By Julia Thompson
When my eldest child, Jake, transitioned into high school, he declared his intent to join the football team. Little did I realize that the moment he gripped that football, he would become completely enamored with the sport for years to come.
As a newbie to the world of high school football, I was blissfully unaware of the commitment and culture that surrounded it. I imagined he would simply stay late after school, don a helmet, perform some straightforward drills, and then forget all about it until the next afternoon. Oh, how mistaken I was!
While it’s common knowledge that team sports come with a price tag, nothing could have prepared me for my first shopping trip for equipment. I naively assumed we would only need cleats since the school provided all the necessary protective gear. WRONG! That inaugural year, we found ourselves making multiple trips to the sporting goods store for items like a back plate, socks, ankle supports, mouthguards, gloves, and something my son refers to as a “girdle.” Now, I know that come late July, I should stockpile ramen noodles and mac and cheese before facing the daunting cash register at the store. Oh, Sports Authority, your cheerful “Would you like cash back?” is just a tease when I know my wallet will be empty after I leave.
Once I navigated the financial hurdles, I had to contend with the overwhelming time commitment. Early season practices stretched from noon until 8 p.m. Imagine trying to pack a lunch for a kid who already seems to eat every 15 minutes during an 8-hour day filled with full-contact practice, conditioning, and weight training! I suspect this is how the food truck phenomenon was born—a weary football mom, worn down by attempting to stuff 50 pounds of food into a small lunch box, finally decided to just turn the fridge contents into a mobile kitchen.
Beyond practices, there are fundraisers, pep rallies, booster meetings, and, of course, the traditional Friday night games. It resembles a part-time gig where you pay to work!
Despite the initial chaos, we eventually found our groove. Once my credit card cooled off, we embraced the lifestyle. Over the past three years, Jake’s football journey transformed us into a devoted “football family,” complete with matching shirts proudly displaying his number and handmade signs for game day. It was enjoyable, but I didn’t fully appreciate its significance until recently.
Last week, Jake suffered a spinal injury during the most anticipated game of the season against our long-time rivals—a team we hadn’t defeated in over a decade. It was the fourth quarter, and we were ahead when Jake stumbled off the field, removed his helmet, and collapsed on the grass. While trainers rushed to his side, the game continued. His teammates recognized something was wrong, and I witnessed a remarkable shift in their demeanor: it became personal. They had to win for him.
As the final seconds ticked away, Jake lay strapped to a gurney, ready to be taken away by ambulance. As the game concluded, all 45 teammates rushed to his side, kneeling down, holding his hand, and proclaiming, “We did it! We won! We finished the game for you!” Those strong young men wept together. As the ambulance departed, the team rallied the entire stadium to cheer his name. I overheard the paramedic in the back saying, “Wow, do you hear that? You’re a rock star, man!” I couldn’t hold back the tears.
Later that evening, as his coaches came to visit him in the hospital, I reflected on the experience. When Jake finally handed over the jersey he had clutched tightly during his ordeal, he told his coach, “I kept it safe the whole time!” In that moment, I recognized the invaluable lessons he was absorbing: discipline, respect, accountability, and most importantly, loyalty. It’s not just about cheerleaders and nachos (though I won’t dismiss those nachos).
These heartfelt moments are what no one mentions during that first parent meeting, yet they are the lessons that will stay with these kids for life. Fortunately, Jake’s injury was temporary, and he’ll be back on the field this weekend. We’ll be in the stands, come rain or shine, waving our signs and sporting our matching shirts, but this time with a deeper appreciation—not only for Jake but for his football brothers as well. I’ve truly grown fond of those autumn boys.
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In summary, being a football mom has transformed my understanding of teamwork and camaraderie, and although it can be overwhelming, the rewards of witnessing my son grow and learn are immeasurable.