This Mom Calls a Penalty

Bear with me as I put on my “mom” hat. 

College football season is once again upon us, thank goodness. Looking forward to watching our favorite teams play gives Saturdays in the Fall extra spice and fun. A good game is a fun time and an ample excuse to binge on unlimited Bavarian pretzels and cheese.

I began to watch the much-anticipated season opener for one of my favorite teams. You could feel the anticipation and excitement of the players even through the television airwaves. And of course, all eyes were on the new starting quarterback. The pre-game chatter between the broadcast announcers was full of anticipation regarding this quarterback on one team and the star running back on the other. I settled in for a good matchup.

By halftime I was exhausted; not by the play of the game, but by the commentary of the announcers. After a short sequence of incomplete passes by the quarterback in the first quarter, the announcer states, “He has some answering to do.” Really? And then the same announcer proceeded to bring up every star quarterback in the history of this college football program, and questioned whether this first-year quarterback could live up to the legacy. Even the co-announcer checked the comment. “Wait,” he said, “that’s a lot to put on his shoulders.” 

I began to yell at the TV, increasing the likelihood of nacho dip spillage on my favorite team T-shirt. My passion, however, had nothing to do with the play of the game. I found myself very defensive of this young player, questioning whether the success of his entire season really needed to be determined by the first 10 minutes of the first game. I was expressing frustration with the announcer, wondering how he would do with the long pass. 

I realize college football is big business, and these are young men have been poised for the big world of game days for many of their formative years. And we can’t forget most have been given the opportunity of a debt-free college education. My nephew is one of these really great players who has been part of the college football recruitment process and is looking forward to his first season of college play. Yes, he knows how to catch the football pretty well, but I know him best for the kindness of his heart and the goodness of his mind. Yet, I’m sure most who watch him line up in formation define him only by whether or not the ball lands in his hands. 

My maternal-hearted point is there are people inside those uniforms. I can only imagine the pressure they carry as they suit up for each game. I’m glad these young players can’t hear the announcers in the broad cast booth as they huddle together as a team. My guess is they are listening to the encouragement and support of one another. They all have moms, after all, who probably called them sometime before the opening kick with that, “Have fun. I love you.” 

I realize my own children are probably rolling their eyes right now in reading this, but I stand by the classic mom message of “You can do it” from my remote couch, especially after a series of uncaught passes. I’ll be sure to mute the announcer from now on should he go down that rabbit hole of criticism and blame after the “failed” opening drive. My pom-poms and “mom” hat are ready for the next game. And for all you wonderful athletes out there suiting up for your next game regardless of your sport, this is my pre-game message, “Have fun and remember you are loved.”