cleats, maybe run drills after school, and then forget about it until the next practice. Oh, how wrong I was!
Most parents know that team sports can be pricey, but nothing prepared me for my first shopping trip for gear. I thought we’d only need shoes since the school provided protective equipment. Nope! That first year, we made multiple trips for a back plate, socks, mouthguard, gloves, and something my son refers to as a “girdle.” Now, I’ve learned to stock up on ramen and mac and cheese before heading to the sporting goods store. Seriously, Sports Authority, you’re adorable asking if I want cash back when I’ll be broke after this!
Once I got past the expenses, I faced the time commitment. Early season practices stretched from noon to 8 p.m. Picture trying to pack lunch for a kid who seems to eat every 15 minutes during an 8-hour day of intense practice. I’m pretty sure this is how the food truck craze began—one exhausted football mom just wanting to transfer the entire fridge into a mobile food source! Alongside practices, there are fundraisers, pep rallies, booster meetings, and of course, the Friday night games. It’s like having a part-time job where you have to pay them for your time!
Honestly, we’ve settled into the rhythm of it, and once my credit card stopped smoking, we really embraced the lifestyle. In the three years Jake has played, we’ve become a true “football family,” sporting matching shirts with his number and making signs every Thursday night. It’s been fun, but it took a recent event for me to truly appreciate what it all means.
During a recent game against our biggest rival, a team we hadn’t beaten in over a decade, Jake sustained a spinal injury in the second half. It was fourth quarter, and we were ahead when he staggered off the field, ripped off his helmet, and collapsed on the grass. As the trainers rushed to help him, the game went on. But suddenly, the boys knew it was personal; they had to win for Jake.
By the time the game ended, Jake was on a stretcher, waiting for an ambulance. The moment the buzzer rang, all 45 teammates rushed to his side, knelt, held his hand, and said, “We did it! We won for you!” I watched these strong teenage boys, some of whom I thought were invincible, crying as they supported him. As the ambulance drove away, the crowd cheered his name. I heard the paramedic in the back say, “Wow, you’re a rock star!” I couldn’t help but cry.
Later that night, when his coaches came to visit him at the hospital, I had time to reflect. As Jake finally surrendered his jersey, which he had held tightly the entire time, he told his coach, “I kept it safe!” I realized that football was teaching him invaluable lessons: discipline, respect, accountability, and loyalty. It’s not all just cheerleaders and nachos (though let’s not forget those nachos).
These heartwarming moments are the things nobody mentions at that first parent meeting. They’re lessons that will stick with him long after the season ends. Thankfully, Jake’s injury was minor, and he’ll be back on the field this weekend. We’ll be in the stands, rain or shine, holding our signs and proudly wearing our matching shirts, but now with a deeper appreciation—not just for Jake, but for his teammates too. I’ve grown to really love those boys of fall.
If you’re interested in more insights on parenting and family life, check out this post on home insemination to stay engaged in our journey!
In summary, becoming a football mom has been a rollercoaster of emotions, expenses, and life lessons. From gear shopping to witnessing my son’s team rallying around him during a tough moment, I’ve learned that the bonds formed in sports go far beyond the field.