Why we do it.

In the previous post, I made the statement that we love this sport. But why? For those not playing the game, this is a very good question. Why do we play minor league football? Do we make a lot of money? No. In fact, playing often takes time away from our work, which costs us money. Participation at practices and games means time away from our families. We also risk serious injury every time we step onto the field. Do we do it for the glory? Well, some maybe, but given that our games are in front of a small hometown crowd, the actual glory achieved is somewhat muted. Indeed some of us play with hopes of getting scouted and moving on to arena or the league, but only a few of us are young enough, and at a skill level that makes that a real possibility. I certainly can't speak for all of us who play the game at this level. I can though, at least say why I do it. I play the great sport of minor league football for many reasons. For one, I play simply because I can. Sure I am 38 years old, but I have been working out, eating right and staying in shape, ever since I was in my teens. In short, I am strong enough, and fast enough to play at this level, so I do. Also, playing ball ads another dimension to who I am as a person, I am a husband, a father, a son, an executive, an entrepreneur and a football player. I greatly enjoy the comradery with my team mates and the coaching staff. I enjoy the additional sense of purpose and contribution. I also of course, get a great rush from the battle that ensues with each snap of the ball, whether I am engaging a big Defensive End, or running a pass route, each play is akin to a sky dive, one after another, after another. It is exhilarating. As well, I suppose on some level, I feel a need, a primal urge for physical competition, one that win or lose, is satisfied by doing battle on the field... posted by Randy Ferrell on 11/4/2005 at 5:04 PM