I’m that guy…
DAMNIT…I AM THAT GUY. Almost 30 and driving by High School football fields and thinking back on what in 30 years are some of best days of my life. Looking back now I understand why it stands out so much. It was before $ or politics played much of a role in it. So pure and the kids play for each other and not for themselves. Being apart of something bigger than myself and working for others and seeing the TEAM succeed together was something that is hard to if not impossible to recreate. People say you can recreate this by playing basketball, or soccer or maybe teamwork at a job you have. That is laughable. My High school football coach said it best. ”Dave you can play basketball, golf, soccer, baseball, tennis, swimming….. until your bones give out but for most of us high school is the last time you will ever be able to put a helmet and pads on.” Its a combat sport like no other. 30 year old men would break, tear and kill each other trying to play again. Probably miss a week of work at best. I played basketball 2 days ago. Tennis. My grandmother can play that. Swimming….please. I don’t have many regrets in life (its to short) but the one I have that rest at the top is not taking advantage of playing after Jr. High until my senior year. I urge anyone with a son to encourage them to play from grade school up. The work ethic, toughness, courage and teamwork cannot be duplicated in anything else. Its real Man Code Stuff!
Vince Lombardi said it best.
“I’ve never known a man worth his salt who in the long run, deep down in his heart, didn’t appreciate the grind, the discipline. There is something in good men that really yearns for discipline and the harsh reality of head to head combat. I don’t say these things because I believe in the “brute” nature of man or that men must be brutalized to be combative. I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle — victorious.”
I have to weigh in bro… give some thought to triathlon. It’s what people our age do. Swim, bike, run, you only compete against yourself and the times you can put up there. Train with friends, meet new friends on the road and at races, get yourself into incredible shape – but you’re already in good shape.
There’s no way to replace the team atmosphere in football. I loved it too. So men our age do tri’s. You still get to cheer on your friends and watch other people succeed while you succeed.
I particularly liked this. My boyfriend volunteer coaches little league for some 10-12 year old kids and loves it…you seem like a busy man, but maybe that’s something you can try out.
Nothing wrong with enjoying your memories.