Most people are scared of playing football because they may get hurt from it. That’s how I felt for a while before I played football. But the thing is, football has a bunch of ways for you to not get hurt. For example, the helmets have padding in them so they can protect you, shoulder pads can be used to protect your shoulders and neck area, and girdles can be used to protect your legs! Let’s start from the beginning. Football was created in the 1800’s. It’s basically rugby but with more protection. The NFL (National Football League) is the goal for most football players. You may have heard of Odell Beckham Jr. Or Patrick Mahomes. Maybe Tom Brady or Big Ben if you’re older. Football isn’t just a sport though. It is a culture and one of the best ways to test yourself physically and mentally. Whether you’re trying to make a tackle, catch a ball, passing a ball or trying to do your job as a lineman it’s a good way to stay active. Football is a sport that needs a lot of effort from sprinting to tackling to using your agility. But it’s not all strength as it also is a mental sport. From knowing what decision to make under pressure to who’s the best person to block. But we cannot forget about one of IF not the most important parts. Teamwork. Football cannot be played alone. You need 11 other people to play with you. Did you know only 11 people are allowed on the field per play? It may not seem like a lot but in game it really is! You need to depend on your team just as they need to depend on you. You all work together while playing football and it’s a good way to make new friends and socialize. Football is still hard work though, it’s not all about juking and head topping. You may need to hit the weight rooms or go to early grueling practices that last a while! But these all pay out in the end. Now let’s move onto a different part, the part everyone and their mother loves. Game day. There is no feeling better than putting on your helmet and shoulder pads, lacing up your cleats, and stepping onto the gridiron! Many college scouts look at how you play to decide if you would be good in their uniform. From making a play to working with your team, it ALL matters when you step onto the field. These scholarships that scouts can offer you can not only help you get into a good school but it can take the tuition burden off of you or whoever is paying the tuition! This is also a professional sport meaning if you’re the best of the best you can get treated like it. College players sign NIL deals for sick products or exposure and NFL players sign deals for the same and maybe more! So in the end, if you have not already tried it you should check out American football as it may just be the sport for you!
Alijah Jones – Saint Patrick High School – DMSF Class of 2029
Photo Credit: Elliot Chau – Freerange Stock