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Are You Ready for Some Football?!
As the summer days grew shorter and the mornings became a bit chillier, my 11-year-old son, Jake, seemed to sink into a bit of a funk. When he stepped off the bus on the final day of summer camp, the reality hit him hard: school was just around the corner. Like many kids, he relishes those sun-soaked days of summer, where the biggest decisions are whether to jump in the pool or ride bikes with friends. The thought of waiting over 250 days for the next summer vacation weighed heavily on him.
I wasn’t sure when I would see that infectious smile again… and then, it happened. He heard it—the unmistakable beats of the football theme song. Just a few notes and his face lit up like a Christmas tree. It’s the magical moment of September that so many of us can relate to: “Are you ready for some football?”
Yes, fall brings its share of homework and tests, but it also ushers in thrilling tackles and spectacular touchdowns. The swimsuits are tucked away, and the jerseys come out. Plus, the latest Madden NFL game is ready to play, ensuring endless gaming sessions. Five days of school suddenly seem worth it for a Sunday filled with games—and don’t forget about Monday and Thursday night matchups, along with college football on Saturdays!
When I was younger, my dad was a huge football enthusiast. Each week, he would place bets with his buddy Mark and dive into the sports section of the local paper, analyzing point spreads and game stats. Sundays were spent glued to the TV, yelling and cheering alongside my two brothers. If things didn’t go their way, you could feel the tension in the room. Back then, I never really grasped the allure of the game; it seemed like a waste of time—albeit an intense one.
After marrying my husband, Tom, who enjoyed football but not with the same fervor, our weekends continued in a balanced manner. He would handle the girls’ sports commitments on Saturdays, while Sundays became a time for him to bond with the baby. I’d often find him on the couch with the baby, remote in one hand and a snack in the other.
Once Jake turned 7, he transitioned from cartoons to ESPN, pouring over sports stats online. Technology made it possible for him to track games 24/7. He even convinced Tom to get NFL RedZone so he could watch multiple games simultaneously. That year, he fell hard for the Jets during one of their few good seasons. Our friend, a die-hard Jets fan, cautioned him that being a Jets supporter often comes with heartache—and boy, has it! There have been teary Sundays and tough bus rides home surrounded by Giants fans. Now, at 11, he has discovered the joy of fantasy leagues, which help cushion the blows (that’s why he manages three teams!).
Through all this sports talk, I’ve surprisingly learned a lot about football myself. Recently, I shared with my dad how I became more interested in sports. I told him that while I still find sports a bit silly, my focus is on connecting with Jake. If checking scores and discussing games helps me bond with him (and figure out what jersey he wants to wear to school), then I’m all in.
Watching football with Jake has also opened the door for valuable life lessons. The world of professional sports is rife with stories of resilience, like the Patriots’ last-minute Super Bowl win—a perfect example of perseverance. On the flip side, the controversies surrounding the sport have sparked important conversations about sportsmanship, cheating, and integrity. I genuinely appreciate how these moments connect me to my son, especially as he nears his teenage years.
So, am I ready for some football? Absolutely! I’ve got chips, salsa, and a box of tissues at the ready!
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In summary, football season is more than just games; it’s about creating memories and having those important conversations with our kids.