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As I watch Max, my son, launch himself at the opposing quarterback from his position on the far edge of the defense, I can’t help but feel a mix of anxiety and pride. He dashes forward like a hawk swooping down for its prey, but before he can seize the moment, a hefty offensive tackle sends him sprawling. I grip the bleachers tightly, my heart racing as he quickly recovers and repositions for the next play. This football-playing version of my son is a far cry from the gentle boy who once showed little interest in rough sports.
For years, both my sons enjoyed tossing the football around with their father, while I captured the sunset behind them with my camera. We’d spend Sunday mornings watching NFL games as I completed my crossword puzzles. Yet, I had always been concerned about the darker aspects of football—the potential for concussions and the aggressive behavior displayed by some players. I assumed my progressive parenting style and their lack of interest in contact sports would shield me from the trials of a football mom. But there I was, anxiously observing Max take the field for punt coverage.
As Max’s sophomore year progressed, I felt a sense of relief. I was ready to escape the anxiety of watching him endure the physicality of football. He had opted for archery and fencing, hobbies that aligned with his love for nature and his dream of becoming an ornithologist. But then, just days after turning sixteen, Max surprised us by asking if he could join the football team. He insisted it was safe, with weekly Covid testing and masks while not on the field.
The request was a challenge to my parenting philosophies. How could I expose my son to the risks of both driving and football at the same time? I had already worried enough about the pandemic, and now I had to consider the dangers of head injuries.
After much discussion with my husband, I realized saying no would be difficult. We had previously enforced strict rules on video games and cell phone usage, but Covid had changed everything.
The lockdown had taken a toll on Max, who thrived socially during his freshman year. He had just started to find his place among friends and had even excelled in his first track meet, winning both the triple jump and the 400. But then came the news of school closures and travel bans, shattering his budding social life. Max adapted well to virtual schooling, but he spent far too much time alone in his room, leading to irritability. The CDC reported a 31% increase in mental health emergencies among adolescents, and I found myself among the 46% of parents noting a decline in their teenagers’ mental health during the pandemic.
So, when the opportunity for football arose, we said yes, despite my reservations. I took comfort in the fact that he had never played before, assuming he would primarily sit on the bench. However, by the second game, Max had earned a starting linebacker position. Much to my surprise, he loved the role, relishing the chance to chase down quarterbacks. Terms like “sack” now fill our dinner conversations, replacing his previous detailed discussions about birds.
Max has transformed into a spirited player, eager to motivate his teammates and celebrate victories. The mouth guard I insisted he wear has become a symbol of safety, and I’ve embraced my new identity as a football mom. Recently, we watched him and his teammates bond over burgers after a game, reminiscent of the carefree days I enjoyed as a child.
I had always thought I was ready to refuse football, but when Max asked, I knew it was time to embrace his interests and support his need for connection. Covid may have sparked his passion for football, but it also opened up a world of joy and camaraderie for him. As I cheer from the stands, I realize that this experience, while fraught with risks, is also rich with the possibility of growth and happiness.
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Summary:
This article recounts the journey of a mother navigating her son Max’s unexpected interest in football during the pandemic. Despite her initial reservations about the sport and its associated risks, she embraces his desire to connect with others and find joy in a team environment. As he transforms into a passionate player, she reflects on the changes brought about by Covid and the importance of supporting her son’s interests.