A walk in the park, the time you took the training wheels off your bike, or maybe the first time you stepped onto a baseball diamond. Either way, we all have our fondest memories that we keep close and charish. I in fact have many, but the one that seems to be the brightest and easiest to remember is when i first stepped onto the gridiron all those years ago. But most importantly I think of all of the history of my family, lessons that come along with this beautiful game, and the friendships that are made through the sport.
Truth be told, I love football. Four generations of extraordinary players and four generations of successful coaches seems to make it more of a way of life, not just a game. Never just a game. My Great Grandfather, E.O. Humphrey was a football player way back in the beginning of the 20th century when the game was no more than leather helmets and real pig skin footballs! He then was a coach for SMS, ( Southern Missouri State), and had a very successful career. After him came my Grandfather, Richard Humphrey who played for the Military in West Germany during the cold war to boost moral for troops on their long stays on tour. He was also a football coach at good ol' SMS until he retired. Finally comes my own father, who played for the Webb City Cardinals from 1978-1982 and then multiple colleges throughout the next four years. Even more impressive is his career as a coach. He was football coach for 21 years, come colleges and some high schools. He has coached multiple NFL players and countless college athletes. Everything that am is because of him and his teachings. He has not strayed far from the game as he is now an Athletic Director for Savannah R-III High School in Missouri and loves it. They all were and are great men because of their participation in football and the lessons it teaches.
All sports teach lessons, but no sport teaches as many lessons as football does. From the displine that is learned from the determination required to be successful to the leadership that is formed going through constant struggles with teammates. Football is more than a game, it is a life changing experience. Great men have played this game that have gone on to do even greater things and this will never change. The lessons that are learned are never forgotten. I still remember the meaning of trust, teamwork, and dedication that I have learned since I was just playing Pee-Wee Football.
Teammate. To some people this word means someone who merely plays on the same team with them, but to a football player it means something completely different. Friend, companion, fellow soldier, teammate. The ties are made in this sport last a life time. All of my closest friends are those that I have shared the gridiron with and have had to go through the wins and the losses together. I trust these people with my life, but in a way I already have. As we all know football is a contact sport full of bumps and bruises, pain is a major factor. Before you think, "Oh my, how violent!", I must assure you that the pain is the sole reason that such close bonds are formed. We are like warriors in battle, fighting for pride and glory. We know that if we mess up not only will we be hurt but also all of our teammates. This develops trust and a sense of unity among everyone that will last a life time.
Football, a way of life. My family picked a great sport to be a part of, I am proud of every single one of them in their career with this wonderful game. As I think about my Grandfather now, I can't stop thinking about something he told me when I was just a small child, "Hit them harder than they hit you." So simple, yet so true. My family, my values, and my friends are all from a part of football, and football is a part of me. What a great thing to remember.
