When my eldest son, Alex, entered high school, he shared his aspiration to join the football team. I had no inkling that the moment he first gripped that pigskin, he would be captivated for life.
As a rookie football mom, I was blissfully unaware of the commitment that high school football entails. I thought he would merely practice drills after school, donning a helmet and cleats, and then forget about it until the next day. How naive I was!
While it’s common knowledge that team sports can be costly, nothing prepared me for the sticker shock of purchasing equipment. I had assumed that since the school supplied protective gear, all we would need were shoes. I was mistaken. That first year, our shopping trips multiplied as we collected a back plate, socks, ankle braces, a mouthguard, gloves, and something my son refers to as a “girdle.” By the end of July, I learned to stock-up on ramen noodles and mac and cheese to brace myself for the inevitable trips to the sporting goods store. Oh, Sports Authority, you charming place, with your enticing offers of cash back. As if I would have any money left after shopping there!
Once I tackled the financial burden, the sheer time commitment of football set in. Early season practices stretched from noon until 8 p.m. Imagine preparing enough food for a boy who already eats every 15 minutes during an 8-hour day of rigorous training! This is likely how the food truck phenomenon originated—one overwhelmed football mom, tired of stuffing a massive lunch into a cooler, decided to simply move her fridge on wheels. Alongside practices, there were fundraisers, pep rallies, booster meetings, and, of course, the much-anticipated Friday night games. It felt like a part-time job for which you were expected to pay!
Eventually, we adapted to the routine, and once my credit card stopped smoking, we embraced the experience. Over the three years that Alex has played, we transformed into a devoted “football family,” sporting matching shirts emblazoned with his number and crafting signs every Thursday evening. It was enjoyable, but it wasn’t until recently that I truly grasped its significance.
Last week, I witnessed firsthand the invaluable lessons my son has absorbed through football. In a crucial game against our biggest rival—a team we hadn’t triumphed over in more than a decade—Alex sustained a spinal injury in the game’s second half. As he staggered off the field, ripped off his helmet, and collapsed onto the grass, the trainers rushed to his side. The game continued, but I noticed a shift in the boys’ demeanor. They knew their teammate was hurt, and suddenly, it became personal. They felt compelled to finish the game for him.
As the final buzzer sounded, Alex lay on a gurney, awaiting transport to an ambulance parked nearby. All 45 players rushed to his side, kneeling beside him, holding his hand and exclaiming, “We did it! We won! We finished the game for you!” These strong teenage boys, usually so tough, were in tears. I watched as the ambulance drove away, with the entire stadium cheering Alex’s name. “Wow, do you hear that? You’re a rock star, man!” said the paramedic, as I fought back tears.
Later that evening, when Alex’s coaches visited him in the hospital, I reflected on the powerful moment I had witnessed. As he reluctantly handed over the jersey he had clung to throughout his ordeal, he told his coach, “I kept it safe the whole time!” I realized that the lessons he was learning through football—discipline, respect, accountability, and most importantly, loyalty—are far more profound than I had previously understood. It’s not just about cheerleaders and nachos (though I still have a soft spot for those nachos).
These are the heartwarming truths that no one mentions at that initial parent meeting. These are the qualities that will stay with them for a lifetime. Thankfully, Alex’s injury was not permanent, and he will be back on the field this weekend. We will be in the stands, rain or shine, proudly holding our signs and wearing our matching shirts, but now with a deeper appreciation—not only for my son but also for his football brothers. I have grown to cherish those boys of fall.
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In summary, parenting a football player has been a journey filled with unexpected lessons, financial surprises, and unforgettable moments. As a football mom, I’ve discovered the importance of community, support, and the values that our children carry with them into adulthood.